Mini R53 alternatives
Discussion
Hi guys!
I'm wondering if you guys know some alternatives to the mini r53. I am looking for a new car and I was really hyped about the R53 because you can get extra power out of the engine without doing big mods(220hp is reachable with another pulley,CAI,exhaust).
But after reading some reviews , it looks like the R53 is pretty unreliable.
I'm looking for a car where you can unleash some power for a small amount of money( Turbo-charged?)
budget(7000€)
Thanks in advance!
I'm wondering if you guys know some alternatives to the mini r53. I am looking for a new car and I was really hyped about the R53 because you can get extra power out of the engine without doing big mods(220hp is reachable with another pulley,CAI,exhaust).
But after reading some reviews , it looks like the R53 is pretty unreliable.
I'm looking for a car where you can unleash some power for a small amount of money( Turbo-charged?)
budget(7000€)
Thanks in advance!
ZX10R NIN said:
Why not get a Clio with 200bhp already an Exhaust/Air Filter & Remap will see you with nigh on 220bhp or go for a Focus ST or if you want to stay with smaller cars, then a Corsa VXR is well worth a look.
I was thinking about the VW golf GTI mk5 , but I don't really know how reliable that is. The Clio looks like a fun car , but the interior is just awfull.
Thanks for the reply!!
Just to add some input... I come from a long line of hot hatches! Currently driving an R53 and tbh, it's been the most reliable car I've owned. Had it coming up to 3 years now and in way of repairs all it's needed is a sticky throttle body sorting (£40) and a new battery. The car is on just over 110k too so I'm really impressed with it.
To be fair I have spent more on modifications than I did on the car, so components like brakes, suspension and tyres got changed anyway.
I'd say my previous car, Clio 182 was better out the box but the R53 once played around with is a hell of a lot of fun. I'd recommend one, but not if you need any boot space lol. I would add though, on the mods you mentioned you're more likely to hit around 200bhp... getting to 220bhp takes is to the next step really, which personally I'm not going to bother with.
To be fair I have spent more on modifications than I did on the car, so components like brakes, suspension and tyres got changed anyway.
I'd say my previous car, Clio 182 was better out the box but the R53 once played around with is a hell of a lot of fun. I'd recommend one, but not if you need any boot space lol. I would add though, on the mods you mentioned you're more likely to hit around 200bhp... getting to 220bhp takes is to the next step really, which personally I'm not going to bother with.
CrippsCorner said:
Just to add some input... I come from a long line of hot hatches! Currently driving an R53 and tbh, it's been the most reliable car I've owned. Had it coming up to 3 years now and in way of repairs all it's needed is a sticky throttle body sorting (£40) and a new battery. The car is on just over 110k too so I'm really impressed with it.
To be fair I have spent more on modifications than I did on the car, so components like brakes, suspension and tyres got changed anyway.
I'd say my previous car, Clio 182 was better out the box but the R53 once played around with is a hell of a lot of fun. I'd recommend one, but not if you need any boot space lol. I would add though, on the mods you mentioned you're more likely to hit around 200bhp... getting to 220bhp takes is to the next step really, which personally I'm not going to bother with.
Does it matter if it's the one after the facelift or not? Maybe those are the one to avoid then ? To be fair I have spent more on modifications than I did on the car, so components like brakes, suspension and tyres got changed anyway.
I'd say my previous car, Clio 182 was better out the box but the R53 once played around with is a hell of a lot of fun. I'd recommend one, but not if you need any boot space lol. I would add though, on the mods you mentioned you're more likely to hit around 200bhp... getting to 220bhp takes is to the next step really, which personally I'm not going to bother with.
Miniskillz81 said:
Would love one , the only problem is the price 
Can pick them up for around the price youre looking at.https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ford-fiesta-ST-3-1-6-ec...
thats just an example, not me selling it.
I just bought a 2002 r53 with 89k miles on for £1500. I did a bit of research before I bought but admittedly it wasnt my usual months as it was a car I had on my "maybe" list rather than hunting one down. It popped up, totally standard (for now), 3 owners FSH and was cheap, clean and tight enough when driven to merit a punt. I figure any early car issues will have been sorted after 16 years in the road.
From what I've read the issues don't seem to be that massive. The biggest problem seems to be that due to the engine bay being so tight they can be a bugger to work on and therefore labor costs can be high. Hoses, bushes and pipes perishing will be an issue for many now but all easy enough and from what I've seen parts are cheap relative to other cars I've owned.
While contemplating purchasing i watched loads of videos on YouTube and noticed loads of the cars on there were well over 100k with many approaching 200k.
Anyway. To answer your original question, how about an ep3 type R? Good fun and very reliable. Not very tunable though. The Mk5 golf gets a lot of praise but I think they are over priced here in the UK.
From what I've read the issues don't seem to be that massive. The biggest problem seems to be that due to the engine bay being so tight they can be a bugger to work on and therefore labor costs can be high. Hoses, bushes and pipes perishing will be an issue for many now but all easy enough and from what I've seen parts are cheap relative to other cars I've owned.
While contemplating purchasing i watched loads of videos on YouTube and noticed loads of the cars on there were well over 100k with many approaching 200k.
Anyway. To answer your original question, how about an ep3 type R? Good fun and very reliable. Not very tunable though. The Mk5 golf gets a lot of praise but I think they are over priced here in the UK.
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