I am currently in the market to buy a used Mini cooper S Hatchback for under $10000. I have heard that the 2007 model has many issues but the 2006 model is more reliable. Is this true? I plan on purchasing automatic. I am also looking for some pointers on things to watch out for when buying the car, and things i have to check out before justifying the car as good. I am looking for it to be a highway/ cruising driver (no off road or racing). I guess my overall question is, Would i be better off with a 2006 version or 2007? You guys can recommend any other year within affordability that would be better.

 

2002-2006 Cooper S (R53) models have a supercharged engine which is pretty bullet proof, although the supercharger will need rebuilding or replacing sometime after 100K.

2007-2010 Cooper S (R56) models have the turbocharged N14 engine which has lots of problems (timing chain tensioner, carbon buildup, high oil consumption, high pressure fuel pump).

The 1st Gen (2002-2006 Hardtops, 2004-2008 Convertibles) and 2nd Gen MINI have different characters ... think "raw" versus "refined".

I wouldn't touch any MCS with the N14 engine.

1st Gen MINI Buyers Guide

 

Awesome feel and power. Loved it. I'm on my forth mini (2 jcws and 2 justas) Reliability is always an issue. If you have money to fix it, go for it! Enjoy!

 

An 06 will be a dramatically better bet than an 07. Other than the aforementioned supercharger rebuild there's not much that goes wrong on them that will kill you. Lower control arm bushings, oil leaks (But, hey, the newest one is almost 9 years old), strut tops...

But overall these are darn good cars.

07? Spawn of Satan. I just got bit by another one and had to buy it back... They break in ways you can't comprehend.