So I have been comparing the 02-04, 05-06, & 07+ MINI Cooper S's and I figured I would ask which one you guys prefer. Any particular reason? Are there any flaws more particular to one over the other?

Personally, I know from a power perspective, the newer the better. MPG? The 07 takes the cake on that too, but the 02 gets a bit better then the 05. Fun Factor? Well, I haven't purchased one yet, so I don't know!

 

There is no huge difference between the 02 and 05, aside from reliability. The 05s were much better in that respect than the 02s.

From the 05 to 07 there were several changes. Some of them are to the interior/exterior styling, and MINI ditched the supercharger in favor of a turbo.

I would say you should drive all three (or at least the 05 and 07, I personally would avoid the 02, although there *are* plenty of good ones still going out there) and see what you think! Each person here would prefer a different one for different reasons.

 

Cool, thats the stuff I was looking for! I didn't know that the build quality was different between the 02-04 & 05-06's.

I am definitely looking for a 05+ then. I am a big fan of the black 07's with the blacked out grill too, lol.

 

I would definitely say drive both then. The two generations definitely feel different and depending on how used to driving this kind of car you are, there are some things you may really like about one more than the other, or things you won't even notice as far as differences.

 

ok. So far I have only driven a 03 Cooper S and a 07 Cooper. But the 07 was a regular Cooper and was NOT taken care of. I haven't seen a car so beat up in a while.

 

Ive driven everything Mini has put out from the MC to the GP. I personally love the body style and the whine of the R53 02-06 MCS. I was in the market for a new car and decided to move away from the mini, because I wasn't impressed with the R56 MCS. Everyone has there own opinion though. Just test drive both and see what fits your tastes better.

 

Ok cool, glad to hear some other opinions! I haven't driven a 07 MCS yet, but I didn't really like the 07 MC I drove. I wish we had more of a market out here!

 

I personally love my Cooper - but it definitely doesn't have the same get-up-and-go as the R53. Mine is a daily driver, and I don't really *need* the extra kick of the S (to quote a fellow NAMer, I drive "like a grandma" ). But I can certainly understand those who like/want it. I will always be a Cooper girl

 

I have had an 02 an 04 and now an 09...

I'd go for something after 07 the build quality is sooooo much better

 

Honestly, I may get flamed for this. But test drive the VW Gti. ITs a hatch with a practical backseat. When I was going to order a new mini, the Mercedes dealer next door had one. I walked over after test driving the R56 MCS and I was hooked. If your looking for a compact with a lot of power it delivers. With tune and bolt ons its at roughly 275hp and 332lb-ft at the crank.

 

lol, yea. I wouldn't mind getting a Cooper, but I just fear that in a few months of ownership I will be wanting more power. Especially since my past 3 cars have consisted of a 388awhp Subaru WRX STI, a 440whp C6 Corvette and currently another 330whp Subaru WRX STI. ^_^

I like power... It makes me smile

 

I have looked at the GTI, but it doesn't get the mileage that I'm currently looking for. I also am trying to factor in insurance pricing which the MINI wins. Plus, I love the way they handle and I wouldn't mind dabbling in this community for a while.

I may have to go test out one of the newer GTI's though, just to make sure. ^_^ Nothing wrong with test driving some more cars!

 

Your OEM brakes looked brand spanking new after 65k!

The 02-04sThe 05-06s and 1st gen Cabrio MCSsThe R56 MCSIn the opinion of the matter (I am an 05 R53 owner); my reliability was out the window, rare for my year; the R53s feel a little more raw handling, the R56s feel more refined, and are a slight bit faster. The cars have very different characters, and until you drive them you won't know which one fits you the best. You'll find a fair number of owners here that have let the MINIs find a special place in their hearts and families; and many more that won't deny getting up in the middle of the night to go out to the garage and stare at it, and even more that get a smile from a good set of corners in a well designed car. With over a million possible combination from the factory over the years, and even more available in the aftermarket arena, the MINI is as individual as every person here, and it's probably going to take you a little while to decide which one fits you best after you've decided to go MINI.

I'd try a few used dealers for 1st gen test drives, look up your local club, as to tag along at a meet or run (if your current car can keep up ); and go to the MINI dealer and test drive a few new ones for an afternoon or two. And of course, as you keep reading here you'll find out ore and more about the nuances of the car.

