I am new to the board, new to Minis and local to Charlotte. I've been a fan from afar, but until now haven't considered actually buying one.

Taking money out of the scenario, would you buy a new 2008 Cooper S or a previous series used model? I've read a few tests, and most seem to say the new model is a little softer, but still a great ride.

I mostly plan on driving the Mini as a daily driver, but I do forsee driver's ed events in its future - if that helps.

Which one is more tuneable?
Which one is more driveable?
Which one is more tossable?

Any and all feedback is really appreciated - thanks.

 

I bought an 05 used and I love it. the price was reasonable for what came on it and I have added only a little so far. both the new and old are totally tuneable. the rumor is that the new turbo charged model is a bit better on gas mileage than the supercharged (pre-07) models. I personally like the pre-07 styling a bit more. either way, you cannot go wrong

 

I think there's more of an aftermarket for the prior model, (like mine) just b/c it's been around longer. With the passion for MINI mods, I'd say the new model will catch up soon. Maybe not the breadth of choices, but certainly the big players will have all the "standard" mods available.

I think the new one is better as a daily driver, having had a few when MINICHI was in for service.

The prior model, IMO, driveable and tossable are opposite sides of the same coin. Caveat here, if you're used to "normal" cars, that is, you're not driving an S2000 today, and have never driven a MINI, any of them will seem pretty tossable!

Bottom line: You can't go wrong either way!

Great minds think alike and I guess you really can't go wrong, huh?

 

Thanks for the responses.

jlsg - I agree with your assessment on styling, as the older models seem a bit more taut, if that makes sense. Both are great though.

dave - I should have been more specific when referring to driveable, as I mostly meant driving a modified car. As in, I like a modified car, but as a daily driver in traffic, I don't want a irritable car that needs 4500 rpm to be happy.

I hold my comp racing license, plus I have an Alfa GTV set up for the track, so I know tossable, but not Mini tossable. I can't wait to have it in my daily driver. I'm trading in my GMC Yukon, so taking my normal daily turns will be quite a change.

Thanks again.

 

Can we please see pictures of the Alfa.

IMO the 1st gen cars look better, haven't driven an 08 yet, but the 15% pulley on the supercharger makes a huge diffrence just ask Floyd.

 

Here are a couple pics before I installed the roll cage, racing seat/harnesses, etc. It is still street legal and lots of fun.

 

Thanks that is a sweet ride, must be a blast on the track.

 

I have an 05 which is slightly modded! You can do more with the Supercharged version than with the Turbo. I still like the new ones, but will stick with my old one til I get tired of it. It could possible be for Sale and is Car Show and Race ready. Any event I would suggest to anyone to buy new one and order what you want and start from there. New ones cost the same as used as they don't tend to loose their value. Thats my take and I am sticking too it! P.S. once you start modding the Mini its addictive! Ask Doc!

 

[QUOTE=BLUCOOPR;2233026]I have an 05 which is slightly modded!

 

Its great on the track, but its also fun simply keeping up with traffic around town.

I hope to check out the latest Mini tomorrow at Hendrick. Does anyone have a favorite salesperson to suggest?

 

If this is going to be your daily ride then don't leave out a quick spin in a mans go-kart.
I bought her used off of ebay from a company that resells the program cars from the dealer in Memphis. 4.5k miles for about $5k less than anything I was finding around here. She was and is sweet. Not a spot on her and still under warranty.
I smile all the way to work and back just knowing I have the coolest car on the road. I've been told that it makes me look like Smiling Bob from the Viagra Commercial.

 

That is one sweet lil' Alpha!

All the sales and guys are good, and some are new; usually refer people to Dana or Steve, only b/c I've known them the longest, Nick is real knowledgeable and enthusiastic, too.

Guy who sold me mine is now the finance guy. Tells you how MINI operates, they don't hire pushy salespeople, just cool, enthusiasts. Like I said, you really can't go wrong with any of them.

 

Definitely buy a used! I've had to drive the new one on two different occasions and the older version is more sporty than the new ones by far!

 

You'll need to drive both to see which you prefer. Since I've had both I can tell you I prefer the 2nd Gen (R56). It's a more refined car (which some folks don't like), but I've come to appreciate the differences.

The turbo has a much more linear power band for driving around town which (let's be honest) makes up probably 90% of my driving. The seats have been redesigned and IMHO are more comfortable. The center stack revisions allow more leg room which makes the car a better 'GT.'

The biggest surprise has been the increase in gas mileage. Typically I'm changing gears about 4k and consistently get 31+mpg around town. Depending on my highway cruising speed I'll get 37-41mpg. These figures are from both my OBC and cell phone calculator, so I know they are correct. If memory serves, my previous gen model NEVER got better than 25/26 around town and about 34 on the highway. With the way gas prices are going, this difference will be noticeable over the term of ownership.

The aftermarket for the 2nd gen continues to grow, so you don't need to worry about not having stuff to spend your money on

Give both of them a test drive and see which you prefer. Either way, you can't make a bad decision.

Good Luck

 

BUY A 2006 MCS!!!!! BEST BANG FOR YOU BUCK BWAHAHAHAHAHAH I would not want a 2007 or newer.. WAIT we do own an 08 and hands down. I love my lil ride.. and hubster loves his.. did that help?

 

Thank you much for the response. I still haven't driven one yet, but on paper, I am leaning towards a new one for this very reason. I'm trading in a Yukon, so I'm eager for 30+ mpg to say the least.

Another question - where should I be looking for aftermarket products? Any suggestions on what I should do first? I was thinking a chip to start, but again, I have not done my homework yet.

Thanks again.