I'm looking at one of each and I was wondering what everyone's opinion is on which year is better...

They both have 60,000 miles and the 2005 has projectors while the 2003 has the aero kit. Both priced the same (almost the 2005 is a little cheaper but the exterior and interior are beat up a bit) and are really the only two in the area that have cold weather pkg.

I have read the 2005 is a good year for the R53 but there are cons to both so I just wanted an enthusiast's perspective. If I end up going with the 2003 I would like to find some OEM 2005+ headlight housing with projectors and just use the stock HIDs instead of the Ebay cheapos. Also did the 2003's with the aero pkg have different seats than the strait R53s?

Future mods are M7 coils and some sort of catback for now (still doing research).

Thanks in advance!

 

the 2005 had a better SC, Better gearing on the tyranny, and generally better quality control.
Plus if the 2005 has the Xenon projectors...the headlights are better than any aftermarket kit......the Aero kit looks nice....but the build quaility on the 2005 are generally superior...but like anything, how the car was treated before you got it will determine a-lot!! There are several improved parts on the 05'....A quieter PS pump, Re-wired PS fan/radiator fan system, airbag changes....and generaly tighter tolerances in motor build.
Motoringfile.com has a good Gen1 MINI comparison...pro's and con's of each year. http://www.motoringfile.com/2009/10/...guide-updated/
In the end...get a good mechanic to look at the car you like....and get the one that YOU like!

 

I had an 03 MCS with Aero Kit and now I have an 06 MCS GP. 06 and 05 are about the same.

ZippyNH pointed out the improvements of an 05 over 03.

I do like the 05 transmission (closer gear ratios) better than the 03 transmission. The 03 has better engine mounts, the 05 mounts tend to leak. The 05/06 years have thermostat housings that tend to leak. It also seems like the later year cars tend to get more oil pan gasket leaks. I have 46,000 miles on my 06 and the engine mount, thermostat housing/gasket, and oil pan gasket have all been replaced. The 03 coolant tanks tended to leak at the seam but it might have already been replaced. All years seem to have window motor problems.

I love the Aero Kit. I paid a lot of extra money to get the Aero Kit on my 03 and I think it was worth the cost. I also had my wheel arches painted body color. I like the Aero kit better than the kit on my GP.

My 03 had HIDs and my 06 does not. I missed the HIDs until I upgraded the bulbs in my 06 so now it is not such a differnce.

 

I have a March 03 Build and Quikmni hit it right on the head. I had the reservoir leak and a window motor replaced early, but ROCK solid after that. If the 05 is beat up, I would not hesitate on the 03, especially with an aero kit and 60k miles. I have 90k in the same amount of time.
Like any car ask for the service records and use your best judgment.

 

Thanks for the input everyone!

 

go for the 2005 model - much more refined!

 

I have an 03 and its been perfectly fine. I got it with about 46k on it 3 years ago- I did a lot of research for almost 6mo finding one that wasn't beat up and I'm glad I didn't rush into buying one.

The only issues I've had are with the windows (holding the toggle in the "up" position for a minute resets it and it will work fine) and the locking mechanism in the driver door intermittenly gets kooky but not frequently enough to be an issue.

I've replaced the pulley belt (added tensioner stop and smaller pulley) and spark plugs.

Right now I have 73K and the only things I need to replace are the front control arm bushings, one of my muffler "*****" is rusty and needs to be hacked off, and my motor mounts are starting to sink. No oil leaks, the car is totally solid.

Its seriously gas + go. Its great.

 

i have a 02 with aero and was facing a similiar question when looking. i went aerokit and lower miles in my decision than newer model year.

my brother has a newer mini, and there is no noticeable difference to me between driving the two. if they are both in great condition and maintained, just pick the one you like.

 

I'm partial to the '05.

 

Just bought an 03. It has some small dents that bug me, but the price was good and it runs extremely well. Aside from the dents, the paint is in excellent shape (we are talking dime size and smaller dents here - about 3). It is vibrant and bright.

Very little stone chips up front.

 

Get the '05

 

You think he fixes Mini's or something?!

 

Thanks for the replies, im still looking around and will keep everyone updated.

Mr.Jasey we should meet up once I get this r53, I am in MD.

 

Ive had 2 '05s a Cooper and an S each one had small problems but I love them both

 

What's the asking price?