Definitely cool they have depreciated enough to give an enthusiast a fun car for cheap. I picked up my 05 92k mile car with only one owner, no mods and clean title for $3800. So far I’ve been pretty happy with the purchase. Just did a 15% pulley on it and a header and I’m happy I did.

Top tip: Buy a late R53 JCW. They are going to go up and up in price as are rare and considered by many as the last true 'mini'

I'd go with that. I've only done the pully and intake and mine does 140 no probs. Youd be suprised what it keeps up with . 330 beemers etc ain't getting away from you . And they sound mega. Everyone should own a mini at some point. The r53 is the ultimate drivers car from mini for sure. They are pretty raw and they just make you feel.like driving. Love mine I payed 1500 for it 2 years ago, 03 plate. Not had 1 problem with it. Body work isnt the best little bit of rust on thr bottom of the passenger door and laquers gone on a bit of thr rear panel, cant notice when its waxed . We bought ours as a cheap tun about while a nightmare new car wed bought was being sorted( delivered with the engine light on ds3 thp) ended up ditching the new car and keeping the mini . I'm 6ft and there is loads of room with thr seat down. They are not that small

Good work boy's. I run one of these.....they get under your skin.....and beg to be spent on. I've breathed onmine with just about every option before opening up the engine to change cams and heads and at between 200 and 220 brake which I estimate it's running I'd say that's all the power you need.....with a few suspension upgrades and brakes too they will embarrass the big boys all day long.....and flatter you. Good upload

I have a r53. Owned it for about 2 years I’d say. Although they are fun to drive mods are quite expensive depending on what you want to do. And also when something breaks or goes wrong which it most defiantly will. be prepared to bend over and get fkd. Depending on the condition of these on auto trader from what I’ve seen minimum for a decent one with decent miles is 2 ish k. I paid just under 2500 for mine so the market hasn’t declined that badly. But I have probably spent more on maintenance and mods then it’s worth 😂😂. Looking for something new and different but every time I look I just can’t part with it

I'm 6'6 and fit in my r53 fine. No one is getting in the back seat behind me though!

Looks like you used your shirt to make the handbrake and gear lever gators.

I’m 6ft 2” and I genuinely have no problem with space in my r53, obviously I’m not getting anyone behind me, but, in the drivers seat I’ve found no issue.

Top tip. JCW brakes on R53 are standard cooper s brakes on the R56 :)

Cooper S and a T4 , same.as me!

In the year since this was filmed, they’ve started to go up. The facelift r53 2005-2006 is the one to go for. For a fully loaded with options and about 80k on the clock for a Cooper S, you’re now looking at about £3,600 - £4,000. I bought a very rare auto, 2006 model, with every factory option inc. chrono, telephone, climate control, heated full leather Recaro seats, etc etc for £2,800 nine months ago with full service history. At a Waitrose car park, some fellow petrolhead parked next to me and after talking cars for about 15mins offered me £4,000 on the spot. I turned him down. If you want the JCW version, they’re now about £5,500.

What the hell is this bloody top gear goes vegan 😂

Driving through Sawley there I see? 😂👍🏻

Just took mine around brands hatch and I can confirm They are fucking brilliant buy one

my country still cost 9000USD

Droning sound huh? Try and 1.8 honda civic with a free flow exhaust... I wake up not only my neighbors right next to me... but the neighbors 5 miles away (8.04672km)... xD lol

He sounds like he hating on your car

Elon musk with long hair lol

Your quite awkward

That girl sounds like a boy, weird