Hey all, i'm currently driving a 2012 Fiat 500. I bought it because I like the styling, and for a car with 101 hp its quite fun to drive. Anyways Ive always wanted a mini so now Im thinking of getting one. Ive heard mixed things about the 2006's and 07's. Some say the last year of the 1st gen are the most reliable because that was the 4th year they made it so all the bugs were worked out by then, and some say the first year turbo model is better, while some say it was very problematic. Just wanted to see what everyones opinion is!

thanks!

 

If I were you, I'd get an '06 base manual. Coming from the Fiat you won't miss the power of the supercharger, and they're very reliable. Of course, I'm biased.

These terms will help you to use the search function here:

R50 = 2002-2006 Base
R53 = 2002-2006 Cooper S (Supercharged.)
R56 = 2006+ Cooper Base AND Cooper S (Turbocharged.)

 

or

GEN1 the Daimler engine (in the S super charged)

GEN2 the Peugeot (in the S turbo charged)

 

I bought my '06 S (R53) used and I love it. However, whoever said all the bugs had been worked out by that year was dead wrong. I had the same problems the older Gen1s had, like the thermostat o-ring leaking and the fuel pump disintegrating in ethanol. My sunroof tends not to close, so I just don't ever open it. I'm also getting occasional error codes from a tiny leak somewhere in my fuel line. Personally, I've never had so many problems with a car, but I've also never had so much fun driving. I know absolutely nothing about owning an '07, aside from what I've read on this forum. It seems that the Gen2s are just plain nicer. Not necessarily more fun, better, or even more reliable, but nicer. I've seen plenty of posts here from R56 owners with the same problems I've had. So I guess what it comes down to is whether you want base, super-, or turbocharged, and what options you want.

 

The car chooses you. Test drive a couple of different ones from different years.

 

^+1 test drive each one. a base, supercharged, and turbo version. spend as much time as you can in each one and find a good winding road to get a feel for the suspension. the 1st gen 02-06 has a stiffer ride but feels more connected to the road. The 2nd gen 07+ has a smoother ride but loses some of the road feel. The turbo cars get better mpg's. Good luck with your hunt!

 

Get the last of the best!

 

I wouldn't trade my 06 for any other year ever

Angrydave. Buy silicone spray and run it down the tracks of your sunroof. It will work like a charm. The first time my sunroof stuck open was two hours away in the rain. If you have any questions pm me

 

Thanks, C-Lop, I'll try that.

 

I am no expert, but I've heard the 06s and previous years had a "classic" MINI ride and feel. The 07s and beyond worked out some of the bugs with earlier models and offered a more "refined" ride (which to some meant less throaty, less "MINI").

However, I've also read that 07s were the more prone to problems than later new gen MINIs, so '08s and above are supposed to be a better bet in terms of reliability.

 

I can only speak for myself, but I ordered a 2006 new and it has never been in the shop for anything other than routine maintenance and tires.
Coming up fast on 100K miles

Replacement is on the way, ordering a new Countryman as soon as the bench seats become available.

YMMV

 

Get an '06. Do a search for "HPFP" and "timing chain rattle". After that, you won't want an '07 MCS.

We would have bought one new but the reliability issues with the S scared us away, so we got a standard Cooper.

 

When I was shopping I drove both s models The r53 has a better feel. I bought the first year of a new body style and will not do that again (the car was not a mini).

 

I tested an '06 S vs an '07 S (both stick shift) recently. The 06 felt a lot less refined than the 07. Whether that is good or bad depends on what you like in a car.

I ended up buying the 07 and I am pretty happy I did, because I would rather have something more comfortable, faster, smoother and more quiet. When you don't have those qualities, it feels kind of like a cheaper car to me.

Purists may want something more raw, but this was not a track car for me, it's an every day driver.