I'm looking at getting back into a MINI after years away in family car land. Looking at several options/conditions in my price range and I'm right on the line between 2013/14 R55's or 2016 F54's. Similar mileage between them, the newer ones are a couple thousand dollars more. Obviously, the F54 has more a more up to date interior - but it's the first model year of the refresh - usually a lot of bugs to work out - so that give me pause. The R55's I'm looking at have a pretty extensive service history (one shows a replaced water pump and timing chain) which I understand are weak issues on these. The F54's less of history (obviously) My gut says go with an R55 and save the cash differences for repairs down the road - but I've been wrong before. Any thoughts or advice on this.

 

I vote r55. Paid cash, had to replace coolant tank, other than that over 600 spent to make it look better, and be reliable daily driver.

 

I like the space in the newer F54 Clubman, but I also really like the smaller R55. It would be a toss up for me based on my needs at the time. Are you looking at an AWD model?

 

I would go with the newer model- has more space, and I think 2016 was the 2nd year for the design refresh. Hopefully, any kinks already worked out. I have a 2015, which was 1st year for the refresh.

 

The F54 is more refined but if you can find an R55 JCW or loaded R55 with select options, it would be hard to pass up.

 

I love the N14/N18 motors being that they have known weak points.

Definitely test drive both and see what you like more.

But whatever you do, use premium fuel and go for a carbon walnut blasting!