 

Dude! you had an STi before. Right there your looking at one of THE best drivers cars out there. Fun Factor on that thing is insane. But I can see your looking for MPG I guess. With my old MC I could easily get on average 30mpg with city and highway combined. In the Gti I get 22mpg. Combined. But keep in mind im also boosting 21psi.

 

Awesome, thanks for some great info! I defintely wouldn't mind going out to some meets, if there are any around here >.< and I know I wouldn't have a hard time keeping up. I may be taking my STI back to stock, but its still got a bit in her. ^_^

Yea, I get around 22-24 MPG in my 08 STI combined as of now. Between insurance rates being rediculous(don't believe me? go do a quick quote on a STI) and cutting out my car payment, the MINI looks quite appealing.

 

Think the STi is bad on insurance check out the BMW 335i Coupe. It was going to cost more then my car payment. I was paying around $1200 a year to insure my mini. Very simple up keep too. Depending on your age the community is awesome. Im in my 20's and I know the VW/Subaru/BMW communities are drastically different then NAM. There is defiantly a high maturity level on this site, as with the other car enthusiasts sites its like a frat house lol

 

The "several" changes included completely different engine, suspension, brakes, every body panel, lights, seats, electronics... actually, what did not change?

 

Yea, I watched an episode of 5th gear an hour or so ago that talked about that. Doesn't quite add up to Top Gear, but not a bad show if your bored at work ^_^

The BMW isn't too bad actually. Right now I am paying $304 a month to insure the STI & our Ford Fusion. Now its a little worse because of where we live also. I literally just quoted the MINI and it knocks my insurance payment down to $217! woot. Once i move to VA that will probably knock off another $100.

I do agree alot of sites are kind of crazy, but NASIOC and so far, NAM are the only ones that I haven't had to sort through several meaningless posts to actually get to the meat and potatos of the thread! I might hang around her more often!

 

Oh yes, one more thing. How do the engines hold up on MINI's? Of course the Cooper would hold up longer, but what kind of mileage should one suspect out of the Cooper S, whilst being properly maintained of course, before running into problems?

 

05S here with 64,000 miles. I have had zero mechanical reliability issues on my car. I am the only owner, hence taken care of for sure by me. I did put new lower control arm bushings on a couple of months ago (wornout) , other then that, just tires. I am partial to the styling of the R53 over the R56.

 

I own and r56 and I like it. The r53 is very retro to the first MINIs that came out made by BMC. The r56 is more to what the Austin and Rover Minis look like. It all depends in what you want in your performance quick of the line or some more top end. I want a little more of the top you get out of the turbo but thats just me.

 

I have an 04 MCS with 67K on it, runs great and i love the sound of the Supercharger. I have driven more then a few of the 07s and up, I think they lack the road feel and of course the sound of the SC, but the brakes feel stronger and the ride and quality of the newer cars feels much better. Personally i would not trade my R53 for a new one, but I could see why alot of people would prefer an 07 and up.

 

There is a great buyer's guide on www.motoringfile.com that compares all the different years and documents all the changes that occurred. For gas mileage, nothing will beat the current generation Cooper, but you will probably find power lacking given your previous cars. For raw driving feel, the first generations have the edge. It's a buyer's market so test drive 'em all. Don't forget about the door sill rust issue in the first generation. There's a long thread on it here that's been stickied.

 

You never cease to amaze me Drew.....4AM and still on top of your game!

I would also add that the 2nd Gen are having timing chain tensioner issues, causing clanking noises and engine failure requiring a total engine replacement common even at 12K miles, and that the bonnet scoops are prone to melting and deformation and their wheel rims now require $400.00 worth of TPMS sensors now unlike earlier TPM systems in other years....other than that I think you covered all the bases......

 

I feel you on insurance seams like everything is more expensive here in California.

I'll try and put the R53 and R56 comparison into something you might know a little better. It's like the difference between the Mitsu Evo IX and the Evo X. Different appearance, slightly more power, and a totally different interior feel. Honestly, you can't go wrong with ether. I've seen plenty of R53's with over 100k. I put on about 50k before I sold mine. I only had minor issues as well. (Power Steering Pump, Oil Pan Leak, Airbag Light, and bad 02 sensor.)