@@Motorflix Engine wise I kinda think that engine is as bulletproof as anything you can buy. I had one about 15 years ago that used to burn a fair amount of oil but I think they all do that AFAIK. I'd be more concerned about poorly repaired bodywork and previous crash damage than anything else.
The Audi TT is worth a look for the money . I’ve got both . I like them both for different reasons . The Mini is much more fun and feels faster to drive , despite having less power .
I bought mine new in 2003. I’ve had two coolant header tanks (the OEM ones split on the central join) replaced now with aftermarket aluminium tank. Headlining glue recently gave up (it was like a deflated airbag hanging from the roof), easily fixed. Aircon needs a recharge. Electric windows are occasionally a bit sticky, a good thump near the door speaker fixes the problem. It was recently sitting for 8 weeks, undercover but no trickle charge or anything; started first go! Brilliant little car, I still love it.
I love my r53 over my r56 but I would never get rid of any of them I love them, I’m actually looking for a classic mini to buy maybe 64-70 is what I’m looking for
This is one of several classic cars from the early millennium that are cast iron future classics and will never be cheaper !! I l love them. Audi TT mk1 and bmw e46 could are two others.
I just bought one same "Electric Blue" color as yours from "Unique Classic Cars" of Mankato, Minnesota with just over 15,000 miles on it. I paid quite a bit more for it than £2000 so I'm hoping I found a jewel.
Just bought 2007 Mini Cooper Convertible Sidewalk with under 40,000 miles. As a driver used to 3 litre plus sports I am over the moon and sending links from Autotrader to all and sundry - everyone should have one!! The Sidewalk and Highgate have beautiful leather interiors. I have auto but it is still great. Agree with everything you say - I could collect them like Smarties!! PS added Bluetooth Sony unit at H......ds for around £100 - I have to have MUSIC loud wiv roof down!
I bought a r53 about 3 months ago I only paid £1825 for it, but after a few weeks it started to overheat! My local garage said that head gasket has blown and the cylinder head will probably be cracked! They said that most of the time they did one, it's cracked and it will cost more than I paid for it! Anyway I wasn't convinced, no symptoms of blown head gasket, so I took it to a mini specialist, it ended up being the water pump and leaking radiator!£670 So it's definitely worth taking it to the people who only repair minis as they are a very complex little car.
You bought it for $2000 with 112k miles on it. Its time for a clutch, supercharger service, Bushings, etc. All the major services. So what youve done is bought a $2500 service..... But it will reward you with smiles and smiles and smiles if youre strong enough to put in the time!!!
@@Motorflix MINIs are expensive to maintain and to fix. So, when an owner doesn't want to put no more money in it, he tries to sell it. The new owner thought he made a good bargain until he finds out how much it costs to repair all the remaining repairs that all previous owners tried to flip to the next owner. So, a R53 under £2000 means there are a ton of repairs that need to be done and all previous owners tried to flip it to the next owner.
Do you think there is anything else out there that is as fun for the money?
If your lucky you may pick up a rough EP3 Type R. They seem to have spiralled in price recently though so its hoit and miss.
Agreed!! That engine is a peach, but imagine how many limiter strikes a rough one would have 😂😂😂
@@Motorflix Engine wise I kinda think that engine is as bulletproof as anything you can buy. I had one about 15 years ago that used to burn a fair amount of oil but I think they all do that AFAIK. I'd be more concerned about poorly repaired bodywork and previous crash damage than anything else.
The Audi TT is worth a look for the money . I’ve got both . I like them both for different reasons . The Mini is much more fun and feels faster to drive , despite having less power .
Clio 172
The Cooper S’s are class little go karts and well worth the money
Dude my 2003 r53 is an amazing little ride. Ive had two r53’s, r56, r57, 2 e36 M3 s50b30 & E39 M5. R53 has been one that has stuck around
Glad you are still enjoying it. Great little car!
I bought mine new in 2003. I’ve had two coolant header tanks (the OEM ones split on the central join) replaced now with aftermarket aluminium tank. Headlining glue recently gave up (it was like a deflated airbag hanging from the roof), easily fixed. Aircon needs a recharge. Electric windows are occasionally a bit sticky, a good thump near the door speaker fixes the problem. It was recently sitting for 8 weeks, undercover but no trickle charge or anything; started first go! Brilliant little car, I still love it.
Thanks for the comment. Glad you love yours. 👌🏻
I love my r53 over my r56 but I would never get rid of any of them I love them, I’m actually looking for a classic mini to buy maybe 64-70 is what I’m looking for
This is one of several classic cars from the early millennium that are cast iron future classics and will never be cheaper !! I l love them. Audi TT mk1 and bmw e46 could are two others.
I just bought one same "Electric Blue" color as yours from "Unique Classic Cars" of Mankato, Minnesota with just over 15,000 miles on it. I paid quite a bit more for it than £2000 so I'm hoping I found a jewel.
Just bought 2007 Mini Cooper Convertible Sidewalk with under 40,000 miles. As a driver used to 3 litre plus sports I am over the moon and sending links from Autotrader to all and sundry - everyone should have one!! The Sidewalk and Highgate have beautiful leather interiors. I have auto but it is still great. Agree with everything you say - I could collect them like Smarties!! PS added Bluetooth Sony unit at H......ds for around £100 - I have to have MUSIC loud wiv roof down!
I bought a r53 about 3 months ago I only paid £1825 for it, but after a few weeks it started to overheat! My local garage said that head gasket has blown and the cylinder head will probably be cracked! They said that most of the time they did one, it's cracked and it will cost more than I paid for it! Anyway I wasn't convinced, no symptoms of blown head gasket, so I took it to a mini specialist, it ended up being the water pump and leaking radiator!£670 So it's definitely worth taking it to the people who only repair minis as they are a very complex little car.
Great video. Would love some more defender content
Thanks! Will do when I can. 👍🏻
the gearbox change can be stiff and the gearbox oil top up should solve the issue.
Bluetooth can be added if you have a aux on your stereo you just need to buy a Bluetooth jack plug and walls you have Bluetooth
Good to know thanks. 👍🏻
You bought it for $2000 with 112k miles on it. Its time for a clutch, supercharger service, Bushings, etc. All the major services. So what youve done is bought a $2500 service..... But it will reward you with smiles and smiles and smiles if youre strong enough to put in the time!!!
I both it for £2000, did a few 1000 miles in it and then sold it for exactly the same. So cost me nothing to own. 😀
Good video. Subscribed. 👍
Awesome, thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!
R53 is a great car, but anything under 2k will need work , possibly lots of it.
Agreed.
There is a reason why you can find a R53 under £2000. lol
Enlighten me? 🤔
@@Motorflix MINIs are expensive to maintain and to fix. So, when an owner doesn't want to put no more money in it, he tries to sell it. The new owner thought he made a good bargain until he finds out how much it costs to repair all the remaining repairs that all previous owners tried to flip to the next owner. So, a R53 under £2000 means there are a ton of repairs that need to be done and all previous owners tried to flip it to the next owner.