Buying an r56

[darren9]

Hi. Former owner of an r53 mini here.

I changed the mini for a vw polo gti and massively regret it. I'm looking at potentially getting an r56 (that is the turbo'd next gen from the r53 isn't it?)

I've read about the timing chain and the coking issue. Are they as common as the Internet suggests?
What else should I look for?

How do they compare daily from the r53? Are they as much fun?

Thanks.

[darren9]

Budget (about 5.5-6k) puts us firmly in early r56 territory.

[darren9]

That would be of interest. Unfortunately I'm looking at something at a dealer so they can take the polo as p/x.

I've seen a couple of electric blue ones with white roof/stripes and wheels. The Mrs likes that colour combo so might go looking on my next days off.