In the market for a Cabrio. I see 2005's for $20K or less fully loaded local, and even on this forum's market place. The Supercharger might have a better sound than a Turbo.... I have read enough to know to stay away from the CVT tranny.... So it would be manual for sure if a 2005/2006. Have not driven anything older than a 2010 yet, and we have a 2010 S hard top on the boat now - will be in CA VDC July 13th.

Anyone had both - got opinion on which they liked better?

 

Currently driving a 09 S as a loaner while my 06S is in the shop. They both have their pros and cons. I love the sound of my car but it rides kinda harsh when compared to the loaner. The loaner has an auto which surprisingly enough is pretty quick. But i still love the 06. If I were you id try to drive both before you decided. It seems to me when it comes to MINIs everyone has their own opinion and can sometimes be hard to judge. Make the decision on your own. What ever you decide you wont be disappointed. All in all these are fun cars to drive.

 

We just returned our 06 MCS convertible, and bought a 2010 MCS convertible. The new car is much tamer (so to speak) then the 06.

My wife absolutely loves the 2010 - the car is so refined, ride, fit and finish, etc..

I preferred the 06 for the occasional week-end jaunt, but if it was my daily driver, I think I would go with the 2010...

 

i'd test driven an 06 JCW cabrio before getting an 09 MCSc (both manual, of course). i found it very difficult to heel-toe or revmatch on the supercharged because the revs just don't climb fast (maybe i just sucked). naturally, one should drive with sport button on all the time.

the turbo gets peak torque at 1600rpm. feels more efficient at low speeds.

 

Drove an '05 MCS hard top automatic today with 60K on the clock. Local Honda dealer has it, must have been a trade-in. Drove it like a mad man (while the salesman held on for dear life ).....

http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/ctd/1817768222.html

Wanted to hear and feel the supercharger and CVT tranny - the whole car drove like new. Had 17" Dunlap performance run-flats on it. Thought the ride quality was impressive. Looked under the hood - that supercharger is huge over-all compared to a turbocharger.

Could NOT get any "burble" out of the exhaust - nor any moan or real noise out of the super charger. Seemed like too civilized a ride!