I'm almost ready to take the dive and buy my 1st mini, a 2006 S convertible. I have been considering buying a new one, but this one has only 37k miles and seems like it has all the features I want (including cold package), and a good price. Seems to be in good shape. A nice toy for this mid-50s new grandpa!

Here's my question:

What are the main changes in the car between the 2006 and the current 2011/2012 models? From what I’m gathering, the engine is still pretty much the same, the interior is almost identical, with the main changes the new display screens and web and navigation “toys”, and a few styling changes. No “major” changes, unless I’m missing something?

 

Huge differences!
The engine changed totally. The older 2006 engine sounds nicer with supercharger but the newer engines have better economy.
Lots of other differences, headlights, rear window size, interior dash - even bigger speedometer in the new model ... the list is huge

 

Ah, but $17k versus $30k - me thinks $17k makes sense in case I really don't like the new lifestyle. If I do, well, a new one could come later...!

 

The $$ difference is so true, but you should take a test drive in a Gen 2 MINI. They drive differently. You'll know when you've found your car!

 

I'd go with the '06. Have it checked out by a MINI tech, of course, but they Gen 1 seem to have less overall reliability issues.

 

So, when did "Gen 1" morph to "Gen 2"?

BTW - the used one I'm looking at is at my local MINI dealer, so I'm assuming they've vetted it pretty good.

 

2006 was the last year of Gen 1 (and the supercharger.) and 2007 and up is Gen 2 and turbocharged.

There are fans in both camps, but the cars drive differently. The Gen 1 cars are a little more rough around the edges while the Gen 2 are a little more refined.

 

I believe the exception is the convertible. The 'vert still used the old engine and probably everything else for one more year, so an '07 vert would still be 1st-gen.

 

Actually the 2008 convertible is the last of the 1st Gen.

 

Now I have a "tough" decision. Just came across a 2008 Cooper S Convert with the "Sidewalk Series" package - for about $3k more than the 2006 I was looking at, similar mileage. Any thoughts on the sidewalk package - tan leather seats and trim, and I think 17" wheels. Sounds like it is still Gen 1? Not sure what else it has, will try to drive down to look at it this week. Thoughts?

 

Test drive them both...gen1 supercharged cars vs turbo that is..
they are radically different cars in many ways...
They share a nameplate, and similar shape....but are very different.

 

Wouldn't a non-convertible 2008 be a 2nd-gen?

 

I love my 2008 Supercharged Generation 1 Sidewalk! I ordered it specifically to get one of the last non-turbo convertibles! I like the styling better than Gen 2 and the engines earthy pep and throaty growl (purr maybe) more than makes up for the slightly lower fuel economy.

 

I test drove the 2008 Sidewalk drop-top last night, very nice. It does seem to ride a bit rougher than the 2006 I tested. The Sidewalk has 17" rims, tires are Goodyear eagle 205/45R17, versus the 2006 with 16" (not run flats). Here in the upper midwest I'd put snows on, any thoughts on the 17" wheels versus 16"?

 

I just spent time looking at the posts in "OEM: 16" vs. 17" advice" and it really answered my tire size questions. If I buy the 2008 I'll get a second set of 16 rims and tires for winter.

Thanks for the help to a new buyer!

 

16" wheels offer more sidewall to soak up road imperfections than the 17". Run-flat tires have stiffer sidewalls and ride rougher than conventional tires. When you combine the 17" wheels with run-flat tires you end up with a rough ride and potential bent rims from encounters with potholes.

Koni Sport or Koni FSD replacement shocks will greatly improve the ride, regardless of which wheels and tires you choose. I could not believe the difference when I changed. More controlled and less harsh.

Narrower tires, in general, produce better fuel mileage than wider tires.

The 17" wheels were an option on all Gen 1 MINIs.

I run 205/50R16 non-runflats for three seasons and 185/65R15 studded non-runflat snow tires for the winter. Narrower tires offer better winter traction in snow, slush, and icy conditions.

 

Bilbo - Great info - just what I need. I'm assuming the Goodyear eagle 205/45R1 on the car are NOT run-flat, but I (and the non-Mini delaer) did not know for sure. I'll search for that tire on the web to confirm.

 

If they are runflats, they should say "DSST" if i remember right.
Some tires were avalalbe in runflat or standard...
Imo the 16, oem 195/55r16 or one of the more common 16's similar sizes is a good compermise in ride/performance ..
I run 15's for winter (possible on a gen1 without the jcw brakes).
Inspect the top for wear...some have had issues and had a few replacements...will be a good bargining point.

 

I bought the 2011 this past spring. It is absolutely amazing and rewarding. Put your $ in a new MINI and MOTOR happily for a long, long time. Best of luck in your choice.

 

So, I did buy the 2006 MCs ragtop - Cool Blue. It has 17" non-run flats on it, and I just ordered a 16" winter snow/wheel package.

Loving the car - here in southern Wisconsin I had the top town last Saturday, the heated seats made it ok. Looking forward to a long and fun relationship. My personal plates fit it well - "DNT WRRY".

As I explained to a co-worker, this is NOT a mid-life crisis, this is a mid-life reward!