Okay so I recently parted with my r50 due to an accident :'(

I'm on the look for an r56 (I have found a very nice one with low miles for a great price, it also has the HK stereo and other packages) BUT with things i have heard, im not sure if the r56 is for me...

I can't decide what to buy. I had an 06 r50 and loved it. It seems like the r53 and r56 have ups and downs, I like them both differently from what I can see/read without driving them.

Things I like about the r53... The sound and look of the supercharger first off... Im also only 17, and I hear this car is more of a "drivers" car, and I like to drive fast and turn hard. I like being comfortable, but it isnt a must. I like the side markers being smaller as well on the 1st gen. The overall smaller look of the 1st gen is nice too.

Now on to the second gen.. There are many things I like about this car.. Both sunroofs pop up, the layout of the dash looks nicer to me, the start button seems cool and convenient, the sound of a blowoff valve is just awesome so the turbo seems appealing... The sport button also seems cool to give more comfort when you want it... There's so much to like about the second gen.

Are all of the things about the second gen worth sacrificing to get the original feel of my 06 cooper back? I really want to drive both but I just want an opinion first. My mom and I are talking about going pick up an 07 cooper s with only 56k miles for 14k, curious if I should look around for a 1st gen before going pick it up.

Thanks!

 

You'll find that the R50 / R53 has more of a 'raw' feel to it. It not plush feeling like the larger R56 platform.
Really, it's gonna come down to your personal preference on driving feel and styling taste.
Just from your description though, sounds like you're more into the R53 platform due to how it feels and your familiarization of it.

Also, make sure to thoroughly go the R56 car with a fine tooth comb; research its' service history, maintenance record, and the like.
I don't know your financial situation, but the R56 can be costly to repair when out of warranty if something does fail.

- Erik

 

Well if I could put my two cents in, if you could, try and go for a 2011+ R56 because of the newer engine that is updated you won't have issues such as timing chain tensioner and so on from the 07-10 models. I only had my thermostat changed at 24K and that a mechanical issue. Good luck on your search!

 

I lost my R50 due to an accident recently, too. I loved that car and was very sad to let it go. But then I test drove the new 2012 MC. I feel the 2012 MC is a better car than my old 2006 MC. More power, great engine sounds, but quiet inside and a more comfortable ride with good road feel. Better gas mileage. Go drive one and see how you feel. I don't think you can go wrong with the new model. I was also happy to be back in warranty - as great as these cars are, they are pricey to fix when out of warranty.

 

I have a relatively modded '06 R50 and it's a great car. You couldn't convince me to trade it for an '07 S even if you added cash to the deal. First model year of a model rife with problems. If I was going to get an S, it would be 2011+, as another poster mentioned. I won't get into the first gen v. second gen thing, that's totally subjective.

 

I'm not sure I'd want an 07 Cooper S, but a regular Justa would be OK.

However, if you could swing it, a new Justa would be a revelation to you in terms of power, smoothness and quietness - you'd love it!

Good luck with your choice, but I agree with the other poster who said go drive it and make your choice based on which one you like, you're going to be the one paying for it and driving it every day.

 

I read your post a little more thoroughly. Sorry to hear you wrecked your R50, by the way! You should definitely drive EVERYTHING available before you make a decision. Drive an R53 (05/06 are solid years.) and drive an R56 Justa as well as an R56 S, and if it's within budget, do check out the 2011+ base and S models.

 

Okay guys, after some hard decision making i'm going with an 07 r56 "s".

I know there are some known problems with this particular model.. BUT.. We have a 4 year warranty with unlimited miles with the car..

Will be picking her up saturday, pics soon to come!

Thank you to everyone who gave any advice!

 

Good to see you went with the r56, I got my r56 when I was 17, two years ago with 28,000 on the clock. I had the timing chain replaced, Thermostat and fuel pump. I am now at 55,000 and I had the first problem in a long time today, the turbo recirculation valve was leaking, had it replaced today. The parts it self was surprisingly pretty cheap, the labor is where they get you, fortunately I get a good % off everything because I am a valet at there dealer. But it could be costly. I have driven many, many different cars and none of them are as fun as this one. I love this car!

 

Congratulations, I hope you got a good one! Having a warranty is certainly a selling point. Be sure to post pictures and let us know how you like it vs. the R50! (AKA The Best Cooper)