Many of you may have seen me on the forum before, but unfortunately do to money woes I was forced to sell my beloved mini back in October and haven't really been on since. Now that we are back on our feet I'm looking at getting a mini again. I'm just curious with some of the changed they made over the past few years are what not if anyone has any opinions on which here and been the best? I had an '04 and was really happy with it. Just curious.

Later

Liz

 

2005

 

I'll be biased and say the 05 as well..

this year they went spastic with the new styling options....checkmate etc? not a fan!

 

why it's the last year of the current model of course - 2006

 

2005 because I own one.

But seriously, with the introduction of an LSD and the new gearing I would say you are better with a 2005+, don't think anything really changed in 2006.

Of course if you are not interested in the LSD then it just depends on how much you like the new gearing, but I don't think the 2005+ really lost anything compared to the 2002-2004, except for maybe some colors.

 

Best year? I had an '02 and picked up my '06 two weeks ago. I'm not aware of specific differences between '05 and '06, but the '02-04's can't match the
improvements made in the last two model years. I'm absolutely blown away
by the solid build of the current model and the many little, but significant changes that have been introduced. It's a no brainer for me.

 

Agreed...'05s and '06s are best, although I have absolutely no gripes w/ my '03. Actually, like the earlier Cooper styling but the improved tranny (Cooper)and gearing make it best.

 

I have had -0- problems with my 04 so it's a keeper. The gearing from an 05-06 would be tempting though.

 

I vote for the 05 as that is what I own. I always like to buy "deep" into the design so the manufacturer has the opportunity to get the bugs out and incorporate good ideas.

Happy Motoring - Fred

 

I've went from an 03 MCS to an 06 MCS and by far the best improvement I like is the new gearing. The option of having a factory LSD for $500 is also a bargain. The only downsides that made me miss the 03, April build, were the stiffer shocks and two spoke steering wheel. So I would have to say the 06 is better than my 03 based solely on the gearing and bargain price LSD. As for build quality. I haven't seen a large improvement. My 03 had a constant speaker rattle no matter what I did. The 06 has a window and radio face plate rattle. I don't mind. It gives character.

 

mine's the bestest.

 

05

 

mid year production 05s, that is the most mature corrected version of an S, unless you can find a preowned 06

 

later 2005

First year for LSD & new gearing.

Last year for Jet Black.

 

For me it's a toss up of a 2005 or 2006. A bit more power, improved gearing, & a LSD. No disrespect to any other year MINI's. They are all best years!

 

Why an 05 over an 06?

I've been thinking hard about my decision to get a hardtop last year and am considering maybe a tradein for an 06 covertible in a couple months. I'd be interested to know if there's something specific about the 05 that people prefer to the 06.

 

a 02 built 03............is my favorite

 

05 because I own one, but seriously only diff, for an 06 is symbol for pass. airbag shut-off and color choices. The differences from your 04 are, brake lights including rear fog, passenger airbag shutoff if seat empty or not enough weight, rear view mirror is slight larger, addition of the cabrio option, squeaks and rattles removed (somewhat) addition of the LSD, gearing changed, softer ride (not by much but makes pothole land driving a little less painful), more power from an ECU reprogram, burble and the stereo plays MP3s with the stock system;I think I got it all may have left one or two things out.

 

I am looking at a 2009 purchase! I predict that will be the best year.

 

I've got my little eye on a 50th anniversary '09, too!!!

 

Ditto.

 

thanks for the input

 

So what year are you going with, or does this need an offical poll?

 

I hate the newer steering wheel. Driving my dad's 05 is impossible cause I always drive my 04 with my hand at the bottom of the steering wheel. Little things like this can matter a lot.

 

I had a August build '02 MCS with the original Sporst Suspension Plus, 2 spoke Multi-function Steering wheel with mode selection and excellant tactile buttons on the back, clock located properly above the mirror, and assorted squeeks, rattles, huccups, burps, farts and studders.

Now I have an October build '06 MCS with LSD, lowered gearing, 5 more hp, modified shock adsorber rates for the Sport Suspension Plus Mk2, Sports Seats with more padding, 3 spoke Multi-function steering wheel without mode selection and with ergonomically terrible "nintendo" style buttons, clock located obscurely within the speedometer, one piece dash without rattles, seats without squeeks, no hiccups, burps, farts or studders, LSD with a groan, suspension that doesn't shake your filling out yet still gives go-kart like handling.

I like some of the things in the new and miss some of the things from the old. Tough choice.

Wish I could get the 2 spoke MFSW and overhead mounted clock in an '06.