Newbie here... =)

So I've been on the market for a car, and you might/might not believe it but i went from wanting a G35 to a MCS. Yes, Yes i know ya'll believe it... hahaha
Anyways...
Most likely I'm going to adopt one (buy used/pre-owned) but my question is,
Which year should I go for..? What would you recommend..?

I love to shop around and compare, so I've seen an 05 MCS (red) with 34k miles for 18grand, 2 years left of warranty, cold weather package (i think thats the name of it cuz it has the seat warmers) but no moonroof or leather seats.
I thought it was a great buy and every mini guy told me the same thing.

The thing is that today I saw 2 MCS for great prices; an 03 MCS (blue) with 42k miles for 15grand (on sale from a mini dealership), no warranty, moonroof, sport package. and another 03 MCS (grey) with 25k miles for 16.5grand, no warranty, moonroof, sport package. (this one was at a smart center)

I really want to get into a MCS but now im debating on what to go for, I'm not going to lie but yeah I'm kinda cheap and Im looking for something under 18grand.

Any help or suggestions...? (btw I've learn alot from reading on this forum, some of the stuff I learned on here some guys in the dealership didnt even know about... hahaha)

 

The main thing to know is the newer the model the less problems 05/06 is best but 04 is what i have and it hasnt had any problems and then 03 is next and then 02 was first so it has the most problems of course but they are still buyable : ) id say go 04 or newer. mine was 23k so if you found an 05 for 18 thats a Way better deal than what i got, go with it!!!!

 

If you are going to adopt, go to a shelter. They have better temperments, and will be put to sleep if you don't rescue them!!!!

Seriously, go for the '05. period. It's not even debatable for the $3k difference. End of discussion.

FWIW, I was going to buy a G35 when I was looking for a new toy, and I was very disappointed with the performance of it. I was told it was like a Z, but it's not. It is heavy feeling in every sense of the word.

The only car that really turned me on, other than the MC, ws the WRX STi. That car is a real BEAST!!!

 

An 05 or newer is better IMHO. However try and get an 05 built in or after Jan 2005 for ALL the 05 model benefits. This is a great read too http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/

 

Thanks for the comments guys.
Yeah the G35 was a disappointment, it has some up and go, but not as much as i was expecting.
Its just to heavy.

MCS is definately my choice

 

I have an '04. Correct me if im wrong, but after '05, they got a new (better) tranny. take that into consideration.

 

As others said, I would go with the '05. My cooper is an '06 and with 52K miles I've had no rattles, squeaks, windshield issues, etc., and the newer Getrag trannies that I believe started with '05 year shift beautifully and I've heard are more durable. FWIW I deliberately went w/o the sunroof 'cuz I've had them in my other cars and almost never opened them. Since it was an MC dealing with only 115HP, I wanted to stay light as possible as well. I've never missed it. Go for the newer one, especially w/ a little warranty left.

 

I have an 06 DINAN S2 MCS that Im trying to sell. No problems what so ever. Bad little ride. I have about 5000 miles left on the factory warranty. I have it posted here on the site. Just reduced the price. Needing a bigger car these days. Mine has about 210 HP with the DINAN upgrades. Awesome suspension, the works! Checkmate edition, excellent condition.

 

My '05 MCS has the German Getrag transmission. Solid.

 

Wickedwitch, Where you located at? and how much? im plannin on buyin a mini in march/april and would like some options

 

I have it listed on here actually. It is a blue 06 checkmate edition with the complete DINAN S2 upgrade. I have the link listed in my ad. I live about 1.5 hours east of the atlanta airport. It is a bad ride. 210 HP. Comparable to cooper works but with DINAN you get a sweet suspension. Super clean, excellent condition. If you PM me with your email, I can send you some better pics than the ones listed here on the ad. They just dont get big enough to show detail. Thanks!

 

If you're looking to buy used right now you should make sure you feel happy with your purchase, not many other buyers to step in front of you.

I just bought a used MCS '06 myself. I wanted used but not too used (less than 40k miles and newer than '04). I quickly settled on an '06 since I like the look of the dash more (!) (find the new large speedometer very ugly). Also, since they changed the design in '07 there are trade-offs there - different engine and power steering that are nice, but potentially more surprises since it's a less tested design (probably not much of a factor though).

Anyway, definitely go for some nice upgrades on a used car that you might not spring for if buying new. Like chrome interior, leather seats, convenience pkg. Definitely get the sun roof unless you live in a cave, I wouldn't even consider one without a sun roof but I'm in Cali

And consider using the upgrades as leverage when negotiating. "I really like the car BUT... if I were to buy a new one I could customize it exactly the way I want and you know I did really want the heated seats..."

Finally, I was very focused on the 3 yr / 36k full-service warranty. At least I felt if something really bad happened right off the bat I would be safe if under that limit. I bought 2.5 yr old with 30k!

Good luck!

 

Agreed with pretty much everyone else - the difference in transmission alone is worth the $3k to get the 05. There are other big improvements but that's the major one.

 

All R53 MCS made from 2002-2006 and convertible R52 MCS made from 2005-2008 have Getrag 6spd gearboxes.

 

The 2005 R53 S has some nice upgrades over the older 2002-2004 models:

Shorter gear ratios
revised intake and ECU programming
exhaust burbling
JCW supercharger with coated splines
Bump from 163HP to 168HP. Equals gain in torque (But actually feels more like a 30-40HP bump IMHO)
Dual stage front passenger airbag with auto deactivation and weight sensor

And the whole host of improvements that MINI made to this mid-cycle "facelift" model.

I used to own a 2004 R53 MCS and quickly sold it and ordered a 2005 MCS which I have been driving for the past 4 years since new.

The 2005+ cars are worth every penny, hands down.

 

If you want LSD from factory, you have to stick with January 2005 production cars and onwards.