Seriously considering a Mini to replace my '88 Mustang GT as a daily driver the question is which one and what year. I've been through the forum and no about the pit falls but is 1 year better than the other in terms of problems? S over normally aspirated?

I'd consider the new ones but I'm a much bigger fan of super charging versus turbo. For fun and excitement I race vintage Porsches (www.cullenracing.com) and think a nimble Mini would be a bit more fun than the brute strength of the Stang - not to mention better fuel economy.

 

This is a currently on-going thread in the cabrio forum -- but it should address some of your questions:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=118323

I would add that your interests seem more in line with an "S" than a "Just a Cooper" ...
although if you're willing to give up strength for fuel economy -- there's a big diffence in mpg from the R53 (1st gen "S") to the base R56 (2d gen non-S)

 

Click this link and you can check out this article on MotoringFile.

it should give you a nice overview

 

To address the question of what year:
It's pointed out in the MotoringFile article, but I would highlight the difference in gearing with the S in '05 on. This makes a world of difference, and I would highly recommend focusing on 05 and later MINIs.

 

Sounds to me like you would prefer a 2005 or 2006 MCS (better build quality, probably still has warranty, improved transmission gearing, many small improvements throughout).

If you can find one with the JCW kit, a racer like you would really appreciate it.

 

++1

 

Agreed, you'd dig a 2005 or 2006 MCS.

I'm a justacooper type, myself... but I bet coming from a Mustang GT, you're going to want the supercharger. If you don't need rear seats, try to find a GP.

 

Thanks and appreciate all the suggestions. I'll focus on a 05 or later. I may have to look into the new ones since it seems mileage goes up with the G2's.

A GP would be very cool.

 

Well, if you don't mind waiting -- and you are interested in performance -- you may want to look at:

http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/11/...mini-revealed/

Should be a great performer -- and you get the improved mileage of the second gen. MINIs.

 

+++1

 

When I was in the market for a used MINI, I was shopping around mostly for '05-'06s because of the gearing, power, and other minor interior improvements.

I fell in love with Indi Blue, which unfortunately was only available from '02-'04. So I ended up buying the '04 MCS that I have now.

If I wasn't so into Indi Blue, I definitely would have gone for a 2005-2006 MCS. The gearing change makes the car a lot zippier at lower speeds, and this is one of the improvements that I *really* wish I could have had with my '04...