Hello all
I am new to the mini world. I have wanted one since they came out. I am looking for a 2002 to 2010 is there anything specific I should be looking out for ?

 

I would stay away from the N14 engine, 2007-2010 I believe.

 

I'd be looking at a 2006 R53 with a manual transmission, low miles. There's a wealth of information on NAM about the R53s.
If it's a hardtop, 2006 is the last year of the R53. Beyond that, I'd go with a Cooper R56 late 2010 or early 2011. Just more reliable.
The Cooper S 2007-early 2010 have a thick history of having issues, much less so from late 2010-2013.

 

Having a Gen 1 and Gen 2 MINIs myself since 2004. The previous maintenance is key. I had N14 S and N14 JCW. Once all the main things are done they are fine. The Gen 1s are more simple and more durable. But as they age the body and other things will need taken care of. Good luck on the search and if you need anything I am here.

 

Altecfenix came close. '06 to '08 R52S is superior to all else in one main way. It affords topless motoring which is motoring at its best. The roads less traveled take on a whole new meaning. The W11 engine (Tritec) and the Getrag 6 speed gear box are both near bullet proof.

 

If you want a ‘vert, buy a Miata. Proper drivetrain and it’s impossible to get an R52 to look decent with the grotesque method of stowing the top while down.

An R53 is for someone who wants one of the top-tier FWD chassis and some supercharger whine. Oh and I hope you’re a good mechanic, otherwise you’re going to get beat on labor costs.

 

Haha well, the R52 being a step above is totally subjective ;-) but I can respect that. Agreed on the W11 and Getrag. Some day I'll get another R53 to compliment the F56.

Yeah, Miata is the king of roadster, though I don't mind the top down R52. It's no R59 though. Any import you're looking for in the early to mid 2000's will take a bit out of the pocketbook when it comes to getting them fixed up.

 

Ah, the vagaries of world opinion, the various qualities of drop head design. Well, my first two motors were British roadsters, a '62 TR Spitfire traded in for a '63 E type Jaguar (4.2 It still brings a tear when I think about letting it go). So, toplessness is no stranger to me. Combining that with the aforementioned superior qualities of the 1st Gen MINI make it a prize worth preserving. To the OP, check 'em both out and then decide.