the factor I can not comment on is the 06 to 07 comparison

I KNOW the 06 was very different from the 02 in feel

but yes I believe any GEN1 is a bit more RAW then a GEN2

 

06 for looks mate

 

Ive driven both. More than once. 1st gen hands down, whatever that means.

 

When I was looking at both years in the S model, I leaned towards the 06 because I liked the interior better !

To me the 07 looked to much like a car from Japan and the oversized center mounted Speedo was way too big for the size of the car.

Just my thoughts .................................

 

You really need to drive both, then buy what feels right. I drive and prefer my 06. However my wife prefers her 08. Both of us would swear we have the better car....

 

I bought an '06. I'll report back.

 

Well, congratulations, you made the right choice!

 

Congrats! Now, where's the pics?

 

That'll take a while ...once you start drivin' one its kinda' hard to stop.

Have fun.

Dean.

 

Enjoy!

 

Good choice!

 

I have an '06 and don't care for the dash changes made in '07

 

Another one avoids the dark side (Luke)! ;o)

 

I made a similar choice when I bought a MINI. I thought for sure, I wanted the car with an aluminum engine, the better gas mileage, the newer, more refined generation, but after driving an R53...well, the heart wants what the heart wants.

It surprised me how much better I like the older gen's interior, particularly in anthracite. I'm usually not one to appreciate car interiors and that kinda frou-frou nonsense, but now I'm glad I got something that is nice to look at.

 

Yep, I agree. I think the 2nd gen is too "modern" looking. They lost some of the vintage feel that was designed into the 1st gen. And yea, the anthacite is a great color. I managed to find my Mini used but got lucky as it was perfect in every way. Every possible option, color, accessory that I would have wanted was already on the car. It even didn't have Nav which I didn't want. (I wanted the center speedo and I think the Garmin units are better anyway.)

 

06

 

This is pretty biased toward the r53 which is fine. I personally love my r56. There is nothing anyone will say that will convince me other wise. It does take some time to get used. After have driven both an r56 and r53 I still would lean to a an r56 for the fact that it is a little beefier and as more an aggressive look. For what the r53 guys have in supercharger whine the r56 has turbo spool and blow off which in itself is sweet. Reliability and effiecenty are other things to consider. The r56 without a doubt will net you better gas mileage. There is the timing chain issue on the r56(which pretty rare considering the amount of r56s on the market) and on the other side there is the r53 with the oil pan gasket going out(which is also rare but cost $800 to fix). Try to sift through all the hate on each generation and decide what you want but, remember no matter which one you get it is a MINI and thats all that matters.




Oh BTW I will never own a 1st gen cause I don't drive Chrysler! Zing!