Honestly if you are looking for a track car an R53 can be a killer and with used ones being so cheap it's a good idea. Also mods are affordable and even able to be found used.
And if they break or have an issue at the track it's much more simple of a car to diagnose and fix.

 

If you get an R56 avoid the N14 motor in the S. Even if they just did the timing chain etc. Nope, avoid. That is 2007-2010 hardtop, roughly to through 2012 JCW. Some late 2012 have N18, but I don't know the cut off. Look online for a pic of the N14 vs N18, very different valve cover, so you are sure what youaregetting. Also preferable is the Bosh HPFP that cut into production April 2012. It has a different head, ECU, harness, and maybe more. I hope you find a MINI that puts a smile on your face.

 

I found one, drove it home from Detroit last night! It's a bit of a cluttered picture but the only one I've taken at this point. 2012 JCW with 50k miles, one owner and extremely well cared for. I talked with Mario enough to get comfortable I can manage the issues with the N14 motor.

 

Congrats on the new MINI. Great find.

 

+1 def agree on getting a 13 JCW w/manual! But what about going to Stage 3? Can that be done just with a turbo swap like a JMTC S42 or your X46/X50/X51 turbo "without" needing to do upgraded internals? I would like my DD to be just a tad bit faster and I have Stage 2 now and not sure what to do next.

 

Your best bet is to go Stage 2 with meth injection. Not only will you get more power but reduce the chance of detonation at the same time whether your running 91 or 93 octane. Vlad made 263 at the wheel on the stock turbo and meth w/93 octane. Thats 298 hp at the crank, so a 90 hp increase over stock.

 

I had an 2007 R56 MINI Cooper S and once i did the chain, waterpump, HPFP, aux pump, carbon blasting, thermostat, and general stuff it was fine. The N18 2011 up has less issues and you should be fine, If you do go back to the 2007-2010 make sure its a great price or had those major things done. If you can do it find a JCW, its a lot of fun. Glad in the end you found a JCW, my N14 JCW is almost at 100K and going strong.