Which would you choose and why?

 

assuming mileage, maintenance history and such are equivalent

'06 JCW

better reliability at the end of the 1st gen production run

cheers,

Charlie

 

06 by far!

More driving feel and way more reliable!!

 

I had the exact same choice a few years ago, and chose the 2006 for the above reasons, and for the fact that it's an easier platform to modify.

 

I agree with the others. I prefer the R53 (2006) models over the R56 newer models in that they do have more driving feel. Also, the 2007 is the first year of the new model, and I would never buy the first year of any automobile model, MINI or otherwise, while the 2006 is the last year of the previous model, which gave them ample time to iron out any problems.

 

I am biased toward the gen1....
Same as the above reasons...
The cars are radically differant....both in driving qualites, and moddibility....
Gen1 is a more visceral, pure experance....and the '06 is the cream of the crop...he's s of improvements....

 

I have one of each an 2010 MCS and a 2004 MCS JCW. I much prefer the driving experience of the 1st generation. I have owned many turboed cars in the past, but this is the first supercharged car I have owned and that whine gets me every time. The generation 1 does seem to be more of a drivers car, therefore for myself, much more fun to drive. Mileage would be an important consideration as my 1st gen has 100,000 miles on it and my 2010 only has about 18,000. We always take the 2010 on trips because of concerns for reliability. Side by side from a dead stop, there is no comparison between the two. The JCW leaves the MCS as if its standing still and the MCS is no slouch either. Just depends on what driving experience you want. I would try to spend some time in both platforms to see what you like the best. Some do like the more tame 2nd generation.

 

Definately the 06 JCW. Not only is it a JCW, but it was the last year of the 1st gen and by then, they had it nearly perfect. The 07 is the first year of the second gen and I try to avoid 1st years on any vehicle.

If you're talkin' convertibles, then they're both 1st gen and the difference amounts to JCW vs. S. And in my book, JCW wins every time.

Also, the 1st gen is just a more visceral, more exhilerating experience to drive.

 

All i have to do is park the two together and look at the hideous profile of the newer generation and, for me, you couldn't give me one. That is the biggest digression in looks I've ever seen in the automotive world...just my opinion.