Been looking for another r53 and have had a devil of a time finding a nice condition one with manual and no sunroof. Found a couple of sweet low mileage ones but they always have that damn sunroof. I am tall and even with the seat set as low as it can go, my head literally rests against the top edge of the headliner. If I hit a hard bump, I will give myself a concussion. I owned previously a 2005 r53 without the sunroof and fit in it just fine.

Sorry just venting some frustration! LoL.

Jim

 

I would estimate 9/10 cars was ordered with it. It has to be the most popular option at the time. Like most things there are pros and cons. The worst con is as the car ages with exposure to the elements parked outdoors turn them into rainroofs.

 

When I ordered my 2003 R53 in 2002 it came stock with the sun roof. I had to special order to get it without the sun roof. Same issue as you - headroom.

 

We call them unicorns around our parts. I know of two in our club.

 

Yeah might have to settle for a convertible. Lots of those around with low miles and manual. Just not exactly what I want. Love that coupe profile!

 

When I ordered my car, I ordered it without a sunroof. But when it arrived, it had a sunroof anyways.

 

Greedy dealer wanted to pad up the profit margin on an already thick gravy Mini train back in 2005. It should be against the CDN communist laws which consumer protection is the top intend.

 

How tall are you, over 6-6?

 

I know Stoney Creek as my best buddy lived there. I used to be a communist, but I escaped from the iron curtain and joint the evil capitalist.

No much rusted iron curtain here where I am at.

 

I am just over 6' 1".

 

I am 6-3 and my son is 6-6 and neither had issues with my R53. Of course not wearing helmets

 

Sat in one yesterday and made sure the seat was at it's lowest setting and my head was touching on the headliner section.

 

Must have an unusual shaped body, what is your pant inseam, 32"

 

Tall in the torso

 

https://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/...439671471.html

 

Nice price! I am in VA though. Trying to find something east of the Mississippi.

 

I'm having the same problem trying to find one!

It has been highly frustrating.


btw
Have you seen this one?
It's been up a while and looks like it needs a bit of attention,
but a very good price for a JCW.
It's in Lynchburg:

https://lynchburg.craigslist.org/cto...411218865.html

 

Another possibility.

2004 MCS with incredibly low mileage of 22,991k,
for $7,000 in Kentucky.

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...elCode1=COOPER

 

Historically, most new MINIs on the dealer's lot have a sunroof. It has always been that way. I'm 6' 4" (long legs) and have never had a problem fitting in a MINI.

 

Sadly that's true for our market here in N.A.

Wish we were more like the UK where slicktops are more common!

Here's a few recent examples from UKbay:

£3500 = $4,804
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mini-Coop...p2047675.l2557

:

£2450 = $3,363
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-2005-Mini-Cooper-S-Grey-rare-colour-full-MOT-fully-loaded-supercharged-/302534241796?hash=item4670722e04%3Ag%3A7S4AAOSwZW5 aEHu3&nma=true&si=dvBKPVJSRwEgupC8RnUY4y7B6Rw%253D &orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

:

£2201 = $3,021
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2005-05-Facelift-BMW-Mini-Cooper-S-1-6-SUPERCHARGED-white-jcw-PX-/112669404492?hash=item1a3b9ead4c%3Ag%3ANxQAAOSwB4B aI08U&nma=true&si=dvBKPVJSRwEgupC8RnUY4y7B6Rw%253D &orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

:

£1750 = $2,402
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2005-Mini-Cooper-S-170-bhp-SAT-NAV-LEATHER-CRUISE-BLUETOOTH-/253214403757?hash=item3af4c12cad%3Ag%3AiukAAOSwdjd Z51NR&nma=true&si=dvBKPVJSRwEgupC8RnUY4y7B6Rw%253D &orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

:

£1350 = $1,853
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mini-Cooper-S-2004-/282775942914?hash=item41d6c27702%3Ag%3A1jcAAOSwgmt aNVSl&nma=true&si=dvBKPVJSRwEgupC8RnUY4y7B6Rw%253D &orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

:

£870 = $1,194
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MINI-COOPER-S-/112728380785?hash=item1a3f229571%3Ag%3ApBQAAOSwvfZ aS5pY&nma=true&si=dvBKPVJSRwEgupC8RnUY4y7B6Rw%253D &orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

 

Looking for a 2005-06 S, manual, no roof, and 80k or less miles. Lots of low mileage convertibles out there but r53's are a bit tougher.

 

i think the dealer tried to guilt me into paying for the Premium Package as I didn't order the heated seats nor the 17" wheels. I was going to walk when the dealer said they didn't order it that way either so I didn't have to pay for it.

Lots if heavy stuff there that I didn't want, but ended up taking.

 

Yeah the mini was the 2000's Miata.

 

Gen 1 Miatas were so hot when I bought mine in 93. All it took for me was to sit in one and rowed the gear shift in an auto show.

 

Be patient, they are out there. You just missed one in South Carolina with 32k miles this past week. Purchased by a friend of a friend. Slicktop JCW.

Having owned both versions (with and without sunroof) I totally agree that the solid roof better. Have you considered an R53 GP?