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So I have been out of the country for about 2.5 years and recently returned. I have loved the Mini Cooper since I first saw one in 1990(ish). I will soon be buying a Mini, I just need to decide which one.
Hi and welcome to NAM!
I am a gen 1 (02 to 06 and 08 for the convertibles) lover all the way, but the newer ones are great too, just not for this old fart!
Keep us posted on your searches and are you looking for old or new?
The 90's Mini versus the newer ones are night and day. Newer ones are very luxurious.
I'm biased to the 2006 MCS/JCW. Reliable, supercharged, not full of tech.
Hi and welcome to NAM!
I am a gen 1 (02 to 06 and 08 for the convertibles) lover all the way, but the newer ones are great too, just not for this old fart!
Keep us posted on your searches and are you looking for old or new?
Thank you. At the moment I am looking at a new used. I found a 1990 that I fell in love with but interest rates fon loans for private seller are astronomical. So for now I will stick with a dealer, and I will definitely own a classic one day.
So I drove to the dealership and, they had sold the car over the weekend. So I am seeking all of your guidance. I have a budget of $10-12k preferably closer to 10k. I am looking for a manual. Can you recommend a year and model I should look for please.
It comes down to what you really want. New, old, fast ,slow, a keeper or a move up car. Just buy something that pleases you the most. The first and third gen cars are the best bet in your price range. In John Cooper works range, the gen 1s would be affordable. The gen 3s have the advantage of lower miles on them.The S models are fast and around 27 to 31 mpg and the base models with manual will get in the 40+ mpg.
I am biased, so my choice is gen 1, but there are reasons to get lower mileage and higher resale with newer ones.
I generally like to tinker with my cars. So while I like the idea of a newer model, the older models suit me better. I like fast and fun. If you do not mind me asking, why are you biased?
I just love the raw feel the gen 1 cars have. When I am in the twisties, I am part of the car, without other distractions. They ride firmer, feel grippier and just make me feel the go-card that I am in.
Even the gen2s don't have this kind of feel! The newer and fatter they get, the more you need to do to them, to approximate the feel of the gen 1s.
Mine is an 06 MCS JCW and even my 05 MCS felt like this!
I just love the raw feel the gen 1 cars have. When I am in the twisties, I am part of the car, without other distractions. They ride firmer, feel grippier and just make me feel the go-card that I am in.
Even the gen2s don't have this kind of feel! The newer and fatter they get, the more you need to do to them, to approximate the feel of the gen 1s.
Mine is an 06 MCS JCW and even my 05 MCS felt like this!
Thank you for helping me out Wayne. Sorry for all the questions, while I have loved Mini's for a long time, but this is my first time buying one. I am checking out craigslist, and there are a few gen 1, a lot of gen 2 clubman. There is a gen 1's I am interested in, a 2004 JCW S with 124k and a gen 2 2009 MCS. I have no idea what a good price for either is, nor do I know what to look for when buying one from a private seller. For example both of the ones I am looking at list repairs, that in my eyes are worth half the price of what they re asking.
Gen1: https://austin.craigslist.org/cto/d/...648060731.html
Gen 2: https://austin.craigslist.org/cto/d/...652451069.html
The gen 1 is reasonably priced a good value in my opinion. Worth around $10K (it is a JCW model. Ya can't go wrong with it)
I am not big on the gen 2 Minis. I don't really like the interior treatments, nor the fact that is growing in size.
Comparision: Mini Mania 2017 road ride
Obvious bloating going on! Mine in the middle
Last edited by ItsmeWayne; Aug 1, 2018 at 08:41 AM.
Buy a gen 1 (JCW or S), upgrade the brakes, tires, and suspension and it'll be the best car you'll ever have. Supercharge is awesome for all around fun.
I recently upgraded my shocks to Bilstein and my car rides amazingly. Great handling, very comfortable suspension.
Only real reason you should consider the newest Minis is if you want more tech and accessories.
So I drove the 04 MCS JCS today, and I have a few questions. First is the clutch, this clutch was hard, I have owned manuals all my life and have never had a clutch this stiff. The clutch was replaced 9k ago, is this normal for this car? Also the steering seemed a little stiff when turning, normal? Other than that, the drive was fun.
From my test-drives, Mini's have a stiffer clutch than many cars.
The stiff turning is normal. Btw, what was the power steering level? Maybe it was low.
I have an aftermarket clutch and it is stiff too! I had an 05 MCS and it was stiff also. I had an 06 Justa with a 5 speed and it was easy. I think it is about the pressure plate it has that causes this.
The steering on gen 1s are usuall harder than many cars you have ever driven with power steering. I call mine medium and the pump is working. I don't like light steering very much.
If you add power steering fluid make sure to use:Pentosin Hydraulic Fluid CHF
Last edited by ItsmeWayne; Aug 1, 2018 at 08:07 PM.
Reason: added info
I have an aftermarket clutch and it is stiff too! I had an 05 MCS and it was stiff also. I had an 06 Justa with a 5 speed and it was easy. I think it is about the pressure plate it has that causes this.
The steering on gen 1s are usuall harder than many cars you have ever driven with power steering. I call mine medium and the pump is working. I don't like light steering very much.
If you add power steering fluid make sure to use:Pentosin Hydraulic Fluid CHF
I m sorry Wayne, I test drove 3 Gen-1 and while I loved the feel of them, they all had some serious mechanical issues. So I just bought a Gen-2 that was owned by guy who is extremely **** about taking care of his cars. He has every receipt from the inception of the car from the dealership and all recalls taken care of. I know this news must drive a tiny stake though your sole, but hey, at least I am in a MINI. My next MINI will be a classic.
I m sorry Wayne, I test drove 3 Gen-1 and while I loved the feel of them, they all had some serious mechanical issues. So I just bought a Gen-2 that was owned by guy who is extremely **** about taking care of his cars. He has every receipt from the inception of the car from the dealership and all recalls taken care of. I know this news must drive a tiny stake though your sole, but hey, at least I am in a MINI. My next MINI will be a classic.
Hey Jcrowsom,
I really am happy for you and wish you the best success with your Gen 2 Mini. Please be mindful to change the oil and filter every three to five thousand miles (only 100% synthetic oil), as the gen 2 engines are known to carbon up the intake manifold, so much that it clogs the intake with burnt oil, to the point of allowing no air into the combustion chamber, which will then requires the walnut shell treatment, which is a serious PITA! The crankcase vent to the intake tube dumps a lot of oil vapors to the intake. Usually the #4 cylinder goes first.
I know many people that have had good success with the gen 2s. Just not my thing! No big deal!
I wish I could fit into a classic, just too small for this old fart!
Congrats and we hope to see pics here!
