| In the US, the 2006 is an R50 (or R53 for the S) and not an R56. It is the final iteration of the 1st gen design. As long as you don't have the CVT, this is probably the most reliable 1st gen and should be as reliable as a 2005 Cavalier, which is, I think, the last year they made those.
That being said, almost anything that breaks will cost more to repair on the MINI than your old Cavalier. Much more. In addition, a Cavalier sells for less than half what you are being asked to pay for the 2006 MINI. If money is tight, you should keep that in mind. If you can swing the cash, the MINI is so much nicer that there really isn't any comparison. | 
