I have an April 04 build MCS, and have spent a little bit of time behind the wheel of facelifted models. To be honest, find the best example of either one you can, and you can’t go wrong. If you take a step back, especially as someone who doesn't currently own a MINI, the driving experience of the two is basically the same.
Here’s a list of the pros I see for each model, which are my opinion only, others may disagree
Pre-facelift pros- Clock position near reaer vision mirror is better
- Two spoke steering wheel with thumb grips is better
- Rear fogs in main tailight cluster is better
- Poxy chrono pack wasn’t available, haha
Post facelift pros- Front dash construction improved, supposedly less rattles
- Gear ratios changed, adds to feeling of improved pace more than extra bhp
- Exhaust pops and crackles more
- LSD made available, seek a model with this option
- Flat chrome grille surround is better
- Headunit can play MP3s (or at least this was the case on Aus spec cars, not sure what headunit we got)
Apart from the LSD availability I don’t reckon there’s too much in it to be honest. Other than the general rule of thumb to buy the newest car with the lowest mileage you can afford. Clearly, discretion is required with this rule of thumb as you need to make a judgement about which car is the “best” purchase, in terms of the way it has been maintained, its current condition and so on.
Dunno how many people in the UK ticked the DSC option, but if it was me looking at a used motor, I’d be putting preference to those sorts of options as opposed to HK. That might be the grandpa in me, but having had DSC save me on at least one occasion, and testing the system out on a skidpan a couple of times, well, the standard stereo sounds fine to me.
Do the usual things like check for expansion tank problems, engine mounts and whatever else anyone adds to the common list of faults...
