I am thinking of picking up a Mini for use as a highway commuter, but I want to autocross with it on the weekend. So high MPG, comfort, and good package choice, got any suggestions of what years to pick and to avoid? I am thinking Non-S for better MPG and lower cost of ownership.

 

If you are looking at a MCS, then 2008 with the optional LSD. Be sure to have it checked for carbon build up before buying.

 

I'm in D-stock with an S..... The non-S Justas dominate H-stock autocross. It doesn't seem to matter much what Gen2 it is ('07 on). There is debate on whether the E-diff (it comes with the DTC option) does much good, but I'd get a car with that option. Also, sport suspension is good. I think E-diff started with '10, but check for sure.

Slap some good rubber on along with a 22mm rear sway bar and you will be good to go.

Autocross is great FUN.

 

Hands down GP1

 

What is GP1? I probably need to find a FAQ somewhere.

Only looking at non-S right now.

 

Gen1 GP. Only 2000 of these made. You need to do just 2 things w/ it. As the song, "shut up & drive" goes.
Seriously, 05-06 R50s, & R56 justas are very able & pretty reliable cars.

 

http://gpmini.net/wp/introduction/

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...take-road-test

 

Ok, so not much advantage to a say, 2007 non-S over a 2005/2006 non-S? MPG pretty comparable?

 

My own thinking on this question can be found here.

Kind regards,

Charlie

 

Great thread, thanks! How can I identify (or ask the sales person to identify) which cars have the sports package and DTC?

 

Auto-x implies cheap.....highway implies relibable.....
And much auto x will usually make it less relilable depending on how hard you wail on it....
Late gen1 justa..2005-06 $$ might be best, but the newer gen1 justa might be ok...imo, just avoid the 2007.....first year production with a new motor....and prices DO generaly reflect this.
Most sales folks on used cars WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ANSWER ANY QUESTION, other than color, it is a mini, stick or auto...and anything they tell you, MUST BE CONFIRMED...MOST will tell you anything you want to hear, then after you buy the car point at the fine print that sales folks are held to nothing about what is said in selling the car that is not in writing.....

 

Auto-x will be secondary, not to the point of blowing anything up, and I do have other spare cars if needed

So true, so there is no button, switch, visible badge or something I can make them send a picture of?

 

There is an on-line application which the dealer uses to specify the build, and from which a "Vehicle Inquiry Report" can be printed. On my report, in the "Options" section at the bottom the following line appears:

"5DT Dynamic Traction Control $250.00".

I also specified the sport suspension which looks like:

"226 Sport Suspension $500.00"

Hope that helps,

Charlie

 

Another code to identify the suspension like on my MINI S is "228 Sport Suspension Plus" This was option on a Justa.

 

I found one, I ended up with an S:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...been-away.html

Thanks!