Welcome Sam, and sorry to hear about your misfortune.
I can't provide much information on which is the best MINI for racing mods, but it would probably depends on your intended use. If it's spec series type racing, then the newer the better. For other purposes(track days, dragstrip, autoX) the R53 supercharged minis have had the longest for aftermarket development and I believe offer the lightest starting point outside of a classic mini.
Good luck with the hunt, and again, welcome!
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I would get a S. The R50 is a great car but like Steve said the S has the power. I have a 2002 S (R53). Some would say the R53 is the cream of the crop.
I'm sure DaveO will back me up.
The R53, as far as power, is the easiest to mod. As Steve said the R50 and R53 are the same for handling.
What really makes a car fast is the driver. So take time to work on your driving skills no matter what you buy.
All Minis are great cars. Good luck finding another Mini
Of course the R53 is the pick of the litter! Sorry I can't help myself-
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6k for an R53 with a bad wheel bearing, and messed up seat...That seems like a good deal. Wheel bearings are relatively cheap to change, not sure on the seat depending what's broken. I would go for it if it were me, baring any other issues the seller might not have mentioned.
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Well it's a dealership who wants to get rid of it before it goes to auction so it's just good timing tbh. There master mechanic is suppose to look at it for us tomorrow so we have a good idea what we need to tackle first. What makes it a R53?? @jeffster06
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R53 is the BMW designation for a 2002-2006 Mini Cooper S. After that it was a R56.
It's all explained here:
R / F Code, What is it and What do they Signify - Library -
An 06 is pretty much the R53 to get as well, besides the GP I would definitely consider it of they're gonna have a tech look it over.
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Steve AdministratorStaff Member Articles Moderator
Her first post says the $6K deal is a "not s", so it's an R50.
Some of us love the R50, I'm still in love with mine and I've had it more than 11 years now. It's exactly as modifiable as the S in terms of suspension and handling, generally even uses the exact same parts, but if you want the added power from a supercharger or turbo you need to look elsewhere. -
Agreed, but my friends were advising me to get 2006 350z and they said it was because the motor was the best to modify... I couldn't imagine driving anything but a mini so that's why I thought I would get some more info on it. Tbh the search is long and tiering... Found 03 for 2950 but it just stopped working and I need a working car ASAP. Thanks for the help!
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Rawhyde Active Member
Like I said earlier, consider buying an inexpensive beater for transportation and spending the time to find the right MINI. I have a MINI that I am really proud of. It might not be up to the standards or tastes of our fellow forum mates, but the only thing I'd change about mine is I'd roll the miles back if I could.
I drive a Soulless honda civic daily. Trust me, a few weeks in that pile of garbage makes me really appreciate my MINI. -
For what its worth, I just recently sold a 2006 MCS JCW with 88,000 miles for just over 10k. It wasmy baby and a 6 speed. It needed nothing.