Hey guys,

I want to get into the Mini game. But $17,000 for a Mini S that will depreciate more than 40% over the next 3 years is not appealing. After looking around, the 2002's are going for a great price!

So my question is, are there any major differences between the 2002 and 2006 Mini Cooper S's? I will be upgrading small engine components such as the supercharger belts and pulley, intake, exhaust, all that jazz.


Thanks!

 

Try this link.

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

 

The basics are the same. The changes are primarily cosmetic. However, 2002 was the first year the R53 was produced. I had an 02 and it was mostly trouble free. Some 02 owners had some buggy issues with theirs. It's pretty much agreed by most owners that most of the R53's bugs were resolved by the 06 model year. If I was going to buy and R53 again I'd buy and 05 or and 06.

There are plenty of photos on here that can help you learn the subtle differences between the 02-04 cars vs the 05-06 cars. Things to look at are the headlights, tail lights. There are more cosmetic changes than that. Refer to the MF article that Jim posted.

Good luck.

 

Perfect. Thank you!

 

Transmission ratio on the 06 is set for better accleration....the sc is also coated, and a better ecm...all changed with the 05 model...resulted in a few more hp..the dash is more rattle resistant on the newer car...and numerous small improvents....the link above is a good start....
Later tritec motors seem to have better quality control....generaly be tighter, and tune better...

 

What ZippyNH said. '05 or '06 is the way to go.