Hi,
New to NAM. Gave grand-daughter a 2003 hatchback yesterday as her first car. Now looking for me. Lots of horror stories online, but cars are like kids and dogs, how they turnout has a lot to do with how they are treated.

Anyway, I am looking at two Choices. A 2007 Convertible base with a 5 speed trans and 57k miles (at dealer). Second is a 2005 s Convertible with 6 speed stick and 41k miles (private party). Price relatively the same as is equipment (other than heated seats in the 05 which is a deal maker for the wife).

Any thoughts on pros and cons of each. Is the 2nd gen better? From what I read the 07 Conv. is not really 2nd gen anyway.

Let the debate begin!!!

Great forums by the way.

Bill Luther (1972 TR6 Driver)

 

Bill you're looking at the same gen for the convertibles. I'd just get the one with the lower miles if the price is the same.

 

I have a 2006 s Cabrio and love it. this is actually my second, the first was an s and my current is a JCW. I love the performance of the S and would have grown bored with a base very quickly. Nothing like a twisty road with the top down with some power at the ready.

Sent from my iPad using NAMotoring

 

+1
the gen 1 car were built as r52 cabrio's in S and non s for 2 years after the last hardtop was built in 2006...so both are gen1 with the tritec motor.
S's are fun, but non-s's certainly have their place...are sometimes a bit more rellilable, partly from the fact they tend to get wailed on less....but that having been said, my 2005 has been VERY reliable since new...only 1 trip to the dealer for non-scheduled MX since new....I DO use a 3rd party for MX now the warranty is done....
I have done a few minor diy's..brakes, a cooling fans, PS fan, and a few add-ons, but love it!!
One question....trannys?
Not THAT kind. ...what does the cars have?
IMO STAY AWAY FROM COOPER AUTO CVT's. PERIOD. YOU might get lucky....but I'd rather play the lotto..better odds.

 

opps...just re-read....either tranny is good!!
BOTH have getreg units......the Midlands went away at the end of 2004. So you are good there!!

 

Happy wife = happy life. I'd go for the '05 S with lower miles and heated seats with the rest being equal. And this is from a guy who loves his '11 non-S Cooper.

 

Congrats Bill and welcome! ......the '05 S sounds pretty good and will be a kick to drive, wifey will approve too!

 

People with Justas tend to think are plenty sprightly. People with Ss can't imagine not having the extra power. They're both right.

Sent from my Galaxy S3 using NAMotoring

 

Thanks to all for the input, that was quick. Have to wait until Friday to go look at the 05. About a 2 hour drive. Will post results.

 

Hope it works out. By the time I got to the thread, everyone else had said what I was going to say. :-)

 

We drove 2 hours to San Clemente to look at the 05 and the drive was worth it. Best part of the trip, I drove it home. Top down beautiful weather, until I hit the parking lot known as the 91 Freeway. I was getting cooked. pulled off, top up and AC on for the rest of the trip. The car is an 05 Chile Red convertible S. Manual 6 speed. We love this car. Recently joined SCMM in SoCal. Attended meet in Tustin, CA last Sat. Had over 100 Mini's in attendance. Great group of people. Need to learn how to post pics.

 

You made the right choice. It's an awesome car. Lets see some pics.
Welcome to MINI

 

Way to go, I really think you made the right choice. I love my 06 JCW Cabrio ....power plus an open roof is simply priceless.

Sent from my iPad using NAMotoring

 

Hope I can post pics properly. This is our 2005 Cabrio and we love it. Have been on two runs with the SO Cal Mini Maniacs and one with the local British car club. I'm sure we will be doing man more. Thank you everyone for your input as well as your welcome to the Mini world of motoring