Hello all,

A few days ago I posted about beginning my search for an R53 for my first car. Various users told me to post updates about prospective vehicles, so that is what I aim to do in this post.

I will preface this by saying that I am looking for a 2005-2006 R53 with 50,000-60,000 miles with the Xenon lighting pack, sport pack, harman/kardon speaker pack, and tachometer pack if possible. However, since this is a rare combination, I will have to take what I can find.

The first vehicle I found is a 2004 R53 in Indi Blue with Lapis blue interior. It has 52,300 miles, and it is in immaculate condition, which is why I am considering this particular one from 2004. Below are pictures of the vehicle.



2004 Indi Blue R53










The second vehicle I am considering at this point is a 2005 R53 in Pepper White with Panther Black leather interior, with 44,400 miles.

It is a very clean car all around, I am just not very fond of the white color. I also like the driving lights of the Indi Blue mini better, as well as the wheels.

Here is a photo:




So, now I am wondering which R53 you would pick, and why? I will continue posting R53s as they come up, and obviously I cannot choose one until I have it inspected but I would like to know your thoughts!

Thank you in advance for any input,

Cam

 

Posting the last 7 of VIN for each car would help in comparing how each is equipped.

Sounds like you prefer the 2004

 

Like I said before, don't discount '04 and earlier. That Indi Blue looks great.

 

Mines at 140k but autocross built. It can be yours

 

I would also look deeper into their ownership and service history prior to making a decision.

Indi Blue looks really nice and almost looks identical to our 2002 which is Dark Silver with Lapis Blue interior.

How much are the asking prices for these cars?

 

Be patient, and don't be afraid of the year. 02-06 r53's all have the same engine and transmission, all have the same potential problems.

Yes the 05/06 can be marginally better, but dont discount an earlier model if it is a good car in a color you like

 

The transmission gear ratios on the 05/06s are slightly different. www.motoringfile.com has some great information. Good luck.

 

And I remember way motor's comment on how the early model tranny is better in third gear on different tracks.

Whatever, if you like the car and its good mechanically get it

 

An 04 is a good choice. The power steering is covered, the 06 isn't. You get the rust coverage that I really really wish I had for my 02.
I'm pretty sure the 04 has the slightly better coated supercharger too.

 

05's and 06's may also still be covered under a 12 year rust warranty.
I got everything but the bonnet replaced ($9K worth of new panels/labour/paint) for free.

Also, depending on your height; if you're over 6' you may want to drive a chrono package before deciding on it being a desirable feature (making your search easier). I originally wanted it as well, but when I realized I couldn't see the needle at HWY speed, I moved along. Other owners I know also expressed the same issue (though I do live with it on my second JCW)

The H/K can be nice - if it holds together. The amp is an expensive failure point, and you may have/want to gut the entire system (though changing the head unit made a massive difference in my opinion on my H/K)

I also prefer the look of the 3 spoke steering wheel (you can swap it out on -04's) but I really do prefer the 05-06's Xenon's, the passenger engine mount style and rear foglight/rear lens redesign (also convertible with some work)

 

Both have super lower miles. Good finds. The '04 has the DRL retrofit kit in chrome here so you could add those easily if you wanted. I'd compare the maintenance history and take a look at what has been replaced/fixed on both. It does seem like you're leaning more towards the '04 so if both come up great in those departments, go with the one that you will be most happy with.

 

So jealous of the rust warranty, the one and only thing that would prevent me from buying on 02, wish I would have researched that more before getting mine. I didnt mean to imply the 05/06 didn't have the coverage, was referring to the older models that don't.

An aftermarket stereo is easily installed in our Minis so that would never be an issue for me

 

That is a good point! I am actually 6'3"....so yeah maybe not on the chrono pack lol

 

Just an FYI, I don't know anything about the car, history, or owner(s).

https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/minis-and-minis-for-sale/298853-2005-mini-cooper-s-54k-miles-dc-area.html

 

Be willing to walk away from one or all of the ones you look at. I started looking in Fall of last year and didn't finally find what I was looking from until Jan. In the end I got the 06 model and the dealership had an extensive service history on the vehicle which they gave me a copy of.


I like my HK stereo system but to upgrade the head unit it takes more parts to get the new head unit to work with the rest of the system and like was already mentioned the amp for it can be very expensive if it goes out. At that point I will be gutting my system to replace it from scratch. It will likely be cheaper then replacing the HK amp.


See if the owner will let you get it inspected prior to purchase.

 

Did you go to the MINI dealership and run both these vin to see what has been done ?

The 2004 looks nice and has the lapis blue interior

 

Both those cars have REALLY low miles, and that's a good thing. I thought I got quite lucky finding an '06 with 74K. What are the asking prices? You might consider acting quickly to get a test drive in, I'd think if the price is right those won't last.

 

I'm 5'10" and don't see the speedo so well with Chrono pack. I wouldn't change it though, being that the Chrono and Nav are the only ones with the dual pod.

 

My first R53 was indie blue so I'm a bit partial, but If you don't buy that one, send me the link and I will.

 

The Indi Blue is a gorgeous color but I've seen some real sharp Pepper White cars and not knowing prices and options a 44k sleeper would be hard to pass up.