I know this is a very subjective question, but I can't decide which route to go. If you had a choice to buy a 2005 S w/ 88k that hasn't had much wrong w/ it (power steering pump, alternator) or a 2007 S w/ 64.5k miles that has a new clutch, timing chain (on 2nd chain), water pump (recall). Both cars are in good cosmetic condition. Which one is the better car longer term assuming price is fair for both.

 

General rule...RUN-AWAY from all 07's IMO.
Way to many motor issues. they are very different...
Drive a gen1 the SC version, and the gen 2, the turbo...they look similar, but are totally different!

 

Absolutely go with the 2005. You will be so happy you did. IMO there are way to many known issues with 2007.

 

Whoa buddy better slow down there. This bashing of the 2nd gen by 1st gen owners is real old now. Yes the R56 has its problems but so does the R53 some of which MINI does not car to fix e.g. the oil pan gasket which will go it is just a matter of time. Also there is the motor mount and the power steering.


OP it depends on what you want out of the car. If you want big power go with the 05 as it is easier to tune. Generally it is considered a more enjoyable drive but, I digress. If you want good gas mileage and something fun to drive that is a little bit more refined go with the 07.

 

Never bashed anyones car...just said avoid the 07's....so many of the 07's are "problem cars" that they are best avoided IMO. an 09' or newer is the way to go if you want a gen2! Look at it this way...2 timing chains down...want another...if it goes..new motor time!! Nuff said... just getting a couple years newer, the PCV system is revised to reduce carbon issues, and the motors to have most of the issues fixed, or not as severe...seems a bit better!!
Lets face it, the "rallycar" feel of the gen1 is not for everyone....for longer commutes the MPG is not great...just IMO the early gen2 cars have too many issuess

 

Though I agree these are issues with the 2002-2006, these are not catastrophic like in the R56 with issues like turbo oil lines, water pumps causing fires, coking of valves and lets not forget the death rattle/ cold start issues.
IMO I say drive them both and then decide for yourself. Just educate yourself on both so you know what you are getting into.

 

All of which are not death sentences if they come up. Oil lines you just replace, water pump was recalled so if your car bursts into fire that is your fault, and not everyone has the death rattle problem. MINI found the problem with the supplier corrected it and pushed out the parts. If this car has gone through 2 means most likely it was done before the correction was made. I did my chain in my 07 almost 3 years ago and have not had a problem since.

 

Where could I find some info on the chain supplier? I was wondering why they couldn't just make a more heavy duty chain.

 

IMO, get the 2005 MCS, as long as it's a manual. Better than the 2007's MCS.

Like everyone said, do your homework wisely and get the car fax. Actually if the 2007 hasn't had the timing chain fixed, I would steer away no matter what. Look at some 2009+ MCS if you get a chance, they're better than the previous two years of the second gen.

 

Out of those two I'd definitely get the '05. It's a great car, and you avoid the first model year "teething problems" that you risk with an '07. Especially considering this particular '07 has already shown issues.

 

They don't break because of being to thin. They were too long and that was what was causing them to slap around and break tensioners and guides. Check motoring file they have some stuff about it.

 

I'd stay away from the '07, since it's the 1st model year of that generation car. It was notorious for having some teething issues (as many manufacturer's 1st model year for a new car have) so you may encounter more issues.

Personally, I love the supercharger whine of the 1st gen, but if this is a primary vehicle, I think I'd want to go with a lower mileage car for longevity.

 

I'd say go with the '05 for many of the reasons listed here. I know quite a few people who had no issues with their '07s and I've also heard of some truly nightmarish stories of multiple repairs on '07 and '08 R56s versus later years. That said, many R53s have been just as problematic but may be easier to work on and mod yourself if you are inclined.

Either way, a test drive and a thorough inspection should make the decision for you. The R53s and R56s do drive quite differently, with the R53 feeling sportier and more go-kartish and the R56 feeling more refined and having a little more creature comforts. A stock R56 also has more power and better fuel efficiency than an unmodded R53.

I personally went with an R53 because I liked the driving feel better. I bought my '06 just over a year ago with 96.5k miles on it and it now has 125.5k miles and my only repairs were a thermostat, a dipstick, an abs sensor, and a tie rod end (result of bad roads). Everything on my car was original save for the clutch (replaced by PO before trading), which shows that a car can still be in good condition despite its mileage. Just be mindful of any red flags that pop up during the inspections and pick whichever one feels like a better fit to you.