This is ... a big step for me. I've had in my time all RWD vehicles. Mostly BMW with one Wrangler. They've all gone well past their date of expiry in their own way and I need a new vehicle. BMW e46 seem too ... fiddly for me for lack of a better term and I've started checking out MINIs in earnest.

What do I need to look out for on an R50? I know the '05-'06 have the better transmission, and that's what I'm shopping for. I have a couple candidates available to me.

What am I looking for in terms of rust/corrosion problems? I live in New England, these things happen.

Does anybody know of a shop to do a good PPI in the Woodbury/Newburgh NY area? It's a little out of area for me. I'm in central CT.

 

R50 won't have a lot of the problems the r53 might have so it's definitely a better buy as far as maintenance goes. I've only owned an 02 r53 so cant really comment on the reliability of 05 06 transmissions.

The rust is covered under Bmw warranty as long as you get a later year model. Not sure what year it started, 2004 maybe, i just know mine isn't covered :(

 

I have an '06 R50 as my daily driver, for a commute of 56 miles one way. I keep up with all of the usual maintenance; oil changes (every 5000 miles), serpentine belt, plugs, etc., are changed at the regular service intervals. Never let me down even thru the last 2 winters, which were a b*tch. I have a spare set of rims with Blizzaks fitted.

 

It's strange because I see most automotive publications don't recommend buying a used MINI due to potential for issues. But when I read around there are plenty of people who drive them seemingly trouble-free. Are the trouble spots limited to specific vehicles/years/options?

Is there a definitive r50 buyer's guide anywhere that can point at what to look for aside from basic car stuff? I'm currently going through the one on MotoringFile.com, but I'd love to hear about others if they're good.

Also, I need a competent shop in the Newburgh/Woodbury, NY to do a PPI for me. Suggestions?

 

Its hard to say what publications are thinking so I won't dive into it but as you said there are plenty of trouble free MINIs on this board.
The motoringfile article is really great and it's really all you need.
Please keep in mind any vehicle's first prediction years will have bugs so later years are always more desirable.
05/06 seem to be the strongest of the lot.
I can't recommend a shop since I'm not in your area but I will say once you buy one ,it's looked over and all is well'.........................cue up for some fun mate

 

Besides not having a superchager that may need replaced after 150,000+ miles....what else does the R53 have that the R50 does not? Everyone talked about reliability issues with the R53.....but I see tons of people with over 100,000 miles on them with no major issues what so ever.

 

Try this.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=QUhzyfb3cxg

 

Right, sc is the one major difference. It is a pretty expensive fix though, and seems to be a fairly common failure.

I love my Mini but it's been one the worst cars I've ever owned, my wifes Land Rovers were maybe just as bad. Many people have put a lot of trouble free miles on their Mini's so obviously they aren't all bad. The trick is just ti make sure you get a good one

 

Take a look at the motoring buyers guide here for some good insight as well.