I had an '02 Cooper that got totaled four years ago. The car I replaced it with is ready for a change (I don't belong in a Saab). I've got about $14k, can I get a second generation Cooper for that money or should I just get a nice first gen car? Is the genII even worth it?

(I liked my first one...it was tastefully given a few aftermarket body/headlight pieces)

 

I think the GenII is definitely worth it. Big plus point for me was the six speed. Once I'd got it, I think its overall a better car.

 

I'd get a low-mileage 06.

 

I'd drive both generations. Assuming that you go with a Just a Cooper, the second generation will have more pull off the line than the first gen due to the variable valve timing etc. If you are looking at S models the turbo will provide better fuel economy and more torque off the line than the supercharged first gen.

You will find strong opinions on both sides of the fence. Some say the second gen is more refined, others say it is not as gritty as the first gen. Only you will be able to determine which you like best.

 

With 14k I'd go with a nicely optioned '05-06 R53.

 

R56 all the way.
Life is too short.

 

Well I would reccomend a 2nd gen but I'm not sure you will get what you want for 14K without a lot of tough looking and some luck. Really doubt that you can get a '07 S unless it's high mileage or is a bit "rough". But it is worth a try. You might find a nice "justa" clean with average miles private sale. Good luck.

 

interior is miles better in the 2nd gen as well..

 

Get an '06 R53.

 

I got my Cooper 3 weeks ago. I came from driving a 03 Accord Sedan. Let me tell you, I have never had so much fun driving a car. I'm happy with my purchase. It did cost me more than $14K though.

 

07 Cooper

 

because my first gen S was a shop queen, I got to drive plenty of loaner 1st gen Coopers with Midlands 5-speeds and CVTs. Absolutely hated them--rattly, underpowered, just uncomfortable.

Now, the final time Shop Queen was in for repair I got a 2007 Cooper auto for a loaner (3 days) and could not beleive how improved it was over the first gen--much better built, more power, and just generally a lot more refined and thought-out in general. Plus the gas mileage rocked!

That nifty little car actually compelled me to trade Shop Queen for a new 09 S that world's better across the board. 10K with the 05: nearly 2 weeks in the shop to right various wrongs. 10K with the 09: no problems at all.

I say go for an 07+, with $14K down as a down payment you should be able to get into a nice new one or CPO, with full warranty, rather than risk being a babysitter for someone else's first-gen problems, of which there are many. Good luck.

 

Thanks guys...so the hunt begins.

I've got a few options to look through here in the Jacksonville, FL area, but I want to look through everything out there I can find. Anyone know of places good for Minis in Florida or reputable nationwide?

 

Look on autotrader.com or miniusa.com and see what the deaalerships have to offer ! I saw in memphis, tenn they have some 09 cheap on brand new ones still on lot ! Good Luck !

 

I've had my 09 for about 1 1/3 yrs and haven't had a single problem. Newer is better - definitely.

 

2200 miles on my 09 and not one mechanical gremlin, knock on wood

 

I am so not a fan of the R56 that my next car will be a Honda Civic or some such, if and when I ever get rid of Obie, assuming that MINI doesnt do a complete revamp, bringing the car back closer to the 50/53.

I say look for a clean 05 or 06.

 

yeah, that's a terrific idea Im sure BMW will pick up on: regress to buzzy, fuel-consumptive iron-block lumps that barely pass some state emissions tests, and the crappy 5-speed and CVT trannies to go with them

 

Whoa Whoa supercharged iron-block lumps in the R53's case...jk
No I do Like the 2nd Gen's specs just not the look as much, fairly common I think...But If you do Go first gen def. get an '05-06 S However I'm sure the turbo wont disappoint

 

Being a fan of lets call it more 'primitive' machinery in general, the last gen is what I prefer, sarcasm notwithstanding. To me, and this is my opinion, not fact for anyone to get testy about, the R56 is not the car that wouldve enamoured me back in 2002.

Refinement is not always the be-all and end-all. Ive driven fancier cars than my R50. Fancier, refined cars are too sterile for me. I liek a little noise, a little roughness. To me, the R56 is too much a mini-BMW. Just not my cuppa tea, thats all. I never said it was a horrible car. Just not FOR ME.

Corporate will do what corporate does. BMW will not evolve a car AWAY from what the masses want. They will make it more appealing to what will sell to more people, and that usually means taking the edges off. The R56 is a MINI with the sharp edges removed. Not my thing. Never mind the fact that they shouldve left the styling alone.

Sorry, but there is nothing about the R56 thatd make me buy one.

This is why so many folks change what they do as time passes. MINI used to make what I like. They no longer do. Therefore, I will move on to something else when the time comes, as I stated in my earlier post. Its happened before many times, and will happen again.

 

+1

 

I would have to agree with a clean, good mileage '05 or '06. to keep within your budget you might have to go a bit older. Then again....you may want to look for an '03 or '04 and keep some money in the bank for the mods you're gonna want to do within the first 4 months of having the car!! just look at everyones signatures...not many here without mods done. even just the little ones. so to keep within your budget...that might be your best avenue. just my 2 cents

 

Erikvonzipper makes a good point - each has their own desires. There is absolutely no right answer - it depends on what the buyer wants. That's why I recommend that both should be driven by the potential buyer that is trying to decide between the two generations.

Personally, I want the go cart handling with a silky smooth engine, smooth, light clutch pedal, snick snick shifter, some sc whine or turbo hum and a nice exhaust note but a relatively quiet car otherwise. I guess I want a baby BMW without the bulk but with the wheels at the corners to provide the tossable handling. I can't stand rattles (can't help it - it's the engineer in me - a rattle is the result of poor design of attachments or poor build quality in my book). Now that I am into my 5th decade I do value a more compliant ride than when I was a bit younger.

To those that want more of an edge what I am describing may sound too "refined" and mundane. Certainly does not make one of us right and the other wrong.

I have driven both and both generations are a blast to drive IMHO.

 

R53 vs R56 debate aside, the second gen just a cooper is so much a better car than the first gen. So if you are looking for a just a cooper go second gen.

 

I am new to the Mini world but wanted to comment on your choice of going to a Civic. I've owned 2. An 08 and an 09. Unless you get an Si you will be disappointed with it compared to the Cooper. Lackluster performance and the seats (I've had aftermarket leather and factory leather) are TERRIBLE!!! I commute 110 miles a day and couldn't stand them. The Cooper is miles above the Honda. IMHO...