[Chalky13]

Time has come for a car to go, decision is which one.

The R53 has just had a new clutch fitted, R50 a new subframe, bushes and thicker rear anti roll bar and bushes. Several £100’s on each as a result, so deciding whether it’s better to keep the R53, higher mileage and more bhp and smiles for the noise. Exhaust is annoying. Xenon headlights though, New MOT on it

R50 handles great now, Milltek exhaust sounds spot on. Leather seats. 6 months MOT

Longer term, is one better to keep over the other ?
Any advice or pointers, gratefully received

 

[Chalky13]

 

[big jim]

I feel your pain, yet again I can’t decide whether to get rid of the R53 as it’s just not used but needs no work other than the janspeed putting bakcnin and I’m loving the R56 looks and fuel economy but I know it’s going to need a new clutch and flywheel soon!

the way things are going fuel wise I’d say you should keep the R50 for the economy but my heart says the R53 is much more fun if you can stomach the cost of filling it!

 

[Chalky13]

That’s what I’m thinking …

 

[KeithyCoop]

No contest, bye bye R50.

 

[big jim]

Lose the sad eyes though!

 

[Chalky13]

Yeah, will whip them off 😂

 

[big jim]

It almost looks like it’s trying to give you ‘sad puppy eyes’ to convince you to keep it!

 

[Chalky13]

😂 I do love it though, had it 5 years now and it’s a great little car

 

[NigelStap]

Keep the R53

 

[Alski]

I know someone with a mk 2 cayman a van and R50 cooper as a daily for last 12 years

 

[Chalky13]

On a financial basis or fun factor to keep the R53 though?
Which will hold its price better in 5-10

 

[Chalky13]

As an aside, whichever one we keep, mileage is only looking at around 150 miles a month

 

[Mysticarl]

I'd keep the R53, you can't beat the whiiiiine. Not much milage and petrol will drop again in a few months anyway (I'm sure that will age well )

 

[Chalky13]

Could keep the R53, take the Milltek off the R50, get a replacement blue R50 bumper and go that route to eliminate the Malian back end on the R53 🤔

 

[NigelStap]

The R53 will hold better value and be more sought after. It also has the aero kit that makes it more desirable too.

 

[Chalky13]

Cool thank you
Looking on the Trader site, looks like R50 could fetch £1500-1800 based on what’s for sale

would take £1500 to get rid I guess

 

[NigelStap]

Put it up for £2000 and see what offers you get.

The price for R53's varies. Not always based on quality either.

A lot of sellers use the BS line of "investment" and "prices going up".

 

[Red Bull]

I would keep the R53 and, if you do your own work and have the time, swap the good stuff from the R50 onto the R53 like the sway bar, maybe the front subframe, plus anything else that would upgrade the R53. Not positive if the subframe would have any fitment issues between the two, but I’m sure someone on the forum would know the answer. Also, not sure if the UK cars have a passenger occupancy sensor, but but you might be able to swap the seats too.

 

[TommOx]

Keep the R53 and if your not in to much of a hurry ask for a big price on the R50, on the basis you can always come down. You only need one buyer.
It really is a head and heart thing though.
Good luck, mate.
Tommo.