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.

 

Well...you had a 2008, so you know all about it. The 2009 may be quite different to you, so you probably need to find one and take it on a llllllllllllong test drive. If you can find one at a dealer and they will let you take it out by yourself, and why wouldn't they, start early in the day and drive it for a few hours. As long as you get back before they close or send the police after you, you should get a good feel for it.

As to opinions, they are like noses, and mine is that I really like my 2009...but it is the only MINI I have ever owned.

 

I actually like the updated interior and controls in the 2011 than the older models. There are slight changes but enough to make a difference. I do think the original model has a classic look to it, but I love my 2011.