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I’ve had my R53 S for 16 years and I still grin every time I get behind the wheel 👍😊❤️

I'm actually starting to appreciate how amazing the original NEW Mini is. It's a classic in its own right

I used to think they were just style over substance, until I drove one. I bought it 10 minutes later and I’ve had it 7 years now. Perfect driver’s car.

6 speed in 2003, was very advanced.

You are a really good motoring journalist.
Top Gear, and the wonderfulness of the trio being the pinnacle of car sh*t, never to be replicated, you do a fine job.
Please keep it up.

I freaking love mine for all the reasons you mention, it really is a stunning achievement in aesthetic and technical design, and just try not to smile as the supercharger spins up, I bet you can't

mini won the 2004 car of the year award in Detroit, thats when I ordered mine. I own my R53 since then until now. Since I retired 10 years ago, Im able to perform most repairs on my mini. The last repair was a new clutch, but I have dealt with everything from car door latch to harmonic dumpler to calipers and everything in between. I love the ride so much more now. Thank you so much for sharing the history/background of legendary Mini Cooper S!

Gearbox is one of the best things in that car. I love the gearbox.

Every friend of mine who had sold their 1st gen new MINI, was looking for another one shortly after. This thing is pure gold! Unbeatable in terms of fun/TCO ratio.

I bought my R53 new in 2004, and paid MSRP after a 10 month wait for delivery.
The handling feels neutral until you reach the limit of adhesion, when it will gently under-steer. It spins a front tyre too easily in first gear.
The seats are for XXL people. It averages 26 miles per USgal.
There are just no new small desirable hatchbacks sold here in the US. After 18 years, this is still the best car for me. I love it!

That review deserves a like and a sub! Proud owner of an ‘04 R53. Gem of a car, and some thoughtful predictive maintenance will keep it running happily and you smiling all the way. Can absolutely see the value for good examples increasing in future.

I owed an R50 for 3 years when the model came out.  That car was a revelation.  Sadly missed.

I've got an R53 JCW210... there's nothing wrong with the throttle in it. 😉

Great video. You captured the essence of these great cars. Your right, these seem to look better each year and are aging brilliantly.

They will be a future classic for certain. These are already going up in value. My wife bought her 2006 R52 (convertible S) as an ex factory/staff car, at 6 months old, 5000 miles. 18 years and 116,000 miles later we still have it and its been brilliant. Most reliable car we have ever had. I serviced the supercharger last year, and gave it a good paint and tidy up underneath, and until then had only ever had normal servicing.

Sometimes we think about having a change, then we look at it, drive it, smile  and change our mind again (like today a trip down lots of motorbike roads, top down, end up in  a pub. Sit in the beer garden and look at it.

My wife drives there and me back, you know the rules, to a happy wife,,,,,,) And she drives it harder than me. And has the points to prove it

To many Americans of Ed’s age this is a mini; they are blown away when they see an example of the original and how tiny they really are. I used to compete in autocross with my MG, and there were always a few minis there. With wide slicks and a few suspension mods they would lift three wheels and turn on the outside front tire! Always a blast to watch.

Great video. Very well presented. I bought one of the very first R53 Cooper S models sold in the United States more than 20 years ago and I still love it. It continues to make me happy every time I drive it.

The last British engineered true MINI supervised by BMW but all british 🇬🇧
What a joy to own and drive!

Absolutely phenomenal video. Makes me love my R53 even more.

Will never give up my r53! The best car for having fun ever created!