Well doing some searching and many readings on this forum, it seems that the year to purchase is the 2005 or 2006 MCS? It appears that the gearing is better on these years then in the previous.

is this true?

what else is better? Are these the years to consider because of being newer so you won't find the issues in the previous years? Looking for a little more advice so that I can make a purchase. I'm quite excited about getting a MINI COOPER S.

Also, would you guys consider a 2005 Liquid Yellow w/ White Roof MCS with NAVI and 44K on the odometer for $15,900?

 

Well, you have to figure that the 05 and 06 models have the advantage of a redesign, due to learning about issues that occured over time, with their predecessors.
That of course is not to say that the 02-04s are not good.

 

stick with an 05-06 with low miles (less than 10K/year) that way y'll get the balance of the factory warranty, plus y'll get a car that's a tad more refined than its predecessors. the one U mentioned has a lot of miles for such a recent model; maybe that's why the price seems low. You CAN do better.

 

I had an 02 MCS and I was quite satisfied with it, until I rode in a friends 05. Big differences. Gearing is huge, LSD is great, steering wheel is a three spoke (not a big deal, just looks better) and fewer rattles. I sold the 02 last year and bought a used 05 with very few miles. Could not be happier.

 

I should just put this link in my signature -- I've referenced it 10-20 times by now:

http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/

This is a great resource -- as you'll see, I think your initial assesment is correct.

 

I have an '06 R53 and love it... I really like the 3-spoke wheel more than my friend's 2-spoker in their '03 R53

My '06 has 17" rims and rides smoother than my friend's '03 with 16" did... and then I put winter non-runflats on and the ride got even smoother (and the tires grip better... in 40F weather at least)... can't wait to get my new Goodyear F1 GS-D3s mounted this spring...

And of course, as the eager2own has posted,
http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/
is invaluable.

 

I would go with the 05-06 (I'm biased), mainly because all the bugs are worked out, and I have been catching the occasional mention of problems with the Peugeot engine in the current R56's, as it's used in other cars.

 

Ditto with these guys, I just came from an early 02 MCS (still a great car) to my late 06 MCS JCW the refinement is evident on all issues espcially the ride quality. You'll love it!

 

If you like the yellow, that seems like a good deal. The '05-06 seem to be the year to own (hooray! Mine's an '06!).

That said, I've driven some really nice '02-'04's, as well as some fun R56s and two GREAT Clubmen.

 

04 was the last year for Indi Blue.
Rattles are easier to deal with than paint!
IB FTW!

 

You are right on!! I think the price is good for the one you found. Early 2005 owners have less than a years warranty left regardless of mileage. Go for it!!

 

I have an 04 laser blue. and heavily modded. I havent had any issues with it as yet. actually after reading "eager2own's" article post, Almost all the items mentioned in the 05 are whats in my 04! I guess some items were optional, and lucky me the previous owner opted for them. i bought mine with 44K, extended warranty to 70K $600. lo jak, $200. gap insurance$600.
out the door price was 16,500 with all the mods listed in my signature. and I got it from a dealer!!

 

i have an 04 electric metallic blue! its sexy and i got the rattles fixed because i have the 4 year warranty and they did it for me! so she rides nice and quiet, well until i oneballed my exhaust, now shes a bit louder hehe. ; )
also the door handles were outdated and get froze in winter so i got those replaced under warranty as well. now it is great!