So my 06 MCS is going on a field trip to the body shop today - to see the rust and what it's going to cost for Mini to fix it.

The loaner - 2016 Countryman S All4 Automatic (with paddle shifters)

Immediate differences I notice:

Seats are so much more comfortable
Cabin is quieter - (probably because the 06 is 10 years old)
Front cup holders can actually hold something bigger than a can of soda
Power of the R53 S is missing / not the same

Aside from the seats - I'm missing the R53

 

The Countryman models ride very nice and the interior of the newer MINIs are very quiet.

Hopefully they cover the rust. When they painted my R52 is was a brand new MINI.

 

Heard from them today - they will be fixing the rockers. They have yet to look at the tail light wells. They are not doing anything with the hood.

I love the trunk release on the Countryman. Very cool!

 

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Try fitting anything bigger than a can of coke into the front cup holders of an R53. I think they put them there to psyche you out.