Looking to buy a mcs. What is the best year for gen 1. Also did the body style get bigger in a certain year. Thanks all

 

The latest year! Good luck

 

I would have to say 05-06, has better gearing, better options avail, less rattles

 

Body shape and size stayed the same until gen2 ('07).

 

Unless it is a convertible which changed in 09.

 

ok. sounds good.. what do you guys think about a 2004. is that as good as 05-06 or not worth looking at..

 

or am i better looking for the gen 2 like a 2007. trying to buy the right one. i know they have diff super vs turbo, but still confussed on which way to go.

 

Put a combined 135,000 miles on a pair of 06 Coopers. Here's the only problems encountered on either one of them:

02 sensor went bad at 20,000 miles, replaced under warranty

Lower control arm needs replacement at 68,000 miles, out of warranty


That's it. And both have the CVT.

 

My personal opinion: In general, the newer the better because of the improvements that have trickled-in along the way. But late models ('10s and '11s) have been holding their market values fairly well. Brand new gets you the full warranty and "free" services.

But some happen to like the gen1 look better; partly for the lower belt line and more glass. Also, the gen2 MINIs are a tad longer. I would not rule out an '04. For me, condition, options, color, and driving and maintenance histories would probably trump being a year older than an alternative choice. Patience is a virtue when shopping for a used MINI. A pre-purchase inspection by a MINI dealer or independent MINI shop is advised before buying used.

Oh, the mention of the CVT above reminds me. The gen1 automatic transmissions are CVTs. Some have put over 100k miles on theirs without a problem, but others have had theirs go completely belly-up. Should the latter occur, none of the options are attractive to the pocketbook. Most apparently end up replacing the CVT transmission, or switching to a manual.

Good luck.

 

earlist build 02 you can find

almost immediately after the car was released in the US buyers complained:

a) the suspension is too hard

b) the gearing is too high

++++++++++++++++++

a) shortly after that the suspension began a steady state (decline) of softening, but enthusiasts sought sources for heaver sway bars, springs, dampers et al . . .

b) first thing they told me when I went in for a test drive in Aug of 02 ... "slip the clutch or you won't get out of the parking lot" : : : if you didn't know what that meant, you probably did not like driving the car. On the other hand having a sport (not sportS) car that needs one to slip the clutch is not an issue for an enthusiast IMHO

*****
get an early S, un modded, low miles, replace every rubber bushing, all the fluids, get back on stiff sidewall 17's (what the suspension was tuned for) and have fun . . .

Oh .. good luck finding one.

*********************************
UNLESS you are actually looking for a nanny car. Then the last year or two of a production run is safe meaning a GEN1 from 05 or 06

or a GEN2 with only a little on the clock . . .

 

Some differences between model years are described here: http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/

 

Just sold my Apr 02 build R53, low miles, unmodded. Buyer said he had been searching high and low for one.

 

I am looking at this for my second car. I want to be able to mod it up and have fun driving it. I think a04-06 is what I want. Just want to buy the right year. Trying to learn which is best or which not to buy.