Which Mini Year Should I buy?
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Joined: Oct 2010
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From: Arizona
Which Mini Year Should I buy?
Hello Mini Lovers,
I am a Mini virgin. I'd like to buy a used Mini as my second car-- something fun to zip around in (currently have a Benz G500). I know I want the Cooper S model for the horsepower, but not sure whether I should by the first gen (2002-2006) or the 2007-2008 models.
I've joined the forums so you, the experts can help me out.
Thanks in advance,
Jacqui
I am a Mini virgin. I'd like to buy a used Mini as my second car-- something fun to zip around in (currently have a Benz G500). I know I want the Cooper S model for the horsepower, but not sure whether I should by the first gen (2002-2006) or the 2007-2008 models.
I've joined the forums so you, the experts can help me out.
Thanks in advance,
Jacqui
6th Gear
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,486
Likes: 7
From: Orcutt, CA
The first and second generation cars each have their own look and feel so I suggest you drive at least one of each generation to decide what you like best.
If leaning towards Gen1, I would suggest 2005 or 2006 because of the improvements made over the earlier years.
If leaning towards Gen2, I would stay away from 2007 because it had it's share of first year problems.
If leaning towards Gen1, I would suggest 2005 or 2006 because of the improvements made over the earlier years.
If leaning towards Gen2, I would stay away from 2007 because it had it's share of first year problems.
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,384
Likes: 0
From: LI, NY
Also, there are tons of threads on this very subject that could take you days to read, but quik's advice is good - check out both for yourself to determine which iteration you like better.
Ignore everything else.
Ignore everything else.
5th Gear
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,062
Likes: 43
From: Tampa Bay, FL
Hi Jacquie!
I'll echo what quick & EVZ said: you gotta drive one of each & decide which you like better. First gen S's are supercharged, second gen have a turbo. The first gen is a bit more raw, I guess I'd call it more of a driver's car, closer to sports car feel. Not knocking the second gen's at all - just sayin'. Quik gave a good summary of the year(s) in each gen to look at or for.
A second gen car would probably have some warranty left, but I got my R53 first gen recently & had a PPI done by a reputable MINI mechanic, leaving me zero doubts about the mechanical integrity of my car. Either would be a very good choice, just comes down to your individual preferences in the end.
Good luck & let us know how it goes!
I'll echo what quick & EVZ said: you gotta drive one of each & decide which you like better. First gen S's are supercharged, second gen have a turbo. The first gen is a bit more raw, I guess I'd call it more of a driver's car, closer to sports car feel. Not knocking the second gen's at all - just sayin'.
Quik gave a good summary of the year(s) in each gen to look at or for. A second gen car would probably have some warranty left, but I got my R53 first gen recently & had a PPI done by a reputable MINI mechanic, leaving me zero doubts about the mechanical integrity of my car. Either would be a very good choice, just comes down to your individual preferences in the end.
Good luck & let us know how it goes!
I ran across a Gen1 MCS (my fav) at the shop that maintains my '02 MCS the other day. I couldn't believe this car's condition. It's an 2004 with only 29,000 miles. It looks perfect inside and out. I think the asking price is reasonable considering the impeccable condition of this car. Check it out here: http://bit.ly/cJVxEg
Last edited by MCSfanboy; Oct 7, 2010 at 09:45 PM. Reason: Link didn't work
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