I absolutely love my 2006 convertible S but with it being 15 years old and having 90,000 in miles, I'm starting to worry about major expenses in the near future (my dealer swears there is an engine seep although I have never seen a lick of fluid underneath her, even after sitting for a month).

So I am contemplating "upgrading" to a 2017 convertible (S of course) but am unable to find a manual transmission. Back when I bought the 2006 (in 2010), several mechanics warned me away from getting an automatic with the supercharger. What are the thoughts on the 2017 models and getting an automatic?

 

Likely fixing anything that's going to go wrong on a well maintained 2006 will still be cheaper than a new car payment.

 

The F-generation (newest) have turbocharged engines instead of supercharged ones. Manuals are harder to find, but you should be able to get one if you search enough. But the general opinions are that the F-series are baby BMWs with more zip than previous models. They are more refined but some people think this makes them lose some of the previous charm. And older model owners do not like the look of the newer models. They are also slightly larger than previous models (like we're talking 6-8" in total length).

So basically, I'd recommend test driving one and seeing if you like it. People generally say that the first generation handles the best while the newest generation has the most power. A test drive would let you judge for yourself.

To answer the questions, I'm a big fan of my 2019 MCS with manual transmission. And I think you shouldn't settle for an automatic.

 

I would recommend you begin researching independent mechanic shops in your area with MINI expertise. With some basic wear items repaired, you can easily get double that mileage from your 06. You probably do have some oil seeps, but if your garage floor is dry, and you check your oil level regularly, you can go a long time before you need to do anything about it.

A good indy mechanic will tell you straight what is and isn't a problem. The service advisor at the dealership is a salesman for repairs.

If you love your 06, don't let the dealership scare you into trading out of it.

 

I think your 06 it a much better car. All the new cars are bigger and fatter and not as much fun, but that could be because I have an 05 and will never get rid if it.

 

For me, half the fun of my MINI is the fact that it is a convertible the next half is the manual transmission the third half is the MINI go-cart handling. I personally would never give up the manual. (The fun of owning a MINI defies simple math.)

As for the cost of repairs, if you keep up with the maintenance, the 2006 without payments will be cheaper over the next 5 years than a new one with payments.

 

What they said. Regular attention to the basics and timely service will take you many , many more miles of topless motoring.

 

The F series convertible will have a way more deluxe interior, and a turbocharger. It's heavier than your car though. The newer AT may actually be to your liking too you'd have to drive it and see. I know my new 8 speed AT is awesome but it's not the same as the 2017 AT.

 

You definitely should get rid of that car. I'l take it off your hands real cheap. I'll put up with all that pain you are worried about – like the sweet, sweet sound of a supercharged R52, which with some supercharger maintenance and worn suspension components replaced, and with a 15% reduction pulley on the supercharger, will be a barrel of fun for another decade…

(2017's are great cars. They're bigger and heavier than your R52 and they will feel that way. They're also more powerful and more refined. Some people like that. Some people don't. Auto vs manual is a matter of taste. Back in 2006 MINI had been having problems with automatic transmission failures so the mechanics guided you well. That hasn't been a problem since then so if you prefer an automatic, no big.)

(But I really do think you should sell that sweet, low-miles R52 to me for cheap. )

 

My personal opinion is, and this is just me, I’d keep the r52, maintain it, get more use out of it, and enjoy it for what it is. It will also be more financially logical. But if you are bored or tired with it, that’s a different story.

Also, I am a bit biased. In the last three years, I went from a leased Mk7 GTI to a preowned F30 328i to my now 15 yr old r53. While the GTI was faster and the F30 was more luxurious, I prefer the R53 for many reasons. So much more fun, stick shift, go cart handling and most all, NO PAYMENTS. I take it to the track and not care as much. It is super reliable and yet fun to work on too with tons of aftermarket support and youtube tutorials. And if something breaks that I can’t DIY, labor cost will be cheaper than a newer MINI. R53s are simpler mechanically, mine has minor seepage at the timing case gasket, but my mechanic said not to worry about it until I get to replacing the dampener. Plus I love the more classic look of the R53 compared to newer MINIs.

Now, with my personal experience/opinion aside, you might also want to look into R53 vs F56 comparisons. While they have many similarities, they also have many differences. Depending on your priorities, needs, and wants , they both have pros and cons that you can weigh. Just my humble 2 cents.

 

I'm gonna get an R52 convertible some day, and use it for recreation only.

 

I've had an R52 for 13 years, just a routine trip to the grocery store is recreational.

 

I would also like to add that you placed “upgrading” in quotes.

