For my first post, I'll be cheeky (and ask for advice)

Buy an R53. 2002 to 2006 S with a 6 speed. The 2006 is the best year.

 

Hi there!

Yeah, don't get that one. The half engine light comes on only if there's a significant loss of power - like a busted turbo, a vacuum leak, bad cylinder misfire, etc. It won't stay on unless there's a problem. The guy was feeding you a line.

Second thing to know: Do you want supercharged or turbocharged?

'06 and earlier S models are supercharged. There are many here who have opinions and will tell you it's the better buy. Get the '06.

'07 through '13 S models are turbocharged. They lack a little of the earlier version's chuckability in corners, but make better daily drivers, imo. I have an '08 with 120,000 miles on it if that helps. It has required surgery once or twice.

Now, they all are going to require maintenance, and some if it is going to be pricey. Owning an Audi though, you should be familiar with that part

I recommend reading the article below to get a bit more info on how we refer to the various models.

R / F Code, What is it and What do they Signify - Library

 

05/06 R53 S models and 2011+ R56 LCI models are the ones to buy.

Stay away from anything 2007-2010 and high mileage.

 

There are a lot of cars I'd buy used but a Mini without a new car warranty isn't one of them.

 

My choice would be an R53 but whatever you choose get it checked out because you do not want any surprises with a daily driver and Welcome to Motoring Alliance the onlyest MINI Forum you'll ever need !!

 

If new is in the consideration mix, I hear the F56 is an awesome new ride!

Oh, yah I own an R53 too...

 

Daily driver, and if it's your only car, late model R56. Not my flavor, but a good car, and a late model R56 with reasonable miles should hold up well, relatively speaking, for a MINI.

If you want something rawer and mod friendly, and it's a second car, and you like working on cars, R53. Most of us here would own an R53 or nothing else MINI, myself included.

Either will require maintence and TLC, the R53 more so than the R56. They are all a blast to own and drive, but if this is your only car, I'd look for a well maintained low mileage car, preferably a last year R56, or consider something else more reliable. It's a great second car--and if it's a second car I'd strongly recommend the R53. It's a questionable only car, depending on how comfortable you are maintaining it, and what your priorities are.

You are going to get people on here who are going to say they've owned a MINI forever and never had a problem. Beware of sample sizes of one; the people who have dropped the car aren't on the boards anymore, so everything is skewed positive. I'm not trying to talk you out of it, I'm guessing from your post you'd love the car and the community, just be aware what you're getting into.

F56 is way out of that price range, and I'd hesitate on any first year of a new MINI generation; it consistently takes BMW 3 or more years to get the bugs worked out.

 

my car is a r56, 09 cooper (non s) with 90k miles, only a few minor repairs so far.

most folks that have a MINI for sale drove the hell out of it, so mileage isn't the best indicator of quality in a used MINI. LIke folks have said, get it checked out by someone who knows what they're looking at. Find something you're comfortable in, and like driving, then get it checked out. As I'm sure you know, and if you don't you do now, you can YOUify the MINI to your hearts content, for example see TheModFather's build thread for the RatRod HERE

Welcome to M/A

 

Welcome aboard, I think you found the right place to ask your question, very knowledgably people here, I though am still in training.

To answer your question, IMHO...both. As most have already pointed out
R53s are highly prized here, an 06 especially because all the bugs (for the most part) were worked out. You have mention an 06 with relatively low mileage and the price is in the range you mentioned. If I were in the market that one would be on the top of my list.

Obviously if you don't go new you will always have the chance of running into gremlins. Have a mechanic you trust go through the MINI, it is not going to guarantee anything but you'll have a better idea of what you are signing up for.

 

Welcome!

When I started shopping for my MINI I was convinced that I wanted an R56 but as I learned more I changed my mind and got my R53. Take your time to find the right car. It took me 6 months to find Walter. Check car fax, get the VIN and check it with the dealer, take a buddy that has or knows MINIs with you to check it out.

 

Welcome to M/A!

As an owner of 2 2006 R53s...one modded and the other stock, I am firmly entrenched in the worth of the Generation 1 R53. The one you mentioned with around 68k would be one I would seriously consider if I were about to buy yet another Generation 1 MINI [I have 3...an R50 and the 2 R53s]. I could buy a newer MINI, but I just love the ones I have. They are dependable, fun to drive, and I have found great mechanics [when needed] to keep them running well. So, why shop newer?

 

My old R53 had 170,000 miles without issues other than the occasional "Misfire" code which was solved very quickly and cheaply and the car's trim eventually just kinda flew apart!

Miles aren't the greatest thing to go by, I'd take any car you're interested in to get a compression test for the engine & make sure no codes flash...

Buuuuuuut, jumping on the bandwagon, R53 all the way.

 

Welcome, thanks for joining Motoring Alliance, the FUN and Friendly MINI Community.

 

My 2010 Clubman S (R55) has been trouble free.

 

Or.... You could do like I did. Buy a Mini and then do your research. Just before my Mom passed away I was at her house and ran into my baby sister. She had just finalized her divorce and made the comment "I guess I need to get rid of the Mini now, but I won't be able to get more than 5-5.5K for it". I immediately said I'll give you 6K right now and drove it home. She used my P/U truck for a couple of months until she found a vehicle that she could transport her grandson in. I started researching the Mini after finalizing the deal. If I had done that first, I would have probably run away screaming. Timing chain, T-stat, water pump, the problems I read about were endless. As it happened, because of said research I contacted my Mini dealer and they replaced the entire timing chain cassette on their dime. Later, as I could afford it, I had my mechanic replace the T-stat, water pump, belt, install Stoptech rotors and pads, stainless brake lines, and install a "new" sport suspension that came off a '09 JCW with 7K on it. Oh yeah, and a new Eibach RSB. I did all this other stuff pro actively because it was much cheaper to have it done all at once before they started to fail one by one. All that being said, I am very happy with my "first year" Gen 2 R56. Bottom line... do your research and have it checked out by a competent MINI knowledgeable mechanic. YMMV