Goodmoring all - I am new to the Mini's and want to buy one. I will be cruising here and trying to learn as much as I can. In the last few years 05,06 & 07 - what are the main differences or changes - Anything to look out for in these years? Going to try and stay basic so the $$$ do not get to out of hand. I do thank you for your time...

 

Hi and welcome! Since I don't even have my MINI yet, there will folks with LOTS more advice. The one thing I noticed in So Cal was that the price difference between used and brand new was not terribly significant.

I finally figured that if the difference between MY dream car and someone else's was 3-5K on a 25-30K car, I might just as well get the new one as I wanted it.

That's it from me~ there will be others who know all the differences between the R50s, R-53s, etc!
Good luck and have fun with the obsession!

 

First of all you need to differentiate between the MC and the MCS for each of the model years.

The '05 & '06 are virtually identical. The big differnce between the MC (R50) and the MCS (R53) models is that the MCS engine is Supercharged with about 50 extra horses (almost 50% more).

In '07 the body styling changed and they now turbocharging the MCS instead of supercharging.

Go to this link for the visual differences between the 1st and 2nd generation MINIs:https://www.northamericanmotoring.com...=%22r53+r56%22

The primary difference in technology on the MCS model is the r53 is powered by a 167hp supercharged Brazilian Chrysler engine and the r56 by a 172hp turbocharged French Citroen or Peugot that has a much flatter torque curve that comes on much lower in the revs. Because the r53 has been around so much longer there are a lot of aftermarket performance mods available. Not so with the r56 but that will change quickly.

 

Click here to learn about differences between the model years.

 

I do enjoy learning on Forums - I ride a Harley and have been on the Harley forums for some time - can always tell a Newbie by the questions and I really did that here - I am learning - As much as I would like a "S" - I will stay with the basic model - I do not want to get carried away. Back in the days of Mustangs 64 1/2 and up - as the years moved on - most people did not like the changes after about 68 - That was my basic question on the Mini - I too have found the used prices right up there with New - I have also looked at the Miata - they have really changed in 07 - Back to the Mini - everytime I see one - I get the urge - I have to admit - Havn't driven one as yet - The closest Dealer is about an hour away. Thanks for all the advice and thanks for taking care of a Newbie..

 

Welcome to NAM harley0711.

There are as many opinions about MINI's as there are MINI's.

Here's my take....

05 & 06 MCS's seem to be pretty trouble free. Lots of debugging since 2002. They are supercharged which I like. I spec'd mine with few options. Cold package, MFW, LSD & Xenon lights. It wasn't very spendy. Mine was a touch over $22k. If you are buying used you most likely will be buying one that has more equipment than mine. Not a bad thing.

07 & 08 MCS's are turbocharged. There have been many design changes to them. I like them, but for me it's the 06 supercharged MINI for me. With some careful selection of options you can get an 07 for not much more that I paid for my 06.

You really need to drive both do a bit more research. Either way you'll have a fun car.

 

I do agree - I need to drive a few - that is the problem - finding them to drive.. The dealer is an hour drive and most likly only have the 07 - however, now that Iam typing this - they may have used ones also??? Need to just get in the car and drive over there... May get "flamed" for even asking this question - but here goes - any comparison in drive/feel to the Miata's??

 

Oh heck harley I won't flame ya.

I have a 95 Miata. God I love that car. To me it seems to handle better than the MINI. I think that comes down to the RWD to the FWD difference. The MINI has loads more power & is faster. Where I live I can't use my Miata all year long. The MINI is my daily driver & I love it too. As far as the new Miata's go I know they have more power than my 95. If I was choosing a daily driver I'd go with a MINI even in Cali.

 

I traded in a '99 Miata for my MINI. Handling is similar but I believe the Miata handled slightly better. However, the MINI has a much more friendly suspension, i.e. more comfy. Also, the MINI has ALOT more room inside. Having now owned both, I would take the MINI in a heartbeat over the Miata...unless I was strictly looking for a track only car...then the Miata might win but off the track, the MINI is definitely the better car.

 

I wouldn't agree that the MINI is a better car than a Miata. We're getting into an apple & oranges kind of thing here.

For me the MINI does more of the things I need on a daily basis better. My Miata is a 3rd car & a toy. At that it excels.

 

Just called the Dealer in the bay area (CA) Of course they want me to come and test drive the new 07 - any Mini owners in the Turlock Ca area that might be willing to "Learn" a local Fire fighter - I work at the Monte Vista Fire station (Michael) or email me for home number... Really do want to learn as much as I can about these little cars. Or are there any local clubs in the Turlock/Modesto area???

 

A couple of things to note on the '07 MC vs. earlier models. The '07 hardtop MINI has a six speed manual tranny, vs. a five speed for older models. Also, gas mileage is improved considerably on the '07. I believe the EPA highway mileage is 40 mpg. The '07 automatic MC is a conventional automatic, vs. a somewhat trouble-prone CVT in the older models.

 

Thanks for the Advice - all good to know... I plan to drive to the bay area dealer next saturday...