Greetings - been a long time since I posted here. Waaay back in '02 I bought a new '03 Cooper S and loved it, but ended up selling it when kids came along. Now I want another just for fun, and would like some advice on whether to go for a late first gen supercharged or an early 2nd gen turbo.

I figure maybe a late s/c would be a safe bet due to having all the bugs worked out by then....

But I've driven the turbos and like them as well.

Looking around it seems the pricing can be about the same across these model years.

Are both engines timing chain? Or is the s/c a belt - I can't recall.... If belt then what is the suggested change interval?

Any other thoughts or suggestions welcome! Thanks!

 

The general consensus is that the '05-'06 are the best of the first ten cars. There is a timing chain, and in time (so I've read) the tensioner needs to be replaced from wear. There's a ton go goo info on the site.

 

1st gen S, '02 to '06, is supercharged, belt driven, suggested belt replacement is around every 30K.
This era of cars will come with the solid cast iron W11 lump and equally reliable Getrag 6 speed gear box. The early gen 2, '07 and on, version will have the N14 'Prince' engine with it's timing chain/cold start rattle/endless headache problems to be avoided at all cost.

 

I agree with both of the replies above. An late 05 or 06 is your best bet. You give up some horsepower but you also give up a bunch of headaches. And if it matters, if any of the new Mini's are going to eventually appreciate in value, it will be the late first gen JCW and GP cars, maybe the S too.

 

Having had five years of trouble free joy with my '05 R53, I have to say it's just more "Mini" than the later turbo cars. I've driven an '07 for an extended period and it's just not the same fun factor, not to mention their rep for catching fire at inconvenient times.

If you can find a car with

 

The timing in the 1st-gen cars is still via chain; the supercharger is driven by a belt.

Evidently the supercharger needs servicing around the 100K range, and parts can be hard to find if it needs anything other than fresh oil.

The early 2nd-gen cars seem to have more than their share of teething problems. Those improve over the years, but it's not clear if they were ever definitively solved. The non-turbo versions seem to have fewer problems, in part because they are stressed less, and in part because they simply don't have some of the systems that wind up with problems. (Simplicity can be a virtue!)

The 2nd-gen cars are larger and more comfortable, but have lost the real go-kart feel from the 1st gen.

Then again, they're all quite fun to drive...

 

If I was going to choose between 1st Gen or 2nd Gen, I'd definitely go with a 1st Gen MINI "if" I could find one in good condition! For a 2nd Gen, look clear past the N14 engine to the N18 in the later models (2012, 2013), or a JCW '11 or later.

Only dig on the 1st Gen cars is the "cutsie factor" with regard to the interior! If you can even find a car with non-torn seats, etc. Those multi-colored seats, door panels, etc. isn't for me, but maybe that's not an issue for some. The later cars look much better inside imo.

The F56, although larger, has much more power and the fun factor is over the top to drive! An "All-BMW engine" is worth considering in the 3rd Gen.

Have fun looking...the "hunt" is half the fun...and get a PPI if you find one you like!

Good Luck,

John

 

I am probably a little biased but I would also suggest a 2005/2006 over a 2007. The 2005/2006 have their share of minor problems but not as big problems as the 2007.

 

I'll add my voice to the '05-06 crowd. First gens are more 'raw' / a purer driving experience, less encumbered by creature comforts and do-dads. MINI seems to be following in the footsteps Mazda took with the Miata (although to Mazda's credit third gen Miatas were more plush and better performing than prior generations but weren't ugly as sin). With any luck the fourth generation MINI will hark back to the original a bit more.

 

The 07 is the worst year to buy.

 

Was keen in 06 on buying the 07 R56 until I was reminded that an end of model run has the bugs worked out it versus the adventures of the first year of a new model. So I bought an 06 R53 over nine years ago with no regrets. There's an "any original owners" thread recently posted on NAM that may help. I operate my R53 with the same philosophy I flew airplanes in regard to the fact that in an airplane I couldn't pull over to the side of the road and fix it. So far so good. PS: the Tritec engine aka "the lump" may not be the latest in technology but it's quite reliable and extremely enjoyable to listen to it and the supercharger harmonize. That in itself is worth the price of admission. Good luck.

 

I would avoid the '07.

 

This may just be my luck, but my 07 has been problem free for 104,000 miles. Sure, the timing chain, valve cover and gasket, and some of the suspension stuff has needed replacement; but this is to be expected with many cars, MINI or not. When I bought it, I made sure to find one that was well taken care of, had the mileage dependent work done already, and was owned by a "responsible" party. I was lucky enough to find one; but like I said, I have had no other issues, and it's a BLAST to drive. Sure the lowering springs, and shocks help, the sway bars that have been upgraded, and the engine mount sure helps too...but I love my 07. It's really up to you, and what you can find.

 

Thank you all for the replies, I was leaning towards a late 1st gen, and looked at a couple that had some minor issues but were still very nice, but I was picky and waited for the perfect one - found it yesterday and bought it! Not my first choice of color, but sometimes you just know when it's the Right Car.

2005 (stick) with I believe every option, one owner, traded in at the MINI dealer and the Carfax is several pages of very thorough maintenance. Drives like a dream!

Here are some terrible pics in the rain

 

Wow, factory nav and the rear fog light , nice find. Looks like tartan red interior, wow.

 

Yeah, man. Your new wheels looks great.

 

You have my condolences. Your life will never be the same. You will become a slave to it's desires, that is, crooked roads, putting a silly grin on your face, turning you into an obsessive MINI compulsive and anything else it can think of. Enjoy the heck out of it. You found a keeper!
If it doesn't know where to take you to the crooked roads, here's a way to find them. http://www.motorcycleroads.us/index.html

 

+1 '07 R56 is the year of the N14, which seems to have more issues than the R53 '05-'06 W11. Looks like you found the perfect one for you. Congratulations on your purchase and be sure to enjoy!

 

Awesome car, great choice.

 

Sweet! Nice find!

 

Oh is that the official name? It's leather & cloth combo, with lumbar adjustment on both seats....

Frankly, it's a helluva lotta red, but it's growing on me

 

Yep, well octagon tartan red cloth / leather.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...od-or-bad.html

 

Upholstery is option FDTN ... Body Color Dash / Door Trim is option 318.

 

Yep, those are some of my favorite sport seat other then sunrise orange for the R52 convertible, and of course malt brown for the R52 MINI Convertible sidewalk.

 

Seeing that pic larger like that reminds me I need to clean those all-weather mats. It's SNOWING now, though, so would get dirty again if I am unable to resist driving it LOL

Went to dinner last night and 16 yr old stepson, who has his own Scion TC, said "I really wanna ride in that MINI" ....his mom wasn't thrilled with that because she knew she's by far the smallest.....hehe