This is subjective. Going from an R52 to an F56 is an upgrade in many areas and may be a downgrade in some. You will lose some of the characteristics that make the r52 an r52. The supercharger sound, the raw handling of the stiff suspension, the more connected feel of the steering wheel to name a few. The decision making process will be more involved than simply applying logic.

 

+1 Intoxicating. Reason #3 for having to run up the canvas, my co-pilot whining louder than the supercharger about being too hot or too cold.

 

Just an FYI, getting a good set of springs and shocks on the F series is imparitive to regain that sporty feel everyone wants, the F series does not have a sports suspension, even when it says it has a sports package, and the F series really comes into its own with that. FYI, the F57 JCW has 30% stiffer springs than the S, it’s a huge deal.

 

imo the r53 are the last real gocarty feeling minis, ive driven a few and when i get into and outta one from my r53,they just feel soft in comparison. Almost like a a sedan feeling as a posed to the mini feel. But its all opinion, some prefer that. I don't. Springs ect do help but they still are bigger,sit higher,are longer and heavier..meh

 

To me, it totally is what you want to get out of the car. If you want something that you can put a few miles on here and there and can fix up and modify over time, R52 would probably be a nice bet to hold on to. They aren't really worth a whole lot yet (that'll probably change eventually). First-gens in my opinion are a lot easier to DIY than the new cars are. But if you want something comfortable yet fun that you can drive when you want and not have to worry about age related stuff going wrong, new F-series is the better bet. 2016-19's are usually really good deals as Mini's tend to depreciate pretty hard after a couple of years, like most European cars in the US market. Just the way the market is, nothing wrong with the cars themselves. The F-series is by far the best built and the smoothest and most luxurious, and to me while it doesn't have the raw feel of the first-generation, it's still fun all the same.

 

This may come as surprise but the current generation of hardtops are some of the slowest depreciating cars in the country, retaining around 55-60% of their value after 5 years, compared to the industry average of 40%

 

As the original owner of my 2005 MINI Cooper R50 5 speed Getrag manual with 175,000 miles, I too love my MINI! I have made this MINI my own with a lot of mods. I just returned from the Dragon, again(1500 mike round trip) & still in love! Lol. I personally don’t care for the newer MINIs as much, they have become more mainstream to attract more types of people.

Do what you want! Stay safe! Drive fast, take chances!

 

My advice: drive an F56 and decide for yourself. Drive a stick, and an auto; you might just be surprised.

In 2018 I sold my 2006 S that I dearly loved and spec ordered a 2019 F56 JCW. I went from supercharged and manual to turbo charged and auto with paddle shifters. I'm a one-car household, some urban but mostly suburban driving.

Two years later, I don't regret my decisions one whit. The auto is great in rush hour or stop-n-go traffic. Putting the gearbox in sport manual and using the paddle shifters is tons of fun, and drives very well on The Dragon, Cherohala Skyway, etc. The F56 is a bit bigger, but it is a more refined car. The size difference is barely noticeable. The ride is better, the build quality is better, as are the materials. The A/C in my F56 is ice cold (very much appreciated here in FL), and the car is rattle-free. The subjective discussion of looks aside, the F56 is a better car all around.

If I could've sensibly kept both cars, I surely would've but my reality was that all I really need is one car, and that's all I should keep until I hit the lottery. In my case, the F56 was the best decision. At one point in time I swore up & down I'd never get rid of my R53, and sure as hell would never willingly drive an F56. Time and circumstances change a person, and now I'm very happy with how things worked out. Take the time to do your homework and let your senses and sensibility decide what's best for you.

 

Should drive a Base model convertible 3cyl Turbo before you commit to the 4cyl Turbo S model.
As R53 owner its what I would probably purchase over the S.

 

I can actually second this. The 3 cylinder has a lot more character. As well, the 3 cylinder is lighter and therefore the power to weight ratio is very similar to the R53. In addition, the F56 justa has a much more R53 look without the "chin"

 

Nailed it Dunk.
The shift points of transmission are more "agreeable" too....
The designer of the 3 cyl engine was quoted as stating that the 3cyl Turbo was the "stronger" of the two engines with respect to modifications could easily handle 100hp per cylinder.

 

That has a lot to do with the 3 cylinder that sits in the back of the i8. I put a Dinan Sport module on the wife's and the car, a convertible as well, is just good old-fashioned fun. The dynamics are very much closer to the R53 my coworker lent me for a month than my F56 S. I won't compare to the GP, that's a different animal.

 

Agreed.
When I worked for MINI, I was able to drive everything from the R50's up to when the new Clubman S ALL4 came out.
Exactly what I felt as well.