My R53 was way too full of rattles and squeeks and was tired after 130,000. I got sick and tired of the a/c being weak and the constant attention it needed.

The car is sold and I am looking at a 2007 R56 or a 2007 Lexus IS 250. Both 6 speed cars and small and would both be loaded... I am so used to and like minis by now that the lexus isn't too appealing

I see lots of issues with the death rattle... the timing chain guides and chain stretching...

my R53 never had anything like that

what issues do I look for or need to know about for buying a used R56 with 60-90,000 miles?

I would be looking for a cooper S with leather, xenon healdmaps, harmon kardon audio, non nav with 17 inch wheels around the $10-11,000 mark price points

Also, what are some things you all don't like about your R56s if you have ever driven an R53?

I am hoping for less squeaks and rattles inside the R56
I am hoping for much better A/C
I am hoping for better response with the new engine and turbo versus the supercharger
I am hoping for better or equal braking power in the R56
I am hoping for better headlights in the R56
I am hoping for better sound quality from the H/K system in the R56 than my R53 H/K
I am hoping for a much more refined and smooth ride than my R53
I am hoping for the same gas millage... I got around 29-34 with my R53

Thank you for all your thoughts and opinions

 

Look for one that has had the time chain tensioner, chain, and guide rails changed already. (I would imagine most '07s have had it done by now as they all seem to rattle at some time). My'09 did and it was replaced under 30k miles. My '10 had the updated tenisoner put in at under 10k miles.

Rattles really just depend

Much better AC

Turboed engine will give you more torque and lower down.

Better brakes, regular R56 brakes are the JCW brakes of the R53

Halogen headlights suck, get xenons, they are good here

H/K is decent, not as good as aftermarket but without spending loads of cash it is better than the boost (can be slightly muddy in the middle, but play with the EQ to help it)

Much smoother ride, not as visceral or harsh but still fun.

You should be able to get the same mileage. I am surprised you get that much out of an R53, most people seem to get low 20s in city highly modded to upper 20s. You should see upper 20s (28+) to mid 30s.

Good luck in that price range though to find a good car without needing a tons of work. I tend to shy away from '07s just because of the first year of the 2nd gen car.