I am going to buy a used Mini, either S or JCW, 2006-2014. Now my question is, are there years I should avoid, or did Mini make a significant upgrade at some point and I should buy one after 20XX?

Thanks,

Gene&Winston

 

I think it is a good rule of thumb to avoid the first or second year of a new generation. So of those years you mentioned, I would say avoid 07-08, and 2014. With that said, I have a 2002 Mini Cooper S that was produced in march of 2002, so it is is a really early car.

Of those years, I would go with 2013 (or 2012). Its the later of the Generation 2s and it has the N18 engine, which is generally considered to be a more reliable engine than the earlier of the second generation models.

 

2006 = 1st Gen (supercharged 1.6l Tritec engine)

2007 - 2013 = 2nd Gen (you want one with the turbocharged 1.6l N18 engine ie. 2011 - 2013 MCS or 2013 JCW)

2014 = 3rd Gen (turbocharged 2.0l BMW engine)

All 3 generations have a different feel.

 

Look into R56 2011+ with the N18 engine MCS and/or 2013+ with N18 engine JCW. The N14's have their fair of issues, which a lot of them were remedied with the N18's. Although, they still do have their quirks. The 2014+ F56 is a different platform so I'd suggest you take a drive in the R56 and F56 and see which one suits you both best. It also depends on if you both are interested in something with a warranty still. Be sure to post up prospects for us if you have any questions. Good luck Gene and Winston!

 

Appreciate the information.

Any other comments anyone?

 

As a multiple MINI owner myself, MINIac has it down. I would add to this.

2006 = 1st Gen (supercharged 1.6l Tritec engine) " Very connected feel. Some considered the best years for MINI. Turns on a dime. Go kart feeling. Supercharger whine sounds awesome.

2007 - 2013 = 2nd Gen (you want one with the turbocharged 1.6l N18 engine ie. 2011 - 2013 MCS or 2013 JCW) " Softer feel , but you get that turbo boost and sound, more options" This was a big leap in technology. JCW versions are very very nice , I have one.

2014 = 3rd Gen (turbocharged 2.0l BMW engine) " Close to a less soft feel, many tech options and the drive-train is much smoother "

All 3 generations have a different feel. " The F55 and F56 feel close to the same but you can tell in the F55 you have more wieght and body in the back, F56 feels spacey and so much more in the F55, almost like a Countryman from gen 2 .

 

Good succinct info.

 

This is Gene w/ best friend Winston

 

Welcome.