R53 MINI: Why don't I want one?

In reply to Aspen:

Yeah... I'll sadly admit the 'verts rattle more, although it's still a pretty stiff chassis; you can lift up the side of the car via the front jacking point and the doors still open/close fine.

I'd give a lot to have back the '07 Cooper 'vert we had. I really miss that car.

The ex-g/f's '03 MCS has FSD's and 16" non-runflats. While no luxury car by any measure, the ride did improve quite a bit. The OE springs are stiff enough that aftermarket springs are pretty much an appearance mod.

I've still got my '06 I'll sell you! No sunroof, 6-speed, etc.

Actually, I've had none of the problems listed here after 2 years and 26k miles. I'm now at 97k. It only has one squeak in the dash, and other than that, it's very quiet. In fact, compared to the 370, it's like driving a bank vault.

I should note that mine is 100% stock too, and I think that makes a difference in few failure areas. Personally, I like it. I may end up keeping it, who knows.

If you weren't 3000 miles away, I'd take you up on it. Shipping cars is expensive...

So the past two days I have been looking at MINIs........

I k ow the 2005 they fixed many of the issues yet I figure out how much they changed or when you replace a know bad part, like PS does fix get rid of the older design flaw. Thoughts?

Sultan wrote: So the past two days I have been looking at MINIs........ I k ow the 2005 they fixed many of the issues yet I figure out how much they changed or when you replace a know bad part, like PS does fix get rid of the older design flaw. Thoughts?

Not sure exactly what your are asking, but maybe this will help...in 2005 they began including the P/S fan guard from the factory to prevent the debris-induced failures, but if you go buy a pump for your 2003 it won't have the guard, unless you buy it separately (separate part). In 2005 they went to the three-piece dash which cured most of the rattles and squeaks, but you're probably not ever going to find a 2003 with that dash retrofitted (if that is even possible).

These cars are very similar to the Audi TT and Porsche Boxster, in that the first generation was introduced with piss-poor build quality that was vastly improved upon by the end of the model run. An 05-06 car is virtually incomparable to an 02.

SD, Yap my question was poorly worded yet you answered it.

Thx

Maroon92 did you decide to get one?

Sultan wrote: Maroon92 did you decide to get one?

Not yet. It's too dark after work for me to feel comfortable looking at cars (one rule of car shopping, and bar hopping, they always look better in the dark...), and I was at Thunderhill all weekend, so I didn't get a chance. I'll find one or two to look at this weekend, and see what they'll give me on trade in.

It's nice to be in a position to not "need" a new car. If I don't like their offer, I can just walk. Not in a hurry. We'll see how things go.

I think I headed down this path yet I will need sell my Miata that I have had for years......might be worth it. Thanks for starting this thread.

I waffle back and forth all the time. But something I saw the other day is swaying me back to the "want" side: Search YouTube for "2004 MINI Cooper S Rally Car". You should find a British tv show from '04 that's about 45 min long and documents the buying and building of a then-new R53 for stage rally competition.

Ian F wrote: I waffle back and forth all the time. But something I saw the other day is swaying me back to the "want" side: Search YouTube for "2004 MINI Cooper S Rally Car". You should find a British tv show from '04 that's about 45 min long and documents the buying and building of a then-new R53 for stage rally competition.

I know that clip. Do want.

Do you have a link to the clip? I have searched You Tube and no luck.....

In reply to Sultan:

It was posted in a MINI group on FB last night. I'll copy it here when I get home tonight.

MINI group? FB? I must find this!

Thanks!

In reply to Sultan:

There are a few. This particular one is called "The League of Extraordinary Miniacs" or something like that.

I am looking at 2004 S tomorrow

Sultan wrote: I am looking at 2004 S tomorrow

Be warned the 2005 and 2006 are much improved for reliability.

In reply to Sultan:

Good luck. Quick things to look for:

Tower mushrooming - the three nuts holding the strut mounts on should be in the same "plane" and not splayed outwards. It's actually pretty easy to DIY fix, but it can be used to negotiate the price down.

Front LCA bushings - If the OEM type is installed, they are likely shot since they only last a few thousand miles before puking out their oil. The R&R is a bit more involved, but still a DIY project for the adventurous.

Oil on the back of the engine may or may not mean a leak. It is VERY easy to eff-up reinstalling the filter cap. There is an off-set spring that makes it easy to cross-thread. You think it's tightened down, when it's not even close. They you start up the engine and oil goes everywhere. The limited access to see what you're doing adds to the fun. I use and inspection mirror to double check the cap is threading on correctly.

And I agree... I'd pay a premium for a 05-06 car vs an 04 if the car is intended for regular use. They just made a bunch of little tweaks for '05.

Thanks for the input!! So I got a call from the dealer. They couldn't get the car started so I went anyway thinking maybe I could get it for a lower price. Yet the bubbling rust on the back hatch ended the conversation. I can say just sitting in the car they felt very tank.

The car guy is going to look for one for me. Not sure it will be worth having him in the loop....

So I drove one yesterday. Currently I drive a 90 Miata which flex so much that it feels like a floppy shoe. The R53 feels like a tank. Not that it is heavy it just so rigid.

I am moving forward to getting one. Sadly my dear Miata will have to after 8 years together. Breaking is hard to do:-)