Mini R50 and R53: the buying guide

• ON SALE: from 2001 to 2006
• THEY HAVE MADE SOME: 800,000
• IT IS VALID TODAY: from 3,000 to 6,000 euros (Cooper), from 6,000 to 11,000 euros (Cooper S)

ALL TO DRIVE – When it arrived in 2001, this delightful three-door made its way into the hearts of many. There new Mini it reinterpreted the myth of the city car produced from 1959 until the dawn of the 2000s, inheriting its style and great agility but with fuel consumption, safety and comfort worthy of the new millennium (also because it is 57 cm longer). Produced in Oxford by BMW (owner of the Mini brand since 1994), thefirst series” is the progenitor of the current model family and, according to many, remains the one since more successful look. Do you want one? Know that, low as it is, with two comfortable seats plus two “makeshift” ones and a… “mini” trunk, it is certainly not a family car. But Driving it is a real pleasure, on all routes. There is a wide choice, including a diesel and convertibles with a canvas roof. The customizations they abound and there are many left around: finding the “right” specimen is not difficult. In any case, the versions that best embody the “spirit” of the model without costing too much are the Cooper and the Cooper S, whose 1.6, with good maintenance, last a long time.

SPORTS, CONVERTIBLE OR DIESEL? – Both launch versions of the Mini (defined by the house with the code R50) are powered by a 1.6 16-valve petrol engine, the result of a joint venture between Chrysler and Rover. The four-cylinder was offered in two power levels: 90 HP for the One (the company declared a “0-100” in 10.9 seconds and a top speed of 185 km/h) and 115 HP for the Cooper (1.7 seconds faster in the sprint, it was close to 200 per hour).

UPDATED IN 2004 – The fastest arrives in 2002 Cooper S (initialed R53): with a volumetric compressor the 1.6 touches the 163 HP (170 with the update at the end of 2004, when the self-locking differential arrived as an option). The restyling it also involves a more robust gearbox for the One and Cooper and, for all versions, slightly redesigned headlights and bumpers. There convertiblelaunched that same year, uses the engines of the sedan, except for the 1.4 turbodiesel (same as Toyota Yaris) introduced in 2003 with 75 HP (88 since 2005).

AN S MEANS SPRINT – The Mini Cooper S it’s a real “peperina”: above 3500 rpm, the 48 HP more than the Cooper can all be felt. And the changes in trajectory are lightning fast, so much so that the car is a little “nervous” on fast corners. We tested it by taking one to the Nürburgring (n. 10/2002), where we lapped in 9’44”8 at an average of 122.5 km/h. There are also cars with kit official John Cooper Works: 200 HP (later 211) with tuned head, injectors, different air filter and exhaust and remapped control unit. But the real “gem” is the 218 HP GP two-seater: built in 2000 pieces by Bertone, in Grugliasco (TO), it can be worth more than €30,000.

THE NECESSARY CHECKS

• The volumetric compressor of the S must neither leak oil nor make dragging noises. Overhauling it costs from 600 to 1,000 euros.
• Over 150,000 km, in the S it is advisable to change the i connecting rod bearings: they tend to wear out and the risk is of making the engine smoke. They cost little, around €120, but then there’s the labor.
• Is there a white “jelly” in the engine oil cap? Maybe it’s a leakage of liquid coolant from the thermostat or from the cracked head (in this case you have to find a used one and have it serviced: €2,000).
• Cars with loud aftermarket mufflers and “XL” tires must make you think of a I use a little too “sporty”, with the resulting wear and tear. And you risk not passing the mandatory inspection.

INI COOPER S: THE TECHNICAL DATA SHEET

BECAUSE YES

• Guide
  It’s very quick when changing trajectory, and there’s no lack of sprint. You can have fun even without “pulling her neck”.
• Line
  It pays homage to the classic model without lacking originality: the retro-design operation is a success.
• Quotes
  It remains a car that is still affordable for many, and it is quite reliable.

WHY NOT

• Habitability
  On paper it would be a four-seater, in reality it’s little more than a 2+2: it’s really tight in the back.
• Trunk
  It’s tiny: forget about going on holiday there, unless you recline the sofa (and even then there isn’t much space).
• Visibility
  The small windshield and massive pillars create large dark areas when cornering.