Most liked posts in thread: New here

Welcome to the AWARD winning COOLEST MINI forum on the net.....

I think Mr. Montague summed it up pretty good.......No matter which MINI you choose you are now in a super cool awesome group of MINIacs....Just be sure to show us pictures when you get your new RIDE!

 

Haha, I agree with this /\

You can actually have too much fun talking to all of these miniacs if you don't be careful
Just two days ago I had someone callin me a foxy lady LMAO

 

:cornut: Around here people avoid this question like the plague as it usually causes 'hurt feelings' and 'knock down drag out fights'. As you are 'new to the MINI scene' I feel obliged to offer some helpful information and here goes.(you've got my back, right?)

1. Generation 1 MINIs include: The R50(MC) hatch back(2002-2006 inclusive) non super charged Chrysler Pentagon/Tritec Brazilian built engine. These are the most dependable and least powerful MINIs. They have the least number of problems. Their common problems seem to be limited to front strut tower mushrooming(minor and easily fixed/prevented) and power steering cooling system failure(again, easily fixed/prevented). With proper maint., they last forever. Their lack of power is the only real complaint. The R52cabrio/convertable (with both standard and super charged 'S' engines) was available 2004-2008 inclusive. The R53 super charged 'S' engine hatch back(essentially an R50 with a super charged Tritec engine and heavier suspension) was available 2002-2006 inclusive. The R53(aka MCS) is the most modded, popular, and fastest of all the 1st Generation MINIs. If I only had $8k and was looking for a hot mini to play with, this is the one to get. It won't be as quick as a 2nd Generation Turbo charged Mini unless modded. Common problems other than super charger maint./replacement(rare under 100kmi) are the same as the R50.

2. 2nd Generation MINIs. These include the R55 Clubman/station wagon 2008-2012, the R56 hatch back 2007-2011, and the R57 cabrio/convertable 2008-2012. These MINIs were available with standard(non S) or turbo charged engines(S). These 2nd Generation MINIs had an engine change and that's where all the controversy comes in. They recieved a new Peugeot/Prince French engine that came in non turbo and turbo charged versions. The unmodded R56S is quicker and faster(a lot more torque=fast acceleration) than the unmodded R53(all R53's are 'S'). Once modding gets thrown in..............well we'll just avoid that fight. Now where the 1st gen. Pentagon/Tritec engine was relatively problem free, the Peugeot/Prince engine had a 'whole bucket full' of problems spilled all over it(My 'Margi' is an 08 R56 BRG MCS/JCWm, I love her/would not trade her/and she's quicker than greased lightning but she was a 'Garage Queen' for the 1st 50kmi but no problems since and now has 75kmi). It has been said that the problems were mainly due to MINI subcontractor lack of Quality Assurance(I don't care and you can't make me school of thought), and a lack of long term testing of direct injection and it's affect on intake valves. As of 2010 or so, these problems have been fixed and we can now get back to the 'Super Charger vs Turbo Charger' unending fist fight.

3. There are now models above the R57 and the engine 'bugs' are now mainly worked out. So...........this was originally about: I have $8k, want a reliable quick MINI that I can mod and play with but, I don't want to inherit someone else's problems. GET AN R53 MCS, as low mileage as possible. Take someone with you who knows their way around MINIs!!!!!!!!!!!! Then have years of FUN playing with the rest of us MINIacs.

Jason( the Sharks are in a feeding frenzie so I'd better go now)

 

Welcome aboard!

For 8k your going to be looking at a first gen car with a few miles on it. JCM40 just picked up an S for a little under 7k with some higher miles. Then he spent some time and money fixing a lot of worn parts. Check his garage for more info.

You might be better off with a '05 or '06 justa. Lower price point and no expensive sc that may need replacement.

Good luck

 

Depends on what you are looking for in the car. If you want an S, then for 8k you will need to find something in the 'higher' mileage.

I bought mine two years ago at 81k mikes for $9k. Since then I out in close to $7k in maintenance and modifications...so keep a good outlook of what this car can cost.

 

Actually you might find this site adictive....they should have patches available to ween you off the site. Nutters on here are Beaner, Dave O, Modfather, Crashton, Tummi Gummi, Gizmo , Nathan . If I missed any more nutters it's because on my second Dogfish head 90 minute IPA..Tis Friday! LOL

 

:wink::wink::wink: Yeah but you're on the Nutter List and I'm not, so......................:lol::lol::lol:

Jason

 

The only one I know is MCS. bought it for 4k 190k miles. Runs great not worried about the miles. Fun Fun to drive. Had a few problems but were not expensive to fix. Not planning on any Mods. ATI damper a mod?

 

you can't escape the nutters list Jason ...jason, eminiparts also meet the criteria for nutters!

 

Is that for the list of people you are bringing down to Costa Rica with you?

 

PLEASE....PLEASE...Do NOT buy a JUSTA and ask how to turn it into an S
If you want the supercharger or turbo then get an S....If you are not sure find a way to drive 1 of each...that will help you make up your mind.

 

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

 

Welcome to M/A!

 

Glad to see all the positive input on the r53 which I second btw

 

welcome to m/a

 

Welcome to M/A the FUN Mini site.

 

Look for a 2005 or 2006 MCS.

 

Fun? Si friendly? muy bien....Loco muchos! welcome to the best forum Mini car , maximum fun!