Four months ago a acquired a 2002 R50 that was a bigger headache than I ever thought a vehicle could be. I swore I was going to sell it and never touch a Mini ever again. Well, here I am. Today I bought a 2005 R53 with 55,000mi, all stock. I got it for, what I consider to be, a pretty sweet price of $5500.00 So, I guess I'm giving Mini another chance.

 

I think u will find your '05 R53 is a much better built car than your R50 (no offense to those with early gen1s. Just my opinion). I went from an '04 R50, loved the car, put 85k miles on it, to an '05 R53, and had more niggly little issue in the R50. Keep up on the fluids on the R53, change the belt every other year, keep an eye on crank pulley... Is it a manual?

That IS a great price on a low milage car. Congrats

 

Yes, sir, manual

 

I'm jealous!!!
What options?
From pictures looks like either Nav or Chrono, sunroof, projectors and front fog lights and 17" wheels.
I have a dark silver and my roof is same color as the car, too.
For mine from a dealer over 3 years ago, twice the mileage and near twice the price!!!!

 

Thats a nice find , low miles and a great deal. Looks to have zero rust or anything.

 

DSC, sun roof, Steering wheel controls, Chrome interior, Anthracite interior, Arm rest, Fog lights, Xenon, Chrono package. I'll get some interior photos soon.

 

Dang that's a good price for low miles and the year. I got my 02 R53 with 122k for $4800.

 

The only rust I can find is on the left muffler and the typical threshold under the weather stripping where it's just starting.

 

Yep that's typical with the straps also.

 

Wow, you're absolutely right! The build quality between the '02 and the '05 is like night and day. Everything feels much more solid and tight.

 

05+ is the updated design. LCI