Hi everyone. New to the forum. I'm thinking about purchasing a mini and am starting my research on what year will suit me best.

Right now my daily driver is a diesel Ford F-250 which I've had since late 2004. Good vehicle for towing my jeep but its beginning to take a toll on me due to its size. Trips into any high density parking areas usually lead to me bumming rides from friends or just not going.

I like the extreme idea of dropping down to a mini due to its size and sportiness. I won't be getting rid of the truck so the small size of the mini seems perfect for daily life. So far all I really know is a want the manual Cooper S. Probably stick with a used mini but I will end up at a dealer to test out a new one just to see what sparks my interest.

From what I can gather, 2006 to 2007 was a major change for the mini. I will appreciate all opinions of best years and features or things to watch out for, as well as places to do research. Not gonna ask you to do all my research for me.

If I miss posted this in the wrong forum I apologize in advance.

Thanks,
Chris

 

Welcome Chris!

I would definitely go to the dealer and just test drive all the models they have. Pick up some brochures and just soak it in.

 

2007 is the first year of the new model (except for convertibles where I believe the new model debuted in 2008). Fuel economy, performance, and ergonomics improved. A 6 speed S is the way to go.The MINI USA site's build your own feature will help you zero-in on options and colors. However, there's no substitute for test driving and seeing many cars.

 

Hi Chris, if ~$30k is in your car budget, by all means get a new one, optioned just the way you want it and the full warranty.
If you need to aim lower on the budget scale (like a lot of us) an 05/06 S is the best of the first Gen MINIs. There's a ton of info here in the forums. Especially pay attention to the "stickies" at the top of each sub-forum. Those are info deemed important enough to hold at the top of the list.
Best of luck!

 

Yeah, I would say start out by going to a MINI dealer and try out all the models you are interested in. Try an S and a non S, see which suits you best. See if you like the auto or the manual (although both have changed for 2011 so keep that in mind if you look at used)... and then go from there. If you don't want the payments on a new one, check older models of the one you liked the most. And make sure to look for the MINI Next (certified used) cars because they have a great warranty.

And, um, be careful when asking for advice about which to choose. So many of these questions quickly degrade into arguments of auto vs manual; S vs Justa; 1st gen vs 2nd and so on. Read around, but mostly just decide for yourself based on actually driving a vehicle.

 

I would say if you want a used 2006 or 2007 drive those years. An '06 is drastically different than an '07. The body is different and handles differently. The engines are not the same between the years. Some call the '07 "more civilized" or not as "sporty". Some feel the 1st gen cars are "rough". Depends on your likes. You are looking at a supercharger versus a turbo charger. The brakes on the second gen are bigger. The interiors are different...and again some like the new and some like the old. More changes have occurred in recent models as recent as 2010. A new 2011 will not drive like a 2006 or 2007. The engines have more hp and drive differently as a result. The bodies again are different with modded fronts and rears. I can't imagine comparing a 2011 to a 1st gen car. If you have a budget the 2011 "s" can be expensive with options that you may like. Drive several cars but closer to the amount of money that you'd like to spend. An '06 is probably the best 1st gen car and I just read where an '08 is a good choice for a "starting" second gen car. Good luck and read alot here in NAM. It will help.

 

This is too funny, I'm pretty much in the same boat as jeepwidow. I drive a BMFT on a daily basis and I've just started my quest for MINI ownership.

I just sat in an '06 "S" and drove the '07 "S" this past Friday. The immediate difference that I noticed was the interior. In the '06 my shin was bashing into the center console. This was a non-issue with the '07 as there was tons of room to get comfortable.

 

I'd drive several, and be certain to take them on the freeway for at least 10 miles. I looked at an '06 and found it to drive rougher and noiseier than my DD, a lifted '99 Jeep with off road BFG TAs. Even wife that drives a Lexus said the Jeeps much more quiet and comfortable than this particular Mini. I am looking and will drive several before I buy. GL

 

I love my 2009 S convertible. I much prefer the 6 speed and I have to have the turbo. Max torque from 1400 RPM to near redline. Gobs of torque. Had it almost 2 years and still look for excuses to drive. I have had several BMW's and sold a 3 series convertible when I bought the MINI. Just great fun!! Good luck. I have a Tundra 4 door for those trips to Home Depot but would you believe you can get an 8' piece of molding in a MINI convertible with the tailgate down and the rear seats folded :-)

 

To those considering an 07.... consider this. It's the first year of a MAJOR change. New engine, new everything. Sounds a lot like the 02 MINIs. If you are going with a 2nd Gen MINI, look later in the series. Or just read lots of threads in the 2nd Gen forum.