For the time being I might be considered a voyeur. I am looking at the possibility of being retired next month. I will lose my company car and am looking at transportation. Thus I am considering a used MINI Cooper S. At what point did the suoercharger get replaced bu the turbocharger ?

 

Welcome to NAM & the world of MINIs. The supercharger was found on S's through '06 (R53). Any S '07 & newer is turbocharged.

 

Thanks for the reply. Is there a concensus on desirability of either ? (super/Turbo)

 

To that specific question I think it's all a matter of preference. The supercharger has a fantastic whine when it kicks in, some think the turbo pulls a little harder. I've driven both - albeit my time in a turbo was on two different test drives of '10 models. My advice would be to drive one of each to determine which one you like best.

I think general consensus is that the R53 (1st gen supercharged S) is a bit more raw, w/more of a sports car feel, a real "driver's car". There are some differences in ride & interior styling, which again kinda comes down to personal preference.

Finally, if you find an '07, odds are it may have some factory warranty left, but as the first year of a new gen, '07's have a few issues that latter models may not. If you like turbos you might be better looking at '08 & up.

Either way you go, as long as you get what you want, it's a MINI, so you can't go too wrong.

HTH some

 

fridayxiii Great Post!

 

Except for the convertible "S" built thru July 08', which are basically the R53's with no top .

 

Thanx! *bowing*

D'oh! Thanks for setting me straight there

Oh yeah, as for my personal preference, after driving both, you can see which direction I went
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Thank ya'll for the help.

 

Welcome to the forum, SC ro TC it's up to you, either way it will be a lot of fun.

 

Thanks for the welcome.

Based on some of the items I've read, I'm beginning to be concerned about some reliability factors, especially electric issues; switches, etc.

Would you have any comments on that ?