Most liked posts in thread: For my first post, I'll be cheeky (and ask for advice)

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  1. DneprDave

    DneprDave Well-Known Member
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    #27 DneprDave, Jul 7, 2015
    The R56 is lighter and faster than the previous models. With the turbocharger, it is easier to dial in more horsepower with a tune.
     
  2. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    #28 Dave.0, Jul 7, 2015
    Only if you don't mod the R53, now who would ever not mod and R53. :ihih::devil:
     
  3. vetsvette

    vetsvette MINI Alliance Ambassador

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    #31 vetsvette, Jul 7, 2015
    So say we all! :Thumbsup:
     
  4. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    #8 MCS02, Jul 6, 2015
    Sorry bad manners. Welcome to MA!
     
  5. mrntd

    mrntd Well-Known Member
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    #14 mrntd, Jul 7, 2015
    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.
     
  6. wmwny

    wmwny Well-Known Member

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    #15 wmwny, Jul 7, 2015
    Welcome to M/A! :Thumbsup:

    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?
     
  7. Boxman

    Boxman New Member

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    #16 Boxman, Jul 7, 2015
    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.
     
  8. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    #17 Nathan, Jul 7, 2015
    Welcome, thanks for joining Motoring Alliance, the FUN and Friendly MINI Community.
     
  9. DneprDave

    DneprDave Well-Known Member
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    #18 DneprDave, Jul 7, 2015
    My 2010 Clubman S (R55) has been trouble free.
     
  10. RobH

    RobH New Member

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    #20 RobH, Jul 7, 2015
    Thanks for all the great responses, everyone, I really appreciate the various perspectives. I knew about the supercharged versus turbo difference, and that early R53s (see what I did there?) had some issues that were sorted in later versions.

    I am still thinking here. I have looked as well at other cars that are more practical (Scion tC, Hyndai Forte Coupe, even the Kia Soul, of all things), but I am always drawn back to the Mini. I have two tasks right now: find a local mechanic willing to look at whatever I find; and, drive a few more cars. The one car that everyone who commented on it seems to think is pretty strong (the 06 R53 with 64K) is nearly three hours away from me, and I'm not sure how to get it looked at under those conditions (it's in Burlington, VT; they listed it on the Albany NY craigslist, which is pretty annoying as that's a long hike out of the area to try to check out a car).

    I'll keep you all updated with what I end up doing, and if I end up with a Mini I'll come back and join in. The in meantime, your warm welcome is greatly appreciated.

    Best,

    Rob
     
  11. Zillon

    Zillon Well-Known Member

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    #22 Zillon, Jul 7, 2015
    And this is why you don't jump into an early gen 2 MINI without some homework.

    If you have the budget for repairs, some good DIY skills, and a good mechanic, go for it. But as a daily driver... :crazy:
     
  12. Piston

    Piston New Member

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    #23 Piston, Jul 7, 2015
    I had an '06 R53 JCW -- late October 06 production. I got it used and drove it for about 4 years. It shared time with a GTI, and slowly the GTI got more and more time.

    With the MINI, I knew how steep entrances were, where every pot hole was, etc.

    I went with a 2013 R55 S, and I am pretty happy. It is a different car, but it has been more enjoyable as a daily driver.

    The R53 JCW was a sports car. The R55 S is a sporty car.
     
  13. 00Mini

    00Mini Well-Known Member

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    #29 00Mini, Jul 7, 2015
    Good point Dave, very good point !! :Thumbsup:
     
  14. mrntd

    mrntd Well-Known Member
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    #34 mrntd, Jul 8, 2015
    Albany to Burlington is a nice drive. I've done it a number of times to see a customer many years ago (not via the highways). Maybe start a new post asking for any MINI experienced people around Burlington or Albany and go on a road trip. Offer to pay for gas and take their MINI and buy lunch.

    I'm in Ohio I went to Omaha for my last car and got my MINI from Dallas. When you find the right one it's worth the trip.
     
  15. RobH

    RobH New Member

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    #36 RobH, Jul 18, 2015
    Last edited: Jul 18, 2015
    Alright, ignore what's below. My "new" questions are pretty well answered in the responses I got above, which I just re-read (I really appreciate all the great answers; there's really helpful stuff in there).

    I'll update once I buy. Wish me luck!

    Best,

    Rob

    P.S. The '06 F53 with 63K sold one day after I got back from Europe! And not to me, darnit!

    --------------------------------

    Hi again,

    Just here resurrecting this thread (it's still on this topic, so there you go).

    What are the things to watch for in going high mileage for Minis? I'm looking at an '10 R55 with 135K that is really clean and well priced. It's not an S, but I really like the idea of breaking into the Mini with something that has just that little bit of extra practicality (for the childrens; it's always for the childrens).

    I've seen quite a few '05 '06 R53s with right around 100K or even a bit more, too. Are those dangerous for a newbie like me? I've read somewhere that the supercharger is only expected to last for 120K (but obviously don't know if that's true). I don't expect to do a lot of the work myself, and I know I'll have to get the work done, but I don't want it to be big ticket items every year after I buy it.

    Also, if I'm looking at an R56S (which I am), how long into the 2nd Generation should I look? I know '07 and '08 are probably too early, but is '10 better than '09? Are there things to watch on these as they get up in miles (I'm looking at a really well priced '10 R56S with 95K, for example, with a clean carfax; I drove it and it was a lot of fun to drive).

    Any reactions would be much appreciated!

    Thanks,

    Rob

    P.S. I set up an appointment to drive a Hyundai Forte Coupe and then canceled . . . I wonder what that says about what's still on the plate for me . . .
     
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