Hello all,
I'm Chris and I just joined! No Mini yet as I'm waiting until I transfer out of Alaska to pick one up. I do have some experience with autocrossing a 2nd gen Miata though…

My question is this: (I did do a search and couldn't figure out a good search term I guess)

I will be buying used and am debating between the 05/06 supercharged and the 2nd gen turbocharged engine… probably looking at a hardtop, but maybe a vert… It seems I've read a lot more issues with the turbo than I have with the supercharger, but maybe that's just what I was able to turn up in the search…

To build on that, I may be inclined to look at the factory John Cooper Works (I really like the recent version with the specific body work).

I'm not too concerned about the price of the vehicle at this point (when talking gen 1 vs. gen 2)… any real difference in the later gen 2 turbos?

Your thoughts are greatly appreciated… I'm got about a year and half before I transfer so I'm probably looking at 2 yrs down the road before a purchase…

Thanks,
Chris

 

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If you want less trouble and hassle then stick with the R53 supercharger in those year models you mentioned, try for the factory LSD, JCW upgrades to the engine was a factory option and worth the added cost. Manual transmission.
No sunroof (top heavy weight).

If you opt for an R56 turbo in 2008 or later you can always check the maintenance records for repairs and problems. You can also just talk to any MINI mechanic at the dealership and ask the same question, R53 MCS or R56 MCS? It won't take long to get an answer.

 

Go with the 1st Gen:
R50 '02 - '06 Hatchback Cooper / Normal aspirated / 5 spd manual.
R53 '02 - '06 Hatchback Cooper S / SC / 6 spd. manual gear box.
R52 '02 - '08 Cabrio Cooper / normal aspirated / 5 spd manual.
R52 '02 - '06 Cabrio Cooper S / SC / 6 spd manual.
Stay away from the CVT gear box!!!
The 1st Gen motors have a nearly trouble free engine and gear box. They do require attentive service unlike suburban appliances. If you find a R52 in good shape with a clean, sound looking top, grab it. Topless motoring is motoring at it's best!
Copy the below URL to your favorites folder. It has more MINI information in one easy to navigate location than you can find anywhere including a growing list of independent MINI shops from across the country:
http://soopercooperinfo.com/