Wow, it's been a long time since I posted here.

So I have a beloved 2006 "justa" cooper. I have loved it. Most reliable car I've ever owned, has needed nothing more than oil changes and *one* brake job in all those years. Never had the transmission issues I know some have encountered. It's 10 years old now has well over 100k miles on it and still runs like a champ. Even with the little engine it's fun and spunky to drive (because it's a manual frankly and I'd be buying another manual transmission, I don't do automatic.)

But it is 10 years old and we're in a position at the moment to buy me a new car. I have driven the new Minis. They're OK. They're frankly bigger than I like, not a fan of the new high profile. But the S models are still fun and zippy.

Anyone jumped from the 2006 (or previous) years into a 2015/2016 and have you loved it? I'd be looking at an S this time, two doors (I'm an old fart who cannot stand the bigger models), hard top. While I'm not a fan of many of the changes there really isn't anything else out there right now that's comparable to my beloved old boy so... Advice? Experiences?

 

Go for a test drive if you haven't already. Compare the turbo response and ride/handling of newer models vs. the supercharger and more likely harsher ride of the '06. Let us know what you think!

Drive Hard. Drive Safe. Keep Grinning.

 

I've already driven the newer cars because my dealer gives out loaners like candy. And since I'm apparently their only customer left who can drive a stick (seriously, what happened to this brand??) I get the fancy manual S every time.

It's more a long term ownership question. I have never driven the '06 S (couldn't afford it at the time). The new S has nice punch compared to my '06 regular cooper.

I'm more interested in the reliability of the newer models? Are they as solid? It sounds like the model just after mine was a disaster but has that improved? These are the things that driving the loaner (basically an extended test drive) can't really tell me. (I do know that the new cars have some huge blind spots my 06 does NOT have.)

 

My wife just got the four door HT 3 cylinder and I'm amazed at how much power it has. More than enough for her, and in sport mode I'm fine with it.

 

My (sig) MINI is my 1st, however I shopped locally for a pristine low mileage original owner end of 1st gen 2006 without much success. I extended my search to newer 2nd gen series, while avoiding those with early problematic N14 engines. In the end, I bought a relatively low mileage (17.7k) leased vehicle turned-in just a few days before. It was pristine and had my requisite (as is yours) Getrag manual gearbox. So I bought it.

You might consider doing likewise with 2nd gen 2007-2013 being somewhat smaller, lighter and (apparently) closer to spirit of 1st gen 2002-2006. Lease turn-ins are eligible for CPO extended warranty. I bought mine at MINI N. Scottsdale (Penske), however this one at MINI Tucson with just 13.5k would be very appealing if I was shopping today and if as pristine as mine: 2013 MCS, Getrag, Kite Blue. Do a VIN check using info on dealer's website and you'll see how nicely its equipped...

 

You would love an '06 S if you like your base. The jump from the R50 to R53 is awesome and you will never want to go back to driving a base. Reliability is much the same, the 1st gen cars are generally the most reliable, sounds like you have had a good time with them. My dad has an R50 and I have an R53, mine has been more reliable than his thus far.

If you love the manual transmission, stick to the 1st gens. They are simply more fun and were made originally with the driver in mind, not the family. Of course, that doesn't describe a lot of people so MINI branched out. Sounds like it still describes you though, so go with what will reward you most. An '05-06 MCS or even JCW will be a great upgrade.

 

As an R53 owner I would highly agree! Please feel free to ask any questions!

Drive Hard. Drive Safe. Keep Grinning.

 

I've owned 4, I went up to r56 and back to r53 where I'm staying

I have not owned an fxx but I have less than zero interest in them until they change that awful nose

 

I had an r52 convertible S that I loved, but at 140K miles it was still working great but I was worried the maintenance would escalate. I also liked the new F minis (except for the too big nose. I now have a 2016 F57 convertible S and like this one even better than the 2005. The ride is better, but handling in just as good. I have the adaptive dampers(Sport package), so the sport setting really makes a difference on the corners, manual is smoother, the throws slightly shorter, and the automatic rev matching on down shift is great. The LED headlights are much better than xenons. I just took a little 850 mile trip through the mountains in Arizona, averaged 31.9 mpg. I make my cars work for their gas, so I was passing much more than being passed. The torque spread on the new engine is way better than the 2005. I'm very glad I made the switch.

 

OP, if it's not a time-sensitive issue, you could seek out that "perfect" 05-06 S, and stick with the first gen cars. They're getting harder to find, but not impossible. Frankly, if I were in that position, I'd also consider an '11 or up R56 S. The F56s have nice interiors (materials, not design) & comfy seats, but they do feel bigger and coupled with my dislike for the exterior styling, I'd have to look at earlier cars. Good luck, and let us know what you end up doing!

 

My 2011 R56S with the N18 fits me just perfectly. Granted, I have not driven an R53S, and I do want to someday, but the F series has just gotten too big and too mainstream for my liking. Yes, I have driven the new F series, not the same as my R56S. Besides that protruding front bumper, and the Dumbo-like tail lights, there is also the lack of the center-mounted speedo, and the placement of the window and door lock controls in the COMMON places. I also felt that the handling had gotten a bit more sloppy. The F just takes MINI too "mainstream" for me.

 

Have you looked at a low mileage Gen 2 Mini S.

Of course get the year that did not have the carbon build up problems.

 

lols

 

If you wanna step away from mini for a bit I highly recommend gti's , I've owned 2 in my life . They are a bit bigger than the 1st and 2nd gen mini and a similar size to the newest version. I'm a vw fanboy but I actually miss my mini , I'd have both if I could convince my wife lol

 

What year was that ?

 

I believe the 2007 and later turbo models are more susceptible to carbon buildup, though it's not unheard of on earlier models. Much depends on driving style, how frequently the oil is changed, etc.

Drive Hard. Drive Safe. Keep Grinning.

 

For all the talk of F56 being big and less in line with original Mini intentions all depends on your perspective. Coming from Mustangs, Jeep Wrangler and BMW 4 series before this and being 6'4" 210lbs, my F56 feels Mini enough to me and a little refinement never hurt anyone.

I also owned a 2009 GTI for a long time and I used to say it was about darn near a perfect car. The F56 is about the same as it only 7 years newer and a bit smaller.

 

I went to mini of Chicago and a Ford dealership yesterday.. my wife fell in love with the f series 4door Cooper s and I personally like the countryman for the all4 , don't know why they dont put that transmission in the JCW or something.
I also went and looked at a Ford fiesta st, they aren't as bad as I thought and they had more room in the trunk. Im not a big fan of how they look BUT they definitely have more power and after modding have more power compared to the cooper.
The small hatch section is getting too competitive lol

 

Bought mine at mini of Chicago recently. Put on your wheelin dealin hat, they can discount a lot.