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I’m new to the community and Mini’s. I’ve finally decided to start looking for a Cooper S and I’ve been trying to do as much research as possible. I’m not planning on building a high horsepower or track car. I just want a fun small hot hatch to drive daily. I also own a car audio shop and would most likely be using it for a shop car. Anywho, after doing some digging I’ve come to the following conclusion. Getting a late model 05-06 with manual trans would be the best bet. That’ll keep me in the supercharged motor which seems to be much more reliable that the n14 motor on the turbo cars up to 2011. Also being a late model 05-06 that also means possible limited slip diff option. That motor also seems to be a little more reliable when modding. That’s pretty much what I’ve gathered from digging. Does that sound about right or am I way off lol. Any input would be appreciated!
I love my '04 R53 but I recommend that if you're NOT handy with a wrench, you'll want to look elsewhere. An '05-'06 will come with mechanical and/or electrical issues that need addressing. Repair/labor cost is prohibitive if you need someone else to do the work. I hope you're mechanically inclined because the car is a blast to drive.
Last edited by cooper48; Aug 11, 2019 at 10:44 AM.
Reason: error
I love my '04 R53 but I recommend that if you're NOT handy with a wrench, you'll want to look elsewhere. An '05-'06 will come with mechanical and/or electrical issues that need addressing. Repair/labor cost is prohibitive if you need someone else to do the work. I hope you're mechanically inclined because the car is a blast to drive.
Yes, no doubt! I wouldn’t even be looking at a mini if I wasn’t mechanically capable lol. The parts alone are pricey enough, I’d hate to have to pay for labor as well.
In comparison to other cars I've owned (BMW, Nissan, Audi) the parts are reasonable. All of the other posts above are absolutely correct. If you've got a reasonable amount of tools and a little nerve, MINI r53 is a great car.
Mod Mini has an R53 2002-2006 buyers guide video. Definitely worth the watch. I would also consider hunting specifically for a JCW or GP variant with the limited slip differential. These models came with several great mods as standard. It will save you some time and funds.
Since getting my R53, I've changed the supercharger, replaced all of the suspension components, replaced the clutch, full brakes, rear seat delete, suede headliner and pillars. And there are still a ton of jobs to do.
It's been a blast and I've got no regrets. Make sure you know what you are getting in to, and you'll have a ton of fun as well.
I don't have much to say, other than the 06 Mini R53 JCW is a kick butt fun to drive little street legal Go-Kart! (actually and manual R53 is great fun. (02 to 06 hatch) R52 (02 to 08 vert)
I drive mine daily and I wrench mine, as others have said, if you can not work on one, it may be a mistake to own one! Cost for labor can overwhelm your wallet! So small and extreme fun to drive in the twisties. Did I say fun! 06 MCS JCW In the twisties, this is all you will see! You only see this while passing from the other direction! Ok, the 06 R53 JCW came with factory limited slip diff, but you can add a much better one, on any of them. Just buy the six speed manual, for the fun! Keep us posted, if you buy one, as there is much help here, when you own it!
Last edited by ItsmeWayne; Aug 12, 2019 at 12:29 PM.
Reason: spelling as usual!
I would not limit yourself to just an 05-06. I have an 03' with 173,xxx miles on it.....and besides the normal wear items (brakes, tires, clutch, bushings).....it's been a fantastic car. I'm still running the stock supercharger, stock powersteering pump, stock crank damper.....so far so good. ANY mini is going to have issues that you need to take care of. If you are good at turning wrenches, and you maintenance them just like any other car....they are great!!
The biggest thing is to get one that's been taken care of. I would rather buy a stock one from an old lady vs. one with a bunch of aftermarket stuff that has been abused and/or tracked. Stay away from the ones that look like they haven't been washed or vacuumed out for years. If they can't do that, you know they don't give a crap about servicing the car.
I made the switch to an R53 from a BMW E46 about 2 months ago. I will admit that in these first few months of ownership it has been more work than the E46, but if you are good at turning a wrench and don't mind doing it yourself I think it is a great option for a fun daily driver! Obviously if you take the car to a shop for everything maintenance costs would end up being a nightmare, but doing all the work yourself is very cost effective.
It also seems working on these cars is a great experience because everything is modular. I had the entire front end of the car apart in less than 2 hours, and that was my first time. Once it is in front end service mode most of the common leaks/vacuum system leaks are easily accessible.
So far, even with the amount of maintenance these cars will require, I still think they make great daily drivers. I spent a year looking for the right R53 for me. I wanted a 2005-2006 MCS with gauge pack and in one of the blue colors. I found my '05 MCS with those specs about an hour from my house. I also think that sometimes higher mileage cars (~130k) aren't the worst idea since much of the maintenance may already be done. If you are willing to wait you should be able to find a nicely cared for example. Also make sure you hold out for a car with a good history. For instance, I found almost every record for my car going back to the original window sticker so I was very happy with that.
