I'm new to here and am looking at getting a 02-06 used Mini that i want to mod. Is any year better than another?

 

That depends on what kinds of mods are most attractive to you. The '05 & '06 cars have shorter gearing and the possiblity of a factory limited slip differential. However, they also have slightly softer suspensions. If you're going for big power (>230 hp) the early car's taller gearing might be better. If not, I'd stay with a later car.

 

+1

I might add that the reliability and build quality of the later cars are usually better.

 

+2 there is some added safety in the way of advanced airbags in the 05-06 cars. But they also redesigned the door panels so the crash rating dropped on the side due to this.
Also the 05-06 MCS got the supercharger which was being fitted to the 02-4 JCW kits so it helps product power better. A coating is applied to the blower's blades.

 

If lighting is key to you the projector xenons on the 05/06 are the best

(Okay, not really mod related but worth mentioning ).

 

One plus on the '02's and early '03's is the fact that their suspensions are more stiff than later cars. Apparently people complained...I like it.

This isn't much of a deal if you plan on replacing the suspension anyway.

The early cars also have more rattles, etc than the newer one's.

 

That is somewhat important, i've been looking for a kit to convert a 02-04 to them but i havn't be able to find one. Does anyone know of one or if it can even be done?

 

I think they are plug and play? People have swapped the headlights from the older HIDs to the new ones on the board as I recall - it's just a matter of getting them for a reasonable price. If the car you have is not HID you will need to deal with the ballast, wiring and programming I think, much more of a hassle.