All I could find was which best S year to have and the consensus on that was MY 05-06..

I want a fully loaded Base model.. The Mini isn't going to be my go-to performance car but I love the Mini in any trim and want to pick one up as a commutor and i'm hearing they get very good MPG in base trim..

Would the 05-06 for base still be the best?

Thanks in advance,

Jay

 

all base models are great on gas. plus your right foot will determine how much your car will consume. i seen base model minis get about average of 39mpg

 

my 2008 gets me about 26-28 city because of how i drive, and upwards of 35 highway. If i drive like grampa i could get into the 30/37 range. but thats no fun!

 

So is there no great year to go for? Any is fine?

 

For the 1st gen (R50), 05-06 is recommended. The 2nd gen (R56, 2007+) has a different engine with more low end torque and better gas mileage, but the steering feel is less direct.

 

Thanks guys - sounds like 05+ is a winner.. would like to have the best available gas mileage but can't spend too much on a commuter car and Mini's are pretty pricey still (decent value retained).

 

If its a base model you're looking for, the newer the better and the lower the milage the better. Oh, and low price never hurts.

 

Drive both generations. I love my '06 base... there were some improvements in 05/06 over the earlier ones (Transmission, etc.)

 

Diversion,

Beyond what you have stated, I am not sure what other criteria you have. You may want to give us some more information?
Do you want a manual or automatic? This is a really big question when it comes to the base model (non-S) first generation car. The reason I ask is that the automatic CVT transmission in the 02-06 has a really bad rep and uncomfortable failure rate.

I owned a 2005 auto with the CVT and it was flawless. I never had any problems with it and was over 105,000 when I let it go. But if it had given out, you can expect to pay up to 1/2 of the total car value or more to replace the transmission thru the dealer. Mine quoted me $7,000 for the transmission.

I am glad to see you here asking question first. That is a very smart thing. These cars are a blast, no doubt. I am on my second MINI and still smile every day. Don't get me wrong, you can find a great MINI in your price regardless of what that is.

Just ask questions, we are all here to help promote the MINI experience. If you MUST have an auto, move up to the S. It is a different transmission.

 

See this buyer's guide for a summary of changes and issues for different years during the first generation:
http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/

 

I want a manual, i'm assuming manuals can eek out extra MPGs and they are just more fun to me.. I always buy manual unless the automatic is proven to get more MPG..

 

Read through the entire guide, it makes me worried about buying a used Mini now.. can't believe the issues they had over the course of the years! I guess the same could be said about any other vehicle out there, it's just not documented as well as the Mini.

 

I don't think you can go wrong with a low mileage facelift R50 manual ('05-'06), but those who say to drive both are wise.

 

Here's the issue.. seems like the 07+ models have a lot more technology and comfort features.. and I like more features!

My wife and I have decided we're going to get two Minis now.. Her a base model and myself an S. I know the 05-06 Supercharged models are the best for pure performance, but is there really any awful reason to not get a 07+?

I think I would enjoy more features than going faster as I don't plan on racing or doing much if any engine modifications.

 

Personally, I think you owe it to yourself to at least look at an '02-'03, pre-facelift model. I think they are the closest in spirit to the BMC Mini, especially with the chrome strip in the bumpers that are supposed to represent the tiny chrome bumpers of the original Mini, along with the single reversing lamp.

Plus, the prices are nice these days and you have the opportunity to drive a "new classic". Just think if you bought a '59 Mini and had held on to it. Here's your opportunity to do that for this MINI.

By now most of the issues of the early models should have been fixed on them, or if you are a DIY kind of person there's LOTS of info out there about how to do the repairs. We have a pair of early models- I have an '02 and my wife has an '03 (both R50's) and we don't plan on ever getting rid of them. Is there a honey-do list on both cars? Sure there is. Do we still giggle when we get into them? We sure do.

Val

EDIT: Just found this in the Marketplace:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...46-1353-a.html

I'm partial to BRG/W myself, but this is a great looking car and really represents what a MINI should look like- chrome bumpers plus chrome driving lights and that beautiful white roof. This one has the Union Jack on it which you could leave or remove for that white roof "Rally Car" look. Plus, it's got a leather interior (blue seat inserts to match!) and great looking wheels, and it's right around 50k and under $10k. Tell me that's not a great deal. Loose the steering wheel cover and the rubber duckies and Bob's your Uncle!

 

Careful on those 02-04 5-speeds Midlands transmissions. I drove one for a long time without trouble, but they are known to fail. 04-06 is the safer choice for a manual base Cooper.