Well I've gone over and over for months now trying to figure out what to buy to replace my 6spd TL so I can get out of the payments and move out on my own. Wanted something fun and lively but not super expensive on gas insurance or initial cost. Since I'm a young guy, practicality just went out the windo haha and the idea of an R53 popped into my head...couldn't believe I hadn't thought of it sooner. Test drove one last week...do want. So enough of the boring reasoning behind why I want a Mini, was hoping I could get some advice, insight, and guidance from the wonderful people on here .

What should I check for, other than the regular used car things, that are Mini, or R53 S specific? I know about the power steering failure if the cooling fan dies out but thats about it?

Also, how are your cars for reliability? I found a few threads online with people stating how its still a BMW and has BMW maint. cost and blah blah. I know its going to have wear and tear items and I don't mind doing maint. on my own, as I've done much more mechanically involved things in the past (5spd swaps, engine swaps, turbo and supercharger installs, etc.) so long as its not internal engine work...I won't touch that at all , but as far as common expensive failures, anything?

Lastly, not so much a question of inspecting so much as a question of driving...how are these little buggers in the snow? Its hit or miss up here in CT but we can get alot.

Thanks in advance for reading and sorry if I rambled on I tend to do that >.<

 

I have a 2003 MC with a CVT and I can tell you that it has been amazingly reliable!! The only problem I have had was a loose battery terminal which was easily fixed by the twist of a wrench!

So far, Maintenance work has been easy, gonna do a extensive tune up in August (only will cost me 150 dollars and it is do-it-yourself).

And finally, my R50 does amazing in the snow (and I only have run-flats). She blasts right by big trucks and SUVs! I want to get some snow tires to have even better control.

At most I personally would recommend a great tune up and snow tires! (but I don't do a lot a mods yet)

Have fun looking!

 

Here's a good place to start:

http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/

The R53 has a pretty good reliability reputation as far as the MINI brand goes. It's no Honda, but if you get a pre purchase inspection done by a MINI tech you shouldn't have to worry too much. 05/06 are the best years by all accounts.

My R50 is a billy goat in the snow, even the deep stuff. Click on my gallery to see a picture of my car at it's destination, atop a windy, twisty drive up a steady incline in deep snow. The city had ground to a halt, transit and university were shut down, etc. No problems scooting around the mayhem in my Cooper. Had heavy rims and decent snow tires.