MINI2

skwirl · Jan 21st, 2008, 08:33 AM

Hello everyone!

I found this site by doing a google search for Mini forums and thought I'd ask for some feedback from all you knowledgeable Mini owners.

My girlfriend is looking for a new car to replace her aging 1997 Toyota Paseo convertible and is really fond of the Mini. We're thinking about purchasing a used hardtop Mini Cooper but are a bit overwhelmed by all the differences between the 1st and 2nd gen Minis. We're mainly considering the 2002 - 2003 model year in the 1st generation and 2006 in the 2nd generation.

What are the pros and cons of each generation (new motor versus old motor, interior dimensions, etc...)? Are there common (and costly) issues that plague each generation? Is there something we should pay particular attention to when inspecting a used Mini we're interested in? How's the maintenance cost? Should we even bother purchasing a Mini that's out of warranty or is the reliability not very solid?

Any advice that you guys and gals can give would be most appreciated!

humph · Jan 21st, 2008, 08:41 AM

Hi and welcome. The following link may help you understand the history and changes made to the MINI through the years.

http://www.mini2.com/forum/faq.php?f...ni_generations

With the first generation most would advise buying the newest car you can afford. Try and stretch to a post facelift (July 04 onwards) as build quality was improved and it gives you a much improved 5 speed box. The Midland 5 speed in the pre facelifts is a known problem.

skwirl · Jan 21st, 2008, 11:13 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Humph (original)

Hi and welcome. The following link may help you understand the history and changes made to the MINI through the years.

With the first generation most would advise buying the newest car you can afford. Try and stretch to a post facelift (July 04 onwards) as build quality was improved and it gives you a much improved 5 speed box. The Midland 5 speed in the pre facelifts is a known problem.

Thanks for the welcome and link Humph. Shortly after posting I found out there's a similar topic on this forum that included a link to the Mini R50/R53 buyers guide on motoringfile(dot)com that pretty much echoed what you said about getting a face-lifted model.

Sorry for posting when the answer already existed on the forum. Such a crap newbie mistake on my part.

Jan 21st, 2008, 08:33 AM	#1
skwirl MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Jan 2008 Local Time: 07:12 AM Posts: 2 Offline	Pros and cons of buying a first gen or second gen Mini? Hello everyone! I found this site by doing a google search for Mini forums and thought I'd ask for some feedback from all you knowledgeable Mini owners. My girlfriend is looking for a new car to replace her aging 1997 Toyota Paseo convertible and is really fond of the Mini. We're thinking about purchasing a used hardtop Mini Cooper but are a bit overwhelmed by all the differences between the 1st and 2nd gen Minis. We're mainly considering the 2002 - 2003 model year in the 1st generation and 2006 in the 2nd generation. What are the pros and cons of each generation (new motor versus old motor, interior dimensions, etc...)? Are there common (and costly) issues that plague each generation? Is there something we should pay particular attention to when inspecting a used Mini we're interested in? How's the maintenance cost? Should we even bother purchasing a Mini that's out of warranty or is the reliability not very solid? Any advice that you guys and gals can give would be most appreciated!

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Jan 21st, 2008, 08:41 AM	#2 (permalink)
humph Back To My Old Self Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: In The Wind Local Time: 04:12 PM Posts: 2,506 Offline	Hi and welcome. The following link may help you understand the history and changes made to the MINI through the years. http://www.mini2.com/forum/faq.php?f...ni_generations With the first generation most would advise buying the newest car you can afford. Try and stretch to a post facelift (July 04 onwards) as build quality was improved and it gives you a much improved 5 speed box. The Midland 5 speed in the pre facelifts is a known problem.

Jan 21st, 2008, 11:13 AM	#3 (permalink)
skwirl MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Jan 2008 Local Time: 07:12 AM Posts: 2 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Humph (original) Hi and welcome. The following link may help you understand the history and changes made to the MINI through the years. With the first generation most would advise buying the newest car you can afford. Try and stretch to a post facelift (July 04 onwards) as build quality was improved and it gives you a much improved 5 speed box. The Midland 5 speed in the pre facelifts is a known problem. Thanks for the welcome and link Humph. Shortly after posting I found out there's a similar topic on this forum that included a link to the Mini R50/R53 buyers guide on motoringfile(dot)com that pretty much echoed what you said about getting a face-lifted model. Sorry for posting when the answer already existed on the forum. Such a crap newbie mistake on my part.

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