Hi, I'm reposting here after stupidly posting this in the 2nd gen forum...

I'm trying to decide between getting a 2008 R56 MCS, or an R53.

I've done a lot of research, here and elsewhere, and I understand the reasons to value a 2005 or 2006 R53 for the better gearing, improved supercharger, uprated HP, and general working out of the bugs.

But I'm looking at a 2004 JCW car, and wondering if there is anything about the 05 or 06 models, besides the gearing, that are improvements. Since the JCW already has a better supercharger, and is new enough to have the kinds worked out, is there anything else I might be missing.

Also, 2 quick questions:

1. this car has a NAV system that I think is factory. Can anyone report on how good/reliable it is?
2. The car clearly has the sport package, but on the 2004s did the sport package include xenons?

thanks for the help! Any and all thoughts much appreciated.

 

http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/
This article provides a great description of changes by year.

I believe it did (but I'm a cabrio guy, so what do I know?). Keep in mind that the xenons looked different after the '05 facelift. So that '04 may have them even if they don't look like the projector lights in the newer models.

 

Thanks for the link, eager. That's very helpful. Reading that guide makes it clear that while I'd prefer a 2005 or newer (all other things being equal), the 2004 JCW car is a VERY solid MCS.

 

You won't go too far wrong with an 04 JCW especially if the mileage is low and the condtion is good. I recently sold my 02 MCS and bought my 06 JCW after test driving a new 08 MCS, the changes from 02 to 06 we're significant in every way ie: ride, comfort handling, tranny, performance, features etc. I had done the pulley, catback, intake route on my 02 so the power was similiar to the JCW but the JCW is just more linear. Don't get me wrong I'm warming up to the R56, I like them but I doubt I'll ever own one. The R56 MCS are a dime a dozen, the JCW is more unique, good luck either way you are going to love the Mini.

I love this quote from an auto jouranlist:

For the price of a Mini Cooper S, you could buy an Acura RSX Type-S or a Subaru WRX, and either of those cars would be a more reasonable, practical choice. But since when did car nuts become reasonable or practical? How many people have purchased a motorcycle for its excellent fuel economy? The Cooper S is a good value because it is two barrels full of monkeys. It's not unlike a ride on a quick go-kart. It's a rousing game of air hockey. It's a trampoline. It's the infectious laugh after hearing someone fart in church. If we didn't value that highly, we wouldn’t be driving a car like this!

 

Cheers, Works! I myself am the previous owner of an 02 MCS, so I already love the MINI.

The car I'm looking at seems to be in mint condition and will be inspected by a mechanic friend of mine. It has somewhat high mileage (75K), but the price seems to be right (13K, with JCW, NAV, Sports, Premium) so I'm tempted.

 

$13K!! Wow that's cheap but everything is cheaper in the USA compared to here, we pay $6.00 per gallon for gas!!! and I paid a lot more for my 06 but it did only have 9,000 miles. 75k would hold me off a little but as you say for the price it's very tempting, good luck.