first of all, i can't fathom how much greater my 2006 MCSa cooper is compared to the 2010 Clubman i drove as rental while mine was in shop.

1. I'm really grateful to own last of R53.
2. The clubman of course is bigger and has much more useful spaces. however, i really didn't appreciate the interior design. From 2007 and on, the interior looks cheap and just not right compared to the original MINI.
3. i know they offer like oak wood trims now, and i realli wished they did that with R53s too.
4. when they pulled up my car upon returning rental, i was so happy to get the baby back. i think i realli like my car.
5. ill prolly drive it till like 120,000 miles which will at this rate will be on August 2016. That means I have owned the car for a long *** 10 years!

 

I had the same experience when I got a new MCSa as a loaner for my 2006 MC. I was so glad to get back in my car. There are a few things that I like about the new cars, but I'm glad to have what I have.

 

yup. The R56's are too refined for my liking. They feel alot more like a "normal" car to me. I had a 2008 MCS convertible lonaer in 6 spd which was great, but it was missing the character of the R53. The R53's have a stiffer ride, notchier gearbox, stiffer clutch pedal, great sounding engine and exhaust, better interior, etc etc etc.

Dont get me wrong, I still like the R56 MCS's though.