Looking to buy a Mini Cooper S and wanted to get some insight. I know this has been discussed before, but I want to get some opinions on which is better.

1.) 2006 Mini Cooper S. 45k miles, $14k. Lots of options (LSD, Chrono, Chrome Line, Sport Package, Cold Weather) Pretty much everything but moonroof.

2.) 2009 Mini Cooper S. 40k miles, $20k. Same options as #1.

Which is the better car to have? I know that most people always say buy the newest car with the lowest miles possible, but is this true for the MCS? I have heard there might be some reliability issues with the R56 engine.

Thanks,

 

Get the R53! Run away as fast as you can from the R56. The R53 is BY FAR the better car with the same options and comparable miles.

 

I am partial to the R53. I have owned the same one for seven years and I like it as much today as the day I brought it home, but that doesn't matter because I'm not car shopping.

Have you test driven both? Do you have any preference for the interior of the 1st Gen vs the 2nd Gen? Is there something that stands out (either positive or negative) with one of the cars? Since you have only one post, I have to ask if driving and owning a stiffly sprung twitchy (in comparison to normal cars) performance oriented car with a manual transmission is something you're prepared for? I like my MINI more than any car I've ever owned, but I recognize that it ain't for everybody.

Give us some feedback and more info about yourself and your driving preferences and somebody'll be along with some better advice.

Rawhyde

 

This was my first post as I have loved the Mini for years but never had the chance to get one. Now have have the chance.

I have owned Porsches (914 and a Boxster) a BMW 330i ZHP, and an Audi S4. I like performance cars with manual tranmissions.

I have drive both the R53 and R56. The advantage to the R56 in my opinion is the interior. The steering wheel telescopes and there are no downtubes by the radio.

However, I prefer the look of the R53 and it seems like a more 'fun' car.

 

I own a R53 pretty close to what you itemized except I have the panarama roof. I also have 69k+ on it and it runs like a top. I say get the R53. I know it flys in the face of conventional logic but it is the better choice.

 

I have logged 94K miles in mine over seven years, and I love mine. I have only driven an R56 Cooper S (without sport suspension) once. My car has the JCW engine, brakes, and suspension, so it was somewhat mild in comparison. Nothing against it, but I liked mine much better.

 

R53!

 

If it's a daily driver then r56 is the way to go. Everybody has their own opinion but it's a general consensus that the r56 is also a notch above the r53 in performance...just in a more refined manner. I used to have an r50 and LOVED it but the r56 is even more fun IMO. Plus, the torque with the turbo makes you

 

Get the R53!

 

R53 all the way! Mine has 112,000 miles and is going strong. When driving both, the R56 feels toned down and more like other comparabley sized cars out there. The R53 still has the 'rawer' sports car feel, and face it, there is nothing better than the sound of a supercharger!!!

 

Sounds like either one would be a great option. I have a 2009 R56S and love it. I don't have much experience with R53 although I do like the interior design of the R56 quite a bit better. I'm sure you will have a ton of fun either way.

One thing though, the R56 you mentioned may be a little overpriced. Mine has similar options and I paid 20.5K for it when it was 18 months old and had 19K miles. It was pretty darn close to a brand new car.

 

While the 53 has some problems the 56 has a french engine that has many problems. I Have a 65 mini cooper s and a 05 JCW. the 05 is a close relative to the 65. the new one are not in the same league.Old and older MINI's forever.

 

R56 is a more refine car, and because that it take away a little bit of Mininess( raw go cart feeling), I own a regular r53s and after I test drove the R56, I went ahead and replace mt r53 with a mint R53 JCW, and I love it.
But again if you are looking for a better car= r56, more fun =r53.
Lastly, R53 is look much better than any R56 - my $0.02 cents.
Good luck.

 

R53 owner here, and I love it!
This is the first car I've ever owned that had a supercharger. There is nothing like the way my MINI screams when the supercharger kicks in! If I would've done some more research before I bought Bernie, I probably would've tried to find something newer. So glad I didn't!
Only problems I have had, were because of the way the previous owner drove her.
I would say get an R53, and if possible, one of the last years it was made.
Make sure you have it inspected thoroughly before you buy it, no matter what you decide on, and be ready for any maintenance you end up having to do. They aren't cheap!
I bought her for $13,400 in June. Since, I have spent almost $10,000 in repairs. Could've put a dent in a brand new one.
Having said that, I wouldn't trade my MINI for any other car! I finally can say I OWN my Dream Car!
By the way, there are way more Mods for the R53. If you get one, get a Cold Air Intake, and a smaller supercharger pulley!!

 

No regrets on my r53.

 

Drive both....they are very different, they just look the same.
When folks ask this question, i say drive them...then find an example that you wish to buy. Lsd on an 06 is kinda rare if factory...but this means it may have seen a lot track time...look closely!!
I am biased to towards the r53....the first couple years of gen2 till the pcv was revised, and the timing chain was strightened out should be looked at very carefully....gen1 have issues too, but tends to be more of simple repair due to a more basic desgin......

 

One advantage to the R56 is significantly better gas mileage, if that matters to you.
Ther than that you folks are giving me turbo/super charging envy!

 

It's going to be personal preference after you take in all of the above factors. Go test drive the wheels off of both of them, and maybe something will *click* for you. And the 20k price tag for the 09 is assuming that it's absolutely perfect - no dings, scratches, etc.

Happy hunting, and welcome to the family.

 

Maybe I am late to this thread, but would like to give my opinion. Yes the R56 has a much better updated interior and the ride quality might appeal to a greater comunity. I on the other hand prefer the R56 because that is the car that represents what Mini is about, a small car, glued to the ground, fun to drive and easy to maintain. I have a 2007 S Convertible and am looking to buy a 2003 to 2006 coupe, to tune up and enjoy.
As far as prices go, all I can say is that a 1996 Porsche 911 sells for more than any 2000 to 2005 porsche 911. A had a "993" Porsche, loved it, regret selling it, if buying a Porsche again I would buy a 993 over any other one, maybe not over a brand new one because the new ones are also gorgeous.
Back to the Mini, I even prefer the mini over any Porsche, I can buy a 2004 S mini for USD 5000, spend another USD 5000 replacing or fixing up the engine, clutch, compressor, suspension and interior and I will end up with a brand new R53 that will be funner to drive than any 911 for less than the cost of a 911 set of tires and wheels!
Compressor refurbished (USD 1000), add new Pulley 15% or 17% with belt and spark plugs (USD 350), cold air intake (USD 300), new clutch and flywheel (USD 700) New sport Coilover (USD 1000), Suspension bushes and other goodies (USD 300),Used newer interior seats on ebay (USD 650), new NON runflat tired (USD 600) and you have a brand new car.

Dificult to to say how long a R53 engine will last without an overhaul, but I believe that it will run over 150,000 miles. Usually the problems are compressor and Trannys without proper maintenance. So buy a car with less then 80000 miles, do a complete maintenance schedule, change all fluids including tranny, do the upgrades above if you want to and enjoy a great car.

 

[how's the reliability been for you.