Difference in the years...

[MeFryRice]

My mom is looking at purchasing a Mini S very soon but before she signs any paperwork, I want to make sure she's getting something good.

I know they made certain colors for certain years, keeps the rarity of the color more. She is wanting a 'vert but I'm trying to talk her out of it. I just think that the top will give her issues later on down the road even though I know it's made of the same material as BMW.

What year should we stay away from and what would you recommend motor wise, SC'd vs Turbo'd. I think that the SC'd version will be more reliable but just wanted to double check and see what the common problems are mechanically.

What do you think of the car overall and are you happy with it?

TIA,
Steve

[SpasticDwarf]

Turbo.

1- Swap to GT35R
2- ECU remap
3- profit

[NCMINIGUY]

My mom is looking at purchasing a Mini S very soon but before she signs any paperwork, I want to make sure she's getting something good.

I know they made certain colors for certain years, keeps the rarity of the color more. She is wanting a 'vert but I'm trying to talk her out of it. I just think that the top will give her issues later on down the road even though I know it's made of the same material as BMW.

What year should we stay away from and what would you recommend motor wise, SC'd vs Turbo'd. I think that the SC'd version will be more reliable but just wanted to double check and see what the common problems are mechanically.

What do you think of the car overall and are you happy with it?

TIA,
Steve


The tritec (supercharged) engine is pretty bullet proof. there isn't much data on the turbocharged engine yet to make a comparison.

the convertible will have the supercharged engine and the coupe has the turbo. the turbo has quite a bit more torque.

If she wants a convertible, that's what I'd get. You can't go wrong either way.

edit - If she is buying used, it will most likely be an R53 (02-06) which means supercharger. Try to talk her into an 05 or 06 if possible. They seem to have the bugs worked out, and have different gear ratios which really make a difference.

[MeFryRice]

^^ I appreciate the info. She was looking at one on the showroom and put a deposit on it since the color was apparently discontinued in April and it's the 'vert S which is what she really wants. She is just taking her time, doing her research and making sure that's the final choice in color.

[peteymedic]

bump