Most liked posts in thread: Thinking about buying a 03-05 cooper s

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

1st Generation MINIs are the best, I'm not biased....much

The best of the lot are the 05-06 Hardtops. By then pretty much all the weird stuff had been sorted. If you can find one that's not been modded that would be your best bet.

 

You'll have some repairs and maintenances to do, but it'll be worth it.

 

I am partial to the 05 hardtops - never a dull moment in the garage, always the need for more special tools and definitely a great platform to spend endless money on modifications and then, when you think you got it all sorted, you get a second one...


Minis in grayscake

 

I'll go along with the 05/06 5 series. EXCEPT get a R52 convertible...twice the fun. Oh, and the fastest color is Chili Red. AND welcome to the modness...

 

Any pics of your EP3? They seem to be available at prices that make them interesting as a dedicated auto-x toy.

 

Condition, condition, condition !! Make sure you are aware of the differences between years what maintenance might be needed and then go look, sit in, and test drive. I'm partial to first generation cars but you may enjoy some other model. Good luck in your adventure and watch out for mod bug. :biggrin5:

 

05-06 MCS hands down the best looking modern MINI made.

 

I have had a 2003 and a 2006. As others have said, if possible, go with 2005 or 2006.
Here is a buyers guide link:
MINI R5/R53 Buyers Guide - MotoringFile
Mini's have their share of common minor problems.

 

Almost forgot ... Welcome to Motoring Alliance the onlyest MINI forum you'll ever need !!

 

You are absolutely right Dave...EXCEPT the R52 offers twice the fun.

 

Not on the track...Unless you fully cage it and stroke it, add BVH, buy a donor car, rebuild it, wreck it and rebuild it again.

 

Welcome to M/A!

 

I have a Gen2. And wish I still had my Gen 1