I don't know if you already decided on your model, but I bought a 2006 Cooper S in January and I love the thing. I drove two turbo'd coopers (07) and I did like them, but once I got in the s/c version I knew I had to buy it. The sound of that s/c whining and the kick it gets later in the rpm range just makes you want to slam the throttle to the ground.

Having had the car for 6 months now, I can say I'm very glad with my purchase.

The scoop is functional on the '06 due to the intercooler being top-mounted while the '07 actually sports a front mounted intercooler making the scoop purely cosmetic.

If gas mileage matters, you want the '07 with the turbo.

I've only spoken to one person that has had both. Initially, he liked the new turbo better (ride quality), but a year later told me he had come to prefer the supercharged over the turbocharged model. As best I recall, he cited lag and the other items noted by Ken and Michael. For me, I'm squarely in Michael's camp, especially the speedo change from dinner plate to serving platter size.

As kenatminimania said an '06 is a "mature" model having been in production since 2002, while the '07 would have been the first year for the new generation. I prefer the first generation models. I think the exterior design is cleaner and more Mini-like, for some reason the newer design look bigger and squarer. As for the interior I think the center speedo of the first generation is more integrated while that of the newer generation is too big and cartoonish.

As for resale value, if the '07 has a higher resale it's only because it'll cost you more to buy it.

meb

p.s. Isn't the hood scoop on the turbo models just cosmetic?

 

It really depends on your priorities...

The 06 is a 'mature' model with tons of aftermarket upgrades available.  It also rides a little 'tighter' than the Gen 2 models.

The 07 turbo has better ride quality for everyday driving, and the turbo has a much 'fatter' torque curve making it 'feel' faster.  The engine is very complex, so the aftermarket upgrades are limited.

In either case, get a pre purchase inspection from a qualified MINI shop.

The 'cold start rattle' issue with the Gen 2 has been pretty much solved by MINI.  Our 07 had this problem but was corrected after the last MINI update.  The bonnet scoop melting issue can be avoided with a inexpensive insulation kit.

Ken

I would definitely go for the '06. You can add a 'Stage One Kit' for under $1,000 and boost the horsepower by about 20 and be real happy. (cold air intake, reduced SC pulley, colder plugs). You can add a performance exhaust as well. If you get lucky and find one with a 'John Cooper Works' package, just be sure it was Factory installed from new, and not a Dealer add on. I fancy the original Classic body style MINIS also, hands down.

                                                           Mini Estate

Go for 07, higher resale value.

Over here that was quite a bit of trouble with a horrible sounding rattle from the early turbo engines upon startup if they had been sitting (I heard it first hand with a friends new Cooper S Turbo) something about the head allowing too much oil to drain back to the sump was the suggested reason. I don't know if that got solved later on as I did not frequent the boards much after selling my 06, If I was to buy one again I would only get a S/C one. I prefer that body style more as well. Only a few changes on the later cars but not to my liking.

Also the Bonnet scoops tended to melt on the turbo cars from heat. Again as seen on the forums and not from personal experience.

peter

Deciding between an 06 mini s or an 07 mini s, similar mileage, similar price etc. I have an 05 S convert. Love it but am going to a hardtop. I live in colorado at 6000 ft. altitude. I know turbos don't loose HP at altitude so turbo, but I like the styling on 06 , I am Industrial designer/Architect and like the headlamps more upright posture on 05/06 than more slanted 07, also the 07 just looks longer to me . I know updated interior. Looking for other opinions on Supercharger vs, Turbo and any misc. other changes they made to 07 ??? Thanks in advance Tim