F55/F56 New or Old
#1
New or Old
Hey guys I'm new to the Mini world. I recently purchased an 08 R55 clubman S for my son and kind of got the Mini bug for myself now. It's a pretty fun car to drive and I find myself looking at R56 and F56 models now. I'm 47 and drive a one ton diesel as my DD and have forgotten how much fun little cars can be. Reminds me of the 90 CRX's of my youth, but nicer. How much better/different are the gen 3 over the gen 2 comparing the same model when it comes to road feel and reliability or less problematic? It goes without saying the gen 3 has more techy upgrades, which are appealing, but not decision making. If I go all in with a newer model I'd go all out with the JCW F56
#2
Hey guys I'm new to the Mini world. I recently purchased an 08 R55 clubman S for my son and kind of got the Mini bug for myself now. It's a pretty fun car to drive and I find myself looking at R56 and F56 models now. I'm 47 and drive a one ton diesel as my DD and have forgotten how much fun little cars can be. Reminds me of the 90 CRX's of my youth, but nicer. How much better/different are the gen 3 over the gen 2 comparing the same model when it comes to road feel and reliability or less problematic? It goes without saying the gen 3 has more techy upgrades, which are appealing, but not decision making. If I go all in with a newer model I'd go all out with the JCW F56
When it comes to road feel… Gen 2, hands down. I have owned Generation 1, 2 and 3 MINIs, and each generation gets a bit bigger, a bit more refined, and a bit less visceral. The 2004–2006 R53 still is the standard-setter for road feel.
#3
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#6
It’s a manual. I also ran across a 05 R53 manual, on my way from picking up my daughter after school, with a prefect body, manual with high miles. 150k for 3.5k. I grabbed to number and will txt later. I don’t mind doing engine tranny swaps or any other maintenance if the price is right and never been in accidents. Something tells me since my son has a gen 2 I may pick up a gen 1 to work on and soon looking at a new JCW.
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