I owned a 2008 R52 for almost three years and loved it, but needed the money this last spring so I sold it. Big mistake. I have never in my life missed a car so much! So now I'm back in the market for another, and I'm looking at either another 2008 or a 2009, but as this is also a generational difference rather than just a model year difference, I'm looking for opinions and advice. I know the 2008 is the last of the superchargers and 2009 the first of the turbochargers, as well as the lower roll bars in the 2009, but are any other significant differences? In the research I have done it looks like the 2008s are holding their values better than the 2009, but I may just not have enough of a sample. Anyway, what do you all think? Thanks in advance, and I will also post this in the R57 forum.

 

What i really think is that you should call the guy who bought your earlier mini, and tell him you want it back! :-)

what type of cabrio will you be buying (One, Cooper, S, JCW?). I would never buy a 2009 S or JCW with all those cold start rattle issues.
I like the boardcomputer better in the R57. MINI's Cabrio Roof Wear problems unfortunately did not seem to improve with the Gen2.

 

I really considered contacting the person I sold it to in order to buy it back! But I ended up finding a great deal on a 2008 Sidewalk, BRG, loaded, on eBay. I should be picking it up next week!

I had driven a few 2009 loaners when I had my 2008 serviced at the Mini dealer, and didn't care much for the interior or the turbocharger on the newer ones. At the risk of offending Gen 2 Cabrio owners, and IMHO of course, the 2008 Cabrio S is the "sweet spot" of the Mini line. What I'm seeing now from Mini goes more and more away from the classic.

In any event, I am SO glad to be rejoining the ranks of proud and happy Mini owners. It really got under my skin to let it go. It was a good financial decision at the time, but I must say I REALLY regretted parting with that car. Of course, I'm preaching to the choir here!

So, if you have to sell, be prepared for some major seller's remorse!

 

Happy for you - I would hate to be MINI-less, no matter what year or model.

 

well done Computerdoc, you have chosen wisely! I like the enthousiasm that shows in your response .

 

I think an 06, 07, or 08 would all be the same as I'm not aware of any changes made to the cab after 06 until the 09 came out. I love my 06 JCW and don't look forward to the day when it wears out.

As for the top wearing, you might consider doing what I do. I have a couple pieces of folded over black felt about 5 to 6" square after the single fold. I partially fold the top and then stick the squares on the top at the back corners where the main seam runs up from the tailight area. The felt goes right up to the rubber molding and then when the top closes, provides a buffer between the top and those areas above the rear of the door glass that rubs when the top is folded. Yes it's a pain to do on a regular basis, but doing so has completely prevented any holes from wearing in my top. If it's a calm day, I just stick the squares on the back seam and press them into place and they'll stay there until the top is folded. On breezy days, I fold the top partway by reaching into the car, turning on the ignition, thumbing the two door windows down, opening the top about 4 inches or so, and then reaching in from the outside and finish putting the top down while I stand there. Not bad really.