First time here. I am looking at buying a mini soon and am torn between the different generations, as well as hatch vs cabrio, base vs s.

Is the 2008 cabrio basically the same car as an r53 + the convertible? Is the interior and engine the same, and would I expect the same level of reliability as an r53 hatch? I'm considering an 08 cabrio, but am wondering if I should hold out for an 09 instead (esp for the 6speed). Any thoughts on which generation is more reliable would be appreciated!

 

R53 is the model designation for the supercharged 1st Gen Cooper S Hatchback.

R50 is the model designation for the normally aspirated 1st Gen Cooper Hatchback.

R52 is the model designation for both the 1st Gen Cooper S and Cooper Convertible.

1st Gen Hatchbacks were built through the end of November 2006. 1st Gen Convertibles were built through the end of July 2008. Parts were shared across both.

Advice on buying depends on which generation, model and transmission you're considering.

 

FYI for general knowledge. The R52 S is basically the R53 you were referring to. The last year the supercharger was used in the R53 was 2006 but the R52 continued to used it through 2008. I have a 2006 R52 s JCW and it has a 6 speed transmission so not sure what you were referring to with the 2009 reference.

 

Thanks. I meant is the 2008 cabrio (non S) the same as the r50 hatch? Does it have the same interior, engine, transmission, etc.

The 2009 model year is when the cabrio got the changes that the 2nd generation hatches got in 2007, correct?

 

Once you get out of the supercharged S models I'm not a good source of info

 

Advice overheard that makes real good sense: " The end of a production line is a better buy than the beginning of a new one." For the most trouble free engine and gear box look to a late model R52; i.e. '06 or '07. The W11 engine and the Getrag manual gear box are near bullet proof. The R52 justa comes with the 5 speed and the S, the 6 speed. The supercharger whine is addictive. Also, with the S you get the pop and burble without having to flip a stupid switch.

 

Yes to both questions.

If you're considering base (Cooper) Convertible models and want an automatic transmission, you only want to consider 2nd Gen (2009+) models.

 

Do you think the w11 engines and transmissions are more reliable than the w10s? I seem to hear that the S coopers are less reliable than the justas. At least that's what consumer reports tells me. If you have different insight let me know. There is an r53 cooper S and an r56 in my area that look interesting, but I've been a bit turned off by the negative press on the S models' reliability. Thoughts?

 

While I am all over the map on getting a justa/S and 1st/2nd gen hatch/cabrio, I am only considering manual transmissions.

 

Avoid any 2nd Gen (R56) Cooper S 2010 or older model ... it will have the N14 engine which had lots of problems.

 

Good to know! Is the N12 engine + trans good?

 

Put no faith in consumer reports. They are based solely on opinion, much like the advice rendered in ANY car forum. As I stated earlier, the late Gen 1 W11 and the Getrag gear box are trouble and complaint free. about the only complaints you'll stumble across are from those who neglected, abused or 'fiddled' with them. That's not to say attachments like O sensors, thermostat housing and such don't fail, they do but that will occur regardless of who built the thing in the first place.

 

Avoid the R52 with the automatic trans...it's a CVT.

 

+1

 

A clarification of the subject perhaps as gleened from MINI2.com:

http://www.mini2.com/forum/archive/i.../t-263034.html

 

Hey folks, the OP already said he is only considering manual transmission.

It's had a good record, and the N12 has a lot more low end torque than the W11.

I wouldn't go that far. Mine was good for 75K miles, then things started going to hell.

 

Puts a modicum of faith in the product based on the industry acceptance worldwide and may lend creedence to the operative word NEAR when coupled with the term bulletproof: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Getrag

 

Anecdotal evidence creates ripples in the discussion for sure. Exceptions abound, the local conditions and application being the main factor. Mine is closing in on 100K and going strong. The point to my comment is that overall, the W11 and Getrag gear box, as compared to their replacements have a much stronger track record, the N14 as an example of what not to select. The later N series engines have certainly been improved upon but of them all, when considering a used MINI, the more reliable drive train should be considered.

 

Thanks. Yes, any advice on which engines were the most reliable would be helpful.

I'm currently thinking about either a Gen 2 Hatch base (N12) or there is also a couple convertibles (07 base and 08 Sidewalk S) that are for sale. Sounds like I should stay away from the Gen 2 "S" until 2011. How are the 05-06 base hatches (w10)?

 

Gen1 base is fine with a stick...has a getrag 5 speed....better than the old Midlands 5 speed that was in pre 2005 cars...

 

+1

If you're looking for an expert on the Gen 1...listen to ZippyNH!

 

+2

 

Midland 5 speed is trouble pre 7/2004. Getrag 5 speed is fine. 7/2004+.

Don't get the R52 Cooper ( non S ) automatic cvt , it will have issues in the long run.

Good luck.