Hey there all, first time MINI buyer, narrowed my choices down to these:

09 MCS
manual
47K miles
asking $17000

06 MCS
manual
67K miles
asking $13500

Any tips on which seems the better deal? And the reliability question, is the last year of the old body style going to be strong? I test drove both, they were both solid didnt feel bad at all. No strut problems on the 06. Im not really a performance oriented driver, just looking for which is going to be best/most reliably for a 15 minute daily commute and the occasional road trip.

Also, which body style is more "affordable" to maintain?

Thanks for helpin out a newbie!

 

Both are good cars. The '06 is the most refined of the first Gen cars and the 09 won't have the issues that can come from the first year or two of a model change (second Gen), soooo... it depends on if you want a Turbo or a Supercharger. Also the newer ones are suppose to be a little more refined but I've never driven a second gen MINI. It's strictly a matter of your personal preference. I myself love the supercharger. Good Luck!

 

Cool stuff, I liked the turbo but am wary of it because whenever theres a turbo problem it becomes a total mess. Plus the supercharged one had much more character. You have the first gen? Has it treated you well?

 

20,000 less miles is a lot to consider, I'm always a fan of buying the car with less miles. Don't worry so much about reliability, MINIs are reliable. I know there are tons of topics about broken MINIs and expensive repairs. That said, if you're MINI is perfectly fine you aren't going to start a topic about your MINI being perfectly fine.

I would take the 09, I like the subtle styling changes.

 

the most important factor is that particular car - how it was driven and maintained...

if (and this is unlikely) both were driven and maintained with love, then I would take the '06 for the following reasons:
1. fewer reported issues over time (in general)
2. a slightly edgier car - but only slightly
3. I like the supercharger

but you know what they say about opinions...

kind regards,

Charlie

 

Hands down I would go for the '06. I'm by no means an R56 hater, but they just have waaaay too many problems, and that '09 is most likely out of warranty. My $.02

 

Take the '06.

 

Even though I have an 06 MCS and like the R53 (Gen1) style better than the R65 (Gen2) I would suggest the 2009 for you, since you like driving both cars, because of the lower mileage and reasonable price on the 2009.

 

Agreed.

 

You state, "I'm not into performance", so, get the '09 Turbo. Leave it stock and enjoy!
If you get the '06 MCS you'll suddenly think, maybe a CAI would be cool,......,why not a 15% pulley,........, cat back exhaust,............ JCW 380's, ............., manifold/header,........... rear sway bar,........... springs/struts,.............coilovers,............custom tune, well that's my
experience.
Nice choice to have! Good luck.....

 

Less problems in the 06? Thats what my understanding is of the situation. Thats what I was sorta hoping to hear because I liked the 06 color (deep blue/purpleish, looks nicee) and it had some nice extras in it.

Anything I should be on the lookout for when I inspect it?

Anyone agree with the statement that the 06 is the better choice?

 

You should expect to replace the lower control arm bushings soon if they have not already been done. Same for the belt tensioner.

 

Ill look for those when I do the inspection. Can you think of anything else? On first blush the whole car looked very tidy

 

What sorts of problems? Im very worried about electrical problems...have had bad experiences with my current ride.

 

- Leaking Thermostat Housing/Gasket
Check paperwork to see if the housing/gasket were already replaced
- Leaking Engine Mount (top, passanger side)
Check paperwork to see last time mount was replaced
- Mushroomed Strut Towers

 

I have not had any electrical problems with my 2006 (75,000 miles) and have not heard of many electrical problems with the 2006 model year.

 

Yeah I knew about the strut problem and those are perfect. I heard something about the coolant reservoir leaking, what should I look for under the hood to see if theres no imminent issues?

I appreciate these tips theyre SUPER helpful...many thanks!

 

Ok

I really appreciate this info, its going to be very helpful. Thank you so much hopefully im back on here in 2 weeks showing it off!

 

Very different cars....
very different driving experance...
Dive them both...pick.
i am biased towad the 06....much more of a raw, connected feeling...
Some loved it...some want more refinements.
Test them both.....get the one that has been treated best, and talks to you so to say...

 

My 05 has been a great, relilable ride. But so much varries from car to car due to how it was previously driven and matained...inspect them both.
Ps tgere is a reason imo that the 06 has lost less % per year than the 09.
simply put, the gen1 is more of a modern classic...the odd combination of bmw/rover that made an awsome drivers car....the newer gen2 is mostly just a modern car...mostly bmw.

 

I agree with what you say about the 06, is there any way to easily tell if common problems on the car have been dealt with that you know of?

Thanks for your input!

 

^^^Dealer should be able to pull up the wrap sheet for the cars which shows most everything ever done to it. That is, unless the previous owner/s did the work themselves.
Mine is an 07 S and I bought it used with 57K on it at $17K so the price of the 09 is very good and it has lower miles.
I've never driven a 1st gen so I can't compare but even though I've had to put a little into mine I still love it.
Thermostat leaking $450
Timing chain issue $500 (out of warranty but dealership submitted $1200 to Mini and I paid the other $500).
That's it.
Someone mentioned drive 'em both and that should help you decide.
Good luck and either way you'll be blown away.

 

Errrr........Carfax?

Sometimes ya just gotta take a leap of faith, and deal with whatever comes up. Even well maintained vehicles, with no history, could develop problems. I can appreciate a tight budget, but sooner/later, ya gotta take that leap............and drrrrrrrrrrriiiiiiiiiiiiiive

 

Here's something to consider. If you pick the 09, you'll be just perfectly timed to join the engine fire hazzard recall line that's starting now. :-)))

 

Oh thats lovely

Btw, the 06 im lookin at is purple haze. U liking urs?