Hello I am in the market for a Mini for a daily driver. I have narrowed it nown to a N/A version(Non S). What do i need to look for? or watch out for? I would like a 2005+ year. But would like to know what the difference between 2002 and 2006. I am very mechanical so working on them should not be a problem I just dont want to do it often.

Thanks for the advice.
Matthew

 

Cooper 5-speed built between 2002-2004 = Midland Gears transmission. This transmission is an old Peugeot gearbox that was used by Rover in the 1990s. Unfortunately it has poor durability.

Cooper 5 speed models built in 2005 and 2006 have an all new Getrag sourced close ratio 5-speed gearbox. Supposedly it is much more durable and reliable than the old midland gears box.

Cooper CVTs (automatics) built from '02-'06 are mechanically carryovers.

Any MINI built on or after July 2004 is a 2005 model year car. When in doubt, the first place to check is the manufacturer's placard located on the driver's side door jamb.

 

There are tons of differences between the '02-'04 MINIs and the '05+ "Facelift" cars. Motoringfile has a very nice summary of all the changes that took place at the beginning of the 2005 model year (2006 MINIs are 2005s with more colors and/or packages):

http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/

 

05+ tend to have a reputation of being more reliable

 

Thanks