Hi,
I am excited to buy my first mini but need advise on what year to buy. I am pretty sure i will get the base cooper. I want the best milage possible and will be driving 60 mile commute on highway and in DC traffic. I do not need many amenities but seem to be wanting more add ons as time goes by - But i am trying to stay under a budget. My current car is a diesel truck, and that is really all I have ever driven so i am very excited and looking forward to your suggestions!!

Are there any years I should stay away from? Should I just get a new one (biggest disadvantage is the wait)?

 

Good question, especially on the MCS side of things, as there are distinct benefits to both fist and second gen cars.

For Coopers, though, the early Midlands transmission has been problematic for some, so you might try to avoid that. Also, the gearing was improved on '05-'06 Coopers and so that was an improvement.

However, with that said.....the R56 Cooper ('07 +) was really a big step forward. With 6 gears instead of 5, much better torque at lower revs, greatly increased fuel economy, and a host of other tweaks....if you can buy a newer one I think you'll be glad.

However, I still have a soft spot for those early Coopers...the most original of the original design. Yes, the bumper strips were faux, but they were so Mini!!!!

Good luck!!!