Howdy from the Bluegrass folks... just joined your fabulous forum after months...even years of reading threads. So I'm ready to sell our Toyota Highlander and I've been searching for a mini for several weeks and have test driven several. So what to buy?

I'm pretty sure I want to go with an MCS but would like to know what year will give me the least amount of trouble.

I recognize that the newer ones have better consumer reports ratings, but I'm trying to find a car that is cheaper than our Toyota, better MPG and super fun to drive. I'm not worried about losing space as we also have a minivan.

So do I look for First Gen, Second Gen?
Supercharger or Turbo?

Gracias,
Lu

 

Welcome to NAM!
I would recommend the 1st gen. 05/06 MCS or a MC.

The R50 Cooper is not as complex as the R53 MCS. They handle great and are a blast to drive. The mpg is usually over 37. The only drawback is the 5 speed Midlands transmission.

The R53 is great also. The engine is SC'ed. It has 60hp more than the R50, and that can be increased to over 200 with just bolt on accessories. The 6 speed transmission is mfg by Getrag. The 05/06 have closer ratio's in the transmission.

I would look in the NAM Marketplace classifieds for a nice, well maintained car.