R50 or R56?

[Beijing66]

I have had my 2006 MINI Cooper ( R50 ) for a couple of months and I really love it. However, after seeing how 2007 MINIs look like, a crazy thought emerged in my head: Trade in my R50 and get a R56. Am I crazy? I really like how 2007 MINIs look. Those of you who have driven both R50 and R56, can you tell me how much of an improvement R56 has over R50? Should I trade in my 2006 MINI Cooper and get a 2007 one? Thanks!

[Paul]

I'd look at how much of a hit you'd take on trading in such a new car before even considering it. You may be better of waiting for the little bugs of the new model to be sorted out, keeping yours for a while longer, and trading in in a couple of years?

[S33BBY]

I'd definitely agree with Paul. There's too many niggles in early models.

[mister.t]

Not had any bugs this end. And if you ordered in the near future, the waiting list is about 2 months, so even the minor niggles will have been ironed out. Id give the R56 a try

[harrietb]

Quote: Originally Posted by Ollie Tebbutt (original)

Not had any bugs this end. And if you ordered in the near future, the waiting list is about 2 months, so even the minor niggles will have been ironed out. Id give the R56 a try

Really? Two months? The dealer placed my order the other week (2nd order / spec change) and has said that the 2nd car will still be delivered on 23rd Feb..

[supa-dupa-cooper]

Quote: Originally Posted by harrietb (original)

Really? Two months? The dealer placed my order the other week (2nd order / spec change) and has said that the 2nd car will still be delivered on 23rd Feb..

guess it depends on the dealers build slot allocation?

[SimonSJR]

plus it will need to have its steady float across the atlantic, this takes a few weeks from what i've heard?
Whatever you do don't get that factory aero kit for the r56 that they offer to the u.s customers.... its terrible. Get the JCW Aero Kit if your going to get 1

[Beijing66]

Quote: Originally Posted by Paul Mullett (original)

I'd look at how much of a hit you'd take on trading in such a new car before even considering it. You may be better of waiting for the little bugs of the new model to be sorted out, keeping yours for a while longer, and trading in in a couple of years?

Thanks Paul. Judging from your experience, how much better would you say R56 is over R50, in terms of performance and driving experience? What are the key differences between generation first and second MINIs?

And excuse me for asking dumb questions, I am a real newbie: Is 2008, even 2009 MINI Cooper going to be pretty much the same as 2007 MINI Cooper? They are all part of the second generation MINIs?

[Paul]

It's different. It's smoother, more mature. Quicker, more useable power. The interior (I feel) is streets ahead than the old one, in terms of quality and design. But the "old" S has a different character, more raw, and some would say more enjoyable, less "numb".

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

I've driven an R50 for nearly 3 years.

I throughly test drove the new R56 S.

and...

I chose to buy the very last new R53 I could find.

I really don't want this to be the start another R53 vs R56 debate (and each to their own), but please don't assume that it's going to be any better just because it's new....

If you "really love" your R50, then that's probably as good a reason as any for keeping it!

Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

Tigger.

[S33BBY]

Yep, completely agree.

(Now I must try to get to work!)

[~Marcus~]

Quote: Originally Posted by Beijing66 (original)

I have had my 2006 MINI Cooper ( R50 ) for a couple of months and I really love it. However, after seeing how 2007 MINIs look like, a crazy thought emerged in my head: Trade in my R50 and get a R56. Am I crazy? I really like how 2007 MINIs look. Those of you who have driven both R50 and R56, can you tell me how much of an improvement R56 has over R50? Should I trade in my 2006 MINI Cooper and get a 2007 one? Thanks!

They're very different to drive, I suggest you drive an R56, I can see why some peope might not like the change! In short the R50 is more energetic and tiring, whereas the R56 is slicker and while it handles better on bumpy roads, it has lost a little of the liveliness of the R50.

If you drive for short distances and often drive on lots of smooth twisty roads, stick with the R50. If you drive for long distances and/or on bumpy roads, get a R56!