R53 vs R56

[joekey1441]

Im 21 looking to buy a "new" mini cooper s. I'm not really sure whether to save my a a few grand (4-5K) and get an R53 or to spend a couple of grand more (7-8K) and get the R56.

which has the better engine a) for performance on a daily basis and b) reliability.

As i'm only 21, i dont want to fork loads on repairs regularly.

In your opinions, what are the pros and cons of both, and which do you reckon I should buy.

I have test driven both but can decide if i prefer the supercharged engine or the turbo'd.


thanks in advance.

[joekey1441]

cheers Steve.

What options would you choose if you dont mind?

the thing that is really swinging it towards the R53 is the noise! haha

[joekey1441]

Cheers all.

I'm not concerned about MPG. But in terms of reliability, which is better? What do I need to look out for in an R53?

[joekey1441]

That's an excellent reply! Thanks for that. Everything I think I wanted/needed to know.
So it appears to me that all in all the R53 is the better option? And perhaps the better driving car.

Really appreciate all the responses.