R50/53 R50 vs R53 (new member content)
3rd Gear
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 193
Likes: 5
From: Seattle
Ads for used R53s (and CVT R50s) with 50k to 80k miles often say "brand new transmission!" Neat. Brand new transmission.
But why did they need a new transmission with so few miles? Hmmmm...
I get what they wanted to accomplish with the S but somehow they lost their way and created a compromised car. Right about the point when they took up all the space under the hood with the intercooler, requiring moving the battery to the back, which necessitated eliminating the spare, requiring in turn heavy, expensive, poorly-riding run flat tires, somebody should have said "Stop! Let's back up and rethink this." Instead of playing to the strengths of the Mini -- nimble, light, elemental -- they tried to turn it into a different car entirely. Heavy, elaborate, high maintenance.
But my personal bias is due to riding sportbikes. It's ten times easier (and cheaper!) to go fast on a motorcycle than a car. Cars just don't want to go fast. They'll do it, but it takes all your money. Motorcycles can't help but go fast. So why not let a car be a car? Or if you really, truly want a muscle car, start with a muscle car, not a Mini.
But why did they need a new transmission with so few miles? Hmmmm...
I get what they wanted to accomplish with the S but somehow they lost their way and created a compromised car. Right about the point when they took up all the space under the hood with the intercooler, requiring moving the battery to the back, which necessitated eliminating the spare, requiring in turn heavy, expensive, poorly-riding run flat tires, somebody should have said "Stop! Let's back up and rethink this." Instead of playing to the strengths of the Mini -- nimble, light, elemental -- they tried to turn it into a different car entirely. Heavy, elaborate, high maintenance.
But my personal bias is due to riding sportbikes. It's ten times easier (and cheaper!) to go fast on a motorcycle than a car. Cars just don't want to go fast. They'll do it, but it takes all your money. Motorcycles can't help but go fast. So why not let a car be a car? Or if you really, truly want a muscle car, start with a muscle car, not a Mini.
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 3,334
Likes: 4
From: Vancouver Island, Canada
Ads for used R53s (and CVT R50s) with 50k to 80k miles often say "brand new transmission!" Neat. Brand new transmission.
But why did they need a new transmission with so few miles? Hmmmm...
I get what they wanted to accomplish with the S but somehow they lost their way and created a compromised car. Right about the point when they took up all the space under the hood with the intercooler, requiring moving the battery to the back, which necessitated eliminating the spare, requiring in turn heavy, expensive, poorly-riding run flat tires, somebody should have said "Stop! Let's back up and rethink this." Instead of playing to the strengths of the Mini -- nimble, light, elemental -- they tried to turn it into a different car entirely. Heavy, elaborate, high maintenance.
But my personal bias is due to riding sportbikes. It's ten times easier (and cheaper!) to go fast on a motorcycle than a car. Cars just don't want to go fast. They'll do it, but it takes all your money. Motorcycles can't help but go fast. So why not let a car be a car? Or if you really, truly want a muscle car, start with a muscle car, not a Mini.
But why did they need a new transmission with so few miles? Hmmmm...
I get what they wanted to accomplish with the S but somehow they lost their way and created a compromised car. Right about the point when they took up all the space under the hood with the intercooler, requiring moving the battery to the back, which necessitated eliminating the spare, requiring in turn heavy, expensive, poorly-riding run flat tires, somebody should have said "Stop! Let's back up and rethink this." Instead of playing to the strengths of the Mini -- nimble, light, elemental -- they tried to turn it into a different car entirely. Heavy, elaborate, high maintenance.
But my personal bias is due to riding sportbikes. It's ten times easier (and cheaper!) to go fast on a motorcycle than a car. Cars just don't want to go fast. They'll do it, but it takes all your money. Motorcycles can't help but go fast. So why not let a car be a car? Or if you really, truly want a muscle car, start with a muscle car, not a Mini.
I bought my Cooper to sell my CBR600. I felt my luck was running out faster than I was learning self control on the throttle. Of course, I miss the bike now.. but I don't miss not fearing for my life every time some idiot in oncoming traffic creeps over the center line.
Ads for used R53s (and CVT R50s) with 50k to 80k miles often say "brand new transmission!" Neat. Brand new transmission.
But why did they need a new transmission with so few miles? Hmmmm...
I get what they wanted to accomplish with the S but somehow they lost their way and created a compromised car. Right about the point when they took up all the space under the hood with the intercooler, requiring moving the battery to the back, which necessitated eliminating the spare, requiring in turn heavy, expensive, poorly-riding run flat tires, somebody should have said "Stop! Let's back up and rethink this." Instead of playing to the strengths of the Mini -- nimble, light, elemental -- they tried to turn it into a different car entirely. Heavy, elaborate, high maintenance.
But my personal bias is due to riding sportbikes. It's ten times easier (and cheaper!) to go fast on a motorcycle than a car. Cars just don't want to go fast. They'll do it, but it takes all your money. Motorcycles can't help but go fast. So why not let a car be a car? Or if you really, truly want a muscle car, start with a muscle car, not a Mini.
But why did they need a new transmission with so few miles? Hmmmm...
I get what they wanted to accomplish with the S but somehow they lost their way and created a compromised car. Right about the point when they took up all the space under the hood with the intercooler, requiring moving the battery to the back, which necessitated eliminating the spare, requiring in turn heavy, expensive, poorly-riding run flat tires, somebody should have said "Stop! Let's back up and rethink this." Instead of playing to the strengths of the Mini -- nimble, light, elemental -- they tried to turn it into a different car entirely. Heavy, elaborate, high maintenance.
But my personal bias is due to riding sportbikes. It's ten times easier (and cheaper!) to go fast on a motorcycle than a car. Cars just don't want to go fast. They'll do it, but it takes all your money. Motorcycles can't help but go fast. So why not let a car be a car? Or if you really, truly want a muscle car, start with a muscle car, not a Mini.
(I'd love a motorcycle some day)I am probably going to take way more heat for this, but I'll say it anyway. I would never tell anyone who wants a light and nimble N/A car to buy a justa when you can get a Miata or S2000 that drive with the right wheels.
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 3,334
Likes: 4
From: Vancouver Island, Canada
I test drove an '06 Miata a few weeks ago and it was a BLAST. Loved the RWD, you're right about that. If driving enjoyment were my only criteria, I could see trading in my R50 for it. However, it also had terrible interior fit and finish, extremely claustrophobic cabin, and I don't like the exterior aesthetics as much. It would be a great second car for me.
Every car is a compromise!
Every car is a compromise!
At least you are honest (I'd love a motorcycle some day)
I am probably going to take way more heat for this, but I'll say it anyway. I would never tell anyone who wants a light and nimble N/A car to buy a justa when you can get a Miata or S2000 that drive with the right wheels.
(I'd love a motorcycle some day)I am probably going to take way more heat for this, but I'll say it anyway. I would never tell anyone who wants a light and nimble N/A car to buy a justa when you can get a Miata or S2000 that drive with the right wheels.
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