Hey all,

I'm pretty close to buying a MINI. I'm quite excited about that. I'm sort of between buying a 2006 MINI Cooper S and a 2007 base Cooper. I decided to post this in the 2nd gen forums to get the perspective here.

I really cant afford all that much. I plan to use quite a large down payment on my car that I am selling.

What makes the 2nd Generations special? I know that they put in a turbo instead of the SC. Otherwise... I'm looking for Reliability wise, acceleration (non-S and S), and just in general.

I have an 06 Cooper S about 10 miles away in my sights. I'd also be open to getting a later model base cooper, if the improvements are great enough. I really want a supercharger, but I'd forgo that if there were really great things about the 2nd gen base.

Thanks!

 

Good luck with your decision, you will find a lot of information on both models in these forums. I think that the 2006 S will be a faster car than the 2007 base cooper.

The 2006 S was the last year of the R53 (Gen 1), I had one for four years and it was a great car. Since it was the 5th year of model production I feel that many of the earlier "bugs" had been worked out in that model year. My 2006 was very reliable, but some issues have been reported by others.

Now the 2007 was the first year for the Gen 2 models, and as with most new production models, there have been some common problems reported by many owners. Hopefully the 2007 you are looking at has no issues, but you should check out the forums to be aware of what other owners have reported from that year.

Just a few months ago I traded the 2006 S for a 2011 S (My trade in only lasted 3 days on the dealer's lot until some lucky person snatched it up). The 2011 is great, but I personally think the 2006 felt more go-cart like to drive. I also REALLY miss that great supercharger whine. You should drive them both and see which one you like, but if you want a supercharger, then the 2006 is definately the way to go.

 

I'll keep the answer simple. the 06 will be faster and offer more feel, the 07 will be slower and offer less feel (electric steering). The 07 will get better gas mileage and probably have a better ride. The 06 might be more reliable as it was a last year for that generation vs a first year for the 07.

Really two very different cars that drive different as well. Have you driven both yet, because that should ultimately drive your decision.

FWIW, I like the interior and exterior styling of the 06 better as well, but I'm biased.

 

Also you can not easily upgrade the radio in the 07 model.

I can say I was very skeptial buying the first year of a redo.
I've had zero problems so far with the base cooper.

(well not 100% base it has sport and the auto trans, I mean
non turbo really)

I drove an earlier (I forget the year maybe 2004) model that was
used they wanted way too much for it. It had the CVT, it was
very lame.

I don't find the auto with sport lame at all.

I don't know if this helps you.

 

Thanks guys!

I think I'll definitely go with the S. I really want a fast car, especially on the capital beltway. If I could only sell my Jeep :P

 

I'd go with the 06

 

I'd go with the base 07 MC. Of course I am biased as well. It gets great gas mileage. I also have found in years of hanging around this forum and driving my 07 MC, that it is the sweet spot for reliability and comfort. No its not as gokart like, and I prefer that. It will get up and move however, and is no slouch, particularly with the manual tranny. Most of the problems of first year production seemed to be mostly all on the MCS, not the MC. I have had zero problems in four years, save a waterpump.

Based on your statement of driving on the capital beltway, you are one of those drivers I like to avoid on the beltway.

 

When I was looking for a daily beater, I had the same choice. I chose the newer model, but I wanted two things: Gas mileage, a warranty, and a better ride.

OK Three things

When I want to to go fast...well, I prefer rear wheel drive....

 

The base Cooper will easily exceed your driving skills and nerve on the beltway unless you routinely drive faster than 120 mph.