thinking of buying jcw r53 facelift

[oldmanspeed]

are there any known issues with these cars that i should look for,also when do the belts need changing
How would it compare as a drivers car compared to my last car a clio trophy
any buying advice much appreiciated
Thanks

[ollieworks]

Earlier models have problems with power steering pumps and steering problems, but these problem areas got fixed in facelift models. I test drove a couple of Clios Before i bought my R53 JCW and IMO the mini is in a different league

[oldmanspeed]

Thanks for the reply ollieworks,when you say its in a differant league was it a trophy that you drove ? The quality of the mini should be far superior but is it a better drive? What is the best forum for the bmw mini?

[Chr1sch]

The clio is more supple, the mini is as hard as anything but more go kart like if that makes sense. Somehow french hot hatches manage to be soft and comfy yet handly very well, the mini is more hardcore in a sense (I have only been in an original 172)

Go and give one a test drive, i dont think it will be any quicker than the clio but damn good fun and the noise etc is so addictive!

[Hartge210]

oldmanspeed said:

Thanks for the reply ollieworks,when you say its in a differant league was it a trophy that you drove ? The quality of the mini should be far superior but is it a better drive? What is the best forum for the bmw mini?

For general info try www.totalmini.com

For great tech & tuning try www.minitorque.com

There are quite a few local mini forums as well, were are you based?

[oldmanspeed]

I am In essex, can't find many for sale within a reasonable distance i would be looking at buying a late 04 or an 05 with 40,000 or less miles hopefully,