Hi,
I am excited to buy my first mini but need advise on what year to buy. I am pretty sure i will get the base cooper. I want the best milage possible and will be driving 60 mile commute on highway and in DC traffic. I do not need many amenities but seem to be wanting more add ons as time goes by - But i am trying to stay under a budget. My current car is a diesel truck, and that is really all I have ever driven so i am very excited and looking forward to your suggestions!!

Are there any years I should stay away from? Should I just get a new one (biggest disadvantage is the wait)?

 

If you're not too picky about amenities and dont' wanna wait, you best bet is a new 08 MC on the dealer lot. Make sure it's not the demo version so it should have less than 10 miles on the odo.

 

Good question, especially on the MCS side of things, as there are distinct benefits to both first and second gen cars.

For Coopers, though, the early Midlands transmission has been problematic for some, so you might try to avoid that. Also, the gearing was improved on '05-'06 Coopers and so that was an improvement.

However, with that said.....the R56 Cooper ('07 +) was really a big step forward. With 6 gears instead of 5, much better torque at lower revs, greatly increased fuel economy, and a host of other tweaks....if you can buy a newer one I think you'll be glad.

I admit, I still have a soft spot for those early Coopers, though...the most original of the original design. Yes, the bumper strips were faux, but they were so Mini!!!!

 

There is a huge difference between the 2006 and the 2007. I'd go with a 2007 or later. The differences between 2007 and 2008 are small.

Previous to Sept. 2007, the 2007 model had a passive flat tire monitoring system. It would watch the speed of each wheel to determine if one had lost air pressure. So, no sensors in the wheels. After Sept. government mandated sensors were used. For those wanting to use runflat tires, and/or get aftermarket wheels, this could cause extra expense or hassle.

The 2008 model has a few refinements. IIRC, it has a one-touch up for the driver's window. The 2007 only has one-touch down. If you get Bluetooth, the 2008 has a USB connection next to the AUX audio input. This is useful for connecting an iPod or Flash Drive with mp3s on it. I don't recall the other changes.

 

The wait for a new one shouldn't be an issue. If you are willing to consider a used one your options would be severely limited. If you are flexible enough to choose from the limited selection of used ones you can certainly find a compatible new one. My dealer, MINI of Sterling has a nice selection of new Coopers. Brand new, all yours

 

If you want an R53, then get an '05 or '06; they're the same. The earlier models have relatively spotty quality and engine outputs. That said, I have an '02 MCS and wouldn't trade a brand new '09 JCW for it! If you want an R56, an '08+ is good to go, some '07's had teething issues.

 

'07 and on MCS recommended for pure fun factor - not much mileage loss

 

Have you read the MotoringFile MINI Buyers Guide?

http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/

 

The best value for your dollar would be a similar deal to what we got for my girlfriend. We picked up a low mileage (4200) 2007 MCS w/ Premium and Cold packages and auto trans for a mere $22 K.

This will be your best bet for getting everything that you want at a very good price. Check out cars.com, autotrader, vehix, craigslist, and keep your eyes open and you'll get a very good value in no time. It's a very tough resale market for cars right now - you'll do well.

 

2007+

 

for best gas mileage, I would definitely go 07-08 for a base cooper.

 

If you want best fuel economy, go for an 07 (or 08 etc). Having traded an 04 Cooper for an 07, we get better milage in the 07, even with our style of driving. Average in the 04 was 26.4, in the 07 its been 28.8. I can get about 38 on the freeway, if I try hard enough in the 07. The 04 never got above 31.

 

i get 36 on the highway on my 03 S

 

...or you could get 45 in a Cooper.

 

i can get 100 on my bicycle

 

This thread definitely belongs in General MINI Talk... is it no surprise, since it was originally posted in the 2nd Gen Coupe Talk, that the vast majority of posts are 2nd Gen recommendations?

Moved to GMT. If you are open to used cars, you have to consider both generations, as there are pros and cons to each... although the 2nd Gens definitely have the upper hand in gas mileage.

calmini - welcome to NAM.