Hi Everyone,

I am new here. I don't have a car at this moment because I live in Manhattan and have been away from the car scene for 1.5 years now. Moving back to California in two months and is looking for a used R53.

What options should I look for and what year to get? I know these questions have been asked before, but it's difficult searching for them.

Thanks!

Chris

 

Well, if you're interested in a manual transmission, I'd *really* recommend a 2005 or 2006. MINI revised the gear ratios starting in 2005, and it gives the car noticeably-better pickup and acceleration.

In general, I'd go for a newer R53 over an older one. You might be able to get one that still has some of the factory warranty left, and you'll get the minor design/engineering changes that the factory has implemented over the years.

As for options, that's really personal, so I can't offer any suggestions there.

 

As was mentioned, a 05 or 06 wuld be a good choice if your bubget can stand it. An MC would probably be a little cheaper than a MCS but not the higher H/P. My first MINI was a 04 MC and it was loads of fun to drive but my present MCS has a little more kick to it.

 

Here is a good article from Motoringfile about what to look for when shopping for a used R53.
http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/10/...-buyers-guide/

Good luck to you!

 

Hi,

What about LSD and sports suspension? Yes, I am interested in Manual.

Thanks again,

Chris

 

definatly lsd and manual

 

LSD is great if you can find it ('05/06 only) SS+ is also good - much more likely to find than the LSD.

I'll echo the above - get an '05+ if you can afford it. The gearing is a bit nicer, you get more HP and a few augmented other bits.
If not, go for an '04 - many small bits were figured out by '04. (at least that was my conclusion!)

 

First: Get the color you love and the best condition Manual transmission "S" you can find. Look for an interior you really like, since that's the part you'll see most often. The "S" brings the good seats... and (ugh ugh ugh) more power, and a nicer trans. '05-06 are better, but all are good.

Check maintenance history and overall condition - this is a "used car" after all, and you don't want maintenance or car-condition hassles to spoil the fun.

Then worry about options. Other than heated seats and a sunroof (for me), I could likely live without (or work around) the other options.

Chrono pack: The Chrono gauges are not super accurate, oil pressure's nice to have BUT I didn't know that the non chrono, non Nav cars also have a speedo where God intended it to be (in front of the driver, in digital form, below the tach!). Had I known that (more research required, my bad), I'd have been more likely to get a center-speedo car (non-nav, non-chron). The center-speedo cars have a single gauge pod in front of the driver and therefore have room for boost/oil pressure gauges where my chrono-equipped car doesn't. (short version: chrono version isn't essential).

Sunroof: Great since the Mini's roof extends pretty far forward, the roof really brightens up the cabin, but was mostly only available with the auto a/c (which isn't IMHO as easy to use as manual controls, but works OK).

S, manual are "musts" (for m,e, anyway!). That said, the standard trans Cooper is also a blast - and quite quick - I just like the tighter ratios in the "S" box. LSD is nice to have but tough to find. Aftermarket Quaife LSD costs $1200 + probably another grand in installation, but may offer a more positive limitation of slip. That said, my pretty-good autoX times (with LSD, street RF tires) were bested by an '03 sans-LSD but on DOT race tires. LSD nice, not essential.

H/K audio is really nice, but the standard radio is good, and aftermarket equipment can be had to further improve that area. H/K not essential.

16" tires ride better overall (comfort AND performance AND feel) than 17 or 18 tires. Don't be scared of 17's, but 16's don't tramline, ride smoother and track better, and give up about nothing in either go-kart feel or overall grip. I've got both. and have ridden on others.

enough - go test drive a few and let us know where you go!

 

Good Post Dixon!

Thanks everyone,

Chris

 

Chrono Package - Good
Sport Package - good
2005-06 - good
MCS - good

The rest of it is bollocks for CA.

If you intend to autocross, remember that the sunroof adds 55 pounds of weight to the top of the car. And it's something else to break or leak in time.

 

Manual, LSD, Sport, sunroof, chrome interior with body color and no chrono/nav... just the big speedo. Looks sweet *and* classic.

 

DaveTinN Y has the only "essential" option right in his sig: Big Smile

I edited my post above - the non-S Cooper is a blast as well, a little lighter on its' feet too, but check manual transmission issues in the early models... for me the sport interior (option on Cooper, standard on "S") was mandatory.

That said, I enjoy the heck out of all the options I've got, it's just that now that I have them I can see where I could live without a few of them and be about as happy overall.

 

In addition to the previously mentioned options, the rear fog light is something I enjoy everyday. Mainly this is due to me being a bit OCD and a missing toggle would drive me up the wall, but also it comes in handy in the fog and when a larger vehicle thinks that tailgating is a good idea.

 

...just find the one you like! =P

you said r53, so you want an s? (if you want an MC, probably really should get an '05+) sunroof in ca is nice. if you're gonna be in LA, the auto might be nice to keep you sane, but i'll always get a stick in a heartbeat. but really, just get the one you like. there're a fair number of 'em here, so look at lots and lots before you buy. good places to look are craigslist and here. you'll pay more at the dealer, but the mini next (cpo) program might be worth the $ if you can afford it. as with any car, service records are nice but i think what's more important is to see whether the previous owner took good care of it and abused it or not, so i'd prefer to buy it from private seller. imho, if you have a nice budget and patience, the following items are nice to have: lsd, sunroof, xenons, multifunction steering wheel. and if you really have $ to spend, jcw tuning kit for mcs (ok, i'm a sucker for this). the sport suspension is standard on the s. and like someone else said, 16" wheels ride better and runflats suck. good luck! you'll love it

 

Everyone has said pretty much everything (05-06 manual w/LSD are the biggies imho), so just consider this – don't pass up a 'lightly modded' car. 15% reduction pulley, exhaust, intake, suspension. You can save a decent amount of $$$ this way, if there's the chance you'd end up doing any of this later on. And plenty out there still baby their "modded" cars.