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

Discussion in 'Starting Line - New Member Introductions' started by RobH, Jul 6, 2015.

Tags:
Most Liked Posts
Page 2 of 2
  1. Mr. Jim

    Mr. Jim Mudshark
    Lifetime Supporter

    May 22, 2010
    3,390
    1,213
    113
    North Carolina
    Ratings:
    +1,221 / 0 / -0
    #21 Mr. Jim, Jul 7, 2015
    Welcome to M/A! R53 FTW!
     
  2. Zillon

    Zillon Well-Known Member

    Jul 12, 2014
    702
    632
    93
    Central NJ
    Ratings:
    +633 / 0 / -0
    #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:
     
  3. Piston

    Piston New Member

    Aug 27, 2011
    35
    3
    0
    Bicycle Sales
    Central NC
    Ratings:
    +3 / 0 / -0
    #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.
     
  4. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
    Lifetime Supporter

    May 4, 2009
    25,021
    13,497
    113
    Burbs of Philly, PA
    Ratings:
    +14,644 / 10 / -4
    #24 Dave.0, Jul 7, 2015
    R53 period.
     
  5. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

    Mar 30, 2009
    25,144
    10,052
    113
    Writer
    Short North
    Ratings:
    +10,069 / 0 / -0
    #25 Nathan, Jul 7, 2015
    He's not at all biased...really..:crazy:


    Ok, I can't stop laughing now.
     
  6. R53Junkie

    R53Junkie New Member

    Sep 21, 2014
    275
    140
    0
    Server
    Colorado
    Ratings:
    +140 / 0 / -0
    #26 R53Junkie, Jul 7, 2015
    Unfortunately I can't find any dead horses to beat.

    Buy the R53, sir. 2002-2006 are good, but really go for a post-facelift model if you can ('05-'06).
    They have a few additions that are nice, as many people end up upgrading to the later model teflon-coated superchargers and transmissions. The later model R53s also tend to be the most reliable of all MINIs.

    THAT BEING SAID

    I found the R56 to feel bigger, ride softer, and overall have less of that Go-Kart fun feel I love. That could be a good thing if you just want a semi-comfortable daily.

    Just my $.02
    Basically, the newer the generation of MINI you buy, the more BMW you get, and the less MINI you get.
     
  7. DneprDave

    DneprDave Well-Known Member
    Supporting Member

    Oct 23, 2010
    2,952
    1,500
    113
    Engineer
    Pacific NW
    Ratings:
    +1,721 / 0 / -0
    #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.
     
  8. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
    Lifetime Supporter

    May 4, 2009
    25,021
    13,497
    113
    Burbs of Philly, PA
    Ratings:
    +14,644 / 10 / -4
    #28 Dave.0, Jul 7, 2015
    Only if you don't mod the R53, now who would ever not mod and R53. :ihih::devil:
     
  9. 00Mini

    00Mini Well-Known Member

    Feb 24, 2013
    20,998
    2,056
    113
    Retired
    Ratings:
    +3,025 / 6 / -5
    #29 00Mini, Jul 7, 2015
    Good point Dave, very good point !! :Thumbsup:
     
  10. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
    Lifetime Supporter

    May 4, 2009
    25,021
    13,497
    113
    Burbs of Philly, PA
    Ratings:
    +14,644 / 10 / -4
    #30 Dave.0, Jul 7, 2015
    Better point who buys any MINI and never modifies it.
     
  11. vetsvette

    vetsvette MINI Alliance Ambassador

    Nov 9, 2013
    2,181
    1,782
    113
    South Central Virginia
    Ratings:
    +1,937 / 0 / -0
    #31 vetsvette, Jul 7, 2015
    So say we all! :Thumbsup:
     
  12. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
    Staff Member Articles Moderator Supporting Member

    Jul 31, 2009
    11,176
    6,176
    113
    Male
    Ratings:
    +7,891 / 10 / -3
    #32 MCS02, Jul 7, 2015
    They all say they won't but they do!:devil:
     
  13. Savvy

    Savvy Well-Known Member
    Lifetime Supporter

    Apr 16, 2010
    6,832
    2,011
    113
    Mechanical Engineer/DA Civilian
    DE
    Ratings:
    +2,024 / 0 / -0
    #33 Savvy, Jul 8, 2015
    ... it is only a matter of time.
     
  14. mrntd

    mrntd Well-Known Member
    Supporting Member

    Sep 30, 2011
    5,083
    1,762
    113
    Male
    Sales and Marketing manager
    Hilliard, Ohio
    Ratings:
    +1,763 / 0 / -0
    #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. nxtMINI

    nxtMINI Active Member

    Apr 26, 2010
    405
    40
    28
    Michigan
    Ratings:
    +40 / 0 / -0
    #35 nxtMINI, Jul 8, 2015
    Welcome to M/A Rob.

    Don't listen to any of these jokers.. the MINI you want to get as a daily driver is...

    R53.. wait.. I meant to type R53.. damn keyboard.. I meant to say R53... keyboard is sticking.. it only types R53 :)

    drive both, see what you like better to drive, both R53 and R5six have their pluses and minuses. get as much drive time in them as possible. If you're not in a rush to buy a MINI, take your time and find the one you really want.. not something that's available somewhat close to you. I currently drive an 2011 R5six (I love it) and I also had an R53 (loved it also) and I'm currently in the market to find a R53 to add to my stable. Good luck in your search.

    Chris
     
  16. RobH

    RobH New Member

    Jul 5, 2015
    3
    0
    0
    Albany, NY area (Capital Region)
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    #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 . . .
     
Page 2 of 2

Share This Page