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

 

The 2007–2010 "S" models are without any doubt the least reliable years MINI ever produced. I would not recommend them unless the buyer were already mechanically inclined and enjoyed wrenching (and buying parts). The Generation 3 cars are now 5 years old and have a very strong track record. The Gen 2 cars were having problems within 2 years of their release. By comparison, the Gen 3 is a lot more reliable. (Note that the 2011 mode year got a revised engine which resolved many, but not all, of the issues. If you were to buy another Gen 2, I would recommend a 2011 or later.)

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.

 

 

For what it's worth, my '05 R53 S with auto trans has been flawless, transmission-wise. Other things, well . . . .

 

1st Gen guys can't see past the bonnet, Gen 2 and 3 seem otherworldly and of course the Mini crowd looks upon the BMW iteration as alien. That low mileage '06 sounds like a winner. Justa, S, manual or slushbox? S manual being the top of the list.