Used Mini I (R50) and Mini II (R56) - which generation should you choose?

The Mini is a car totally in tune with the driving experience. Although its functionality suffers from this, it enjoys great popularity. Let's compare the first two generations of the modern Mini - the R50 and the R56.

Compact, 3-door body with a length of 3.6-3.7 m with frameless windows, wheels spaced at the corners, angular silhouette, squat wheel arches and modest ground clearance - this is how you can briefly describe the new interpretation of the British legend, i.e. the Mini developed "under the wings" BMW. This car debuted 20 years ago, arousing controversy with its highly calculated price. It lost its relevance when those interested in buying the Mini took a ride and discovered its "go-kart" driving experience. The creation of such a perfectly driving car required a significant distance between the axles (by 247 cm) and the use of a multi-link rear axle suspension. At the same time, the Mini is a wide, but low car (slightly over 140 cm high), which clearly contributes to the spaciousness inside. However, instead of writing about the crampedness of the Mini, it is worth appreciating the presence of a couch (we will not find it in every sports car), which, in addition, is divided in the proportion of 50:50, allowing you to increase the luggage compartment to almost 700 l.

For the purchase of a used Mini, it is worth to reserve more time and spend it on thorough verification of the copies of interest to us, because high prices in this case do not guarantee failure-free and good technical condition. It is particularly difficult to find a nicely maintained Mini I. Newer cars, in turn, had less durable engines, of course when we take into account gasoline cars (especially the coveted Coopers S). Which incarnation of the Mini is better to choose second-hand? Better to look for petrol or diesel variants?

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Used Mini One / Cooper I (R50) and Mini One / Cooper II (R56) - dashboard

The Mini consistently sticks to the style set already in 2001. The cockpits of both incarnations look very similar: full of round shapes and small buttons in the center console. An interesting gadget in the Mini II (R56) is the air conditioning panel in the shape of the brand logo. The huge speedometer is immediately visible, depending on the version, it also displays the on-board computer or radio. A wide strip, varnished in a separate color, runs across the width of the board, and an analog tachometer is placed behind the steering wheel. In the older Mini, the quality of workmanship was somewhat "lame", representing a similar level as in many cheaper B-segment cars. The situation has improved significantly in the newer incarnation. Noteworthy is the good visibility to the front and to the sides. Mini users need to get into the habit of driving at a certain distance to the beacon, as they will have to lie on the steering wheel to see the light change.

Used Mini One / Cooper I (R50) and Mini One / Cooper II (R56) - interior

Although the Mini is a typical 2 + 2 car, it is relatively suitable for transporting 4 people, provided that they are not too high, and we have to travel several dozen kilometers at most. There should be enough space for two people, possibly with two children, but remember that there is no 5-door version. The front seats of the basic versions of One / Cooper offer mediocre lateral support, and their mechanisms can jam. Much better seats are reserved for the top Cooper S. The Mini does not sit too low, which does not make everyday use particularly arduous. Plus for a large entrance opening under the door opening and decent body glazing.

Used Mini One / Cooper I (R50) and Mini One / Cooper II (R56) - racks

Both Mini have trunks with the same capacity of 160 liters. This should be enough for weekend equipment for two people or for weekly shopping at a supermarket. The trunk is very short and narrow, but deep. It can be extended by folding the split seat backrests up to 670 liters (Mini R50) or 680 liters (Mini R56). There is no need to count on a flat surface then. After all, the Mini will still take a lot more than most small to medium coupes.

Used Mini One / Cooper I (R50) and Mini One / Cooper II (R56) - engines

In the case of Mini, there is a separate nomenclature of the engine versions. The weakest (up to 95hp) are called One / One D, the intermediate (116-122hp) - Cooper / Cooper D, and the most powerful (over 163hp) - Cooper S / Cooper SD. In the older Mini, the petrol range was based on the 1.6 engine developed by Rover together with Chrysler. The naturally aspirated versions generate 90 and 116 hp, supercharged with a compressor - 163/170 hp or 211/218 hp in the Mini John Cooper Works. The R56 generation was equipped with PSA units with a capacity of 1.4 (75/95 HP) and 1.6 (75/95/120/122 HP), known in French cars as VTi. The Coopers S received turbocharged versions with the THP designation, developing 174/184/211/218 hp. Citroen and Peugeot also supplied the 1.6 diesels (1,560 cc; 90/109 bhp), but in 2011 the more powerful version was replaced with a slightly larger BMW engine (1,598 cc; 112 bhp). Under the hood of the Cooper SD, a 2-liter 143 HP turbo diesel was adapted. The diesel versions of the Mini I (R50), on the other hand, were limited to the 1.4-liter Toyota design developing 75/90 hp.

Used Mini One / Cooper I (R50) and Mini One / Cooper II (R56) - what breaks in them?

Unfortunately, the greatest risk comes with buying the Mini Cooper S II (R56). French 1.6 THP engines have problems with a stretching timing chain (defective tensioner) and deposits on the valves and in the intake channels. It can also burn a lot of engine oil, which results in seizure of the turbochargers. The 1.6 engines of the first Mini generation do not have so many weaknesses, but may also require a timing chain replacement. In addition, it also loses oil, but due to leaks. The Toyota turbodiesel (1.4; Mini R50) will be the least damaging, although the French 1.6 with the Mini One D / Cooper S R56 are also good (apart from the losing tightness of the washers under the injectors). The typical ailments of the Mini I are related to the emergency power steering pumps and gearboxes before the facelift, in the Mini II the heating system or components of the electrical system fail. Older models corrode more and more from the bottom, and their paintwork often calls for comprehensive detailing. With the low Mini, it is easy to break something on unevenness or when driving up to curbs (often the front spoiler "gets hit"). Attention should also be paid to door seals with frameless windows.

Used Mini One / Cooper I (R50) and Mini One / Cooper II (R56) - how much can you buy it?

Never crashed Mini I (R50) are issued for 4-digit amounts starting from 6 thousand. zloty. You need to add up to 2 times more to a well-kept car or Cooper S, of which more than 15 thousand. PLN is demanded only by the owners of the top varieties. For this you can buy a Mini II (R56), but rather One / One D. Coopers or unusual Clubmans (photo below) start at about 18,000. PLN, Coopery S - from 25 thousand. zloty. The Polift Mini II cost even 30-40 thousand. zloty. It's hard to find Cabrio, Coupe and Roadster on the secondary market.

Used Mini One / Cooper I (R50) and Mini One / Cooper II (R56) - which generation to choose?

The Mini has always been and will always be an automotive toy, not a common sense car. Therefore, there is no need to look for savings in it and look for a Cooper S - either a not "tired" Mini I, or a Mini II after repairing a flawed THP engine. On the other hand, if someone cares only about the appearance, they can choose the economical and well-stocked Toyota / PSA diesels. The second generation will do better on a daily basis, while the first generation will soon be among youngtimers for good.

Mini One / Cooper I (R50) - pros and cons

+ excellent driving characteristics, maneuverability in the city (good visibility + small size), good dynamics of all engines (except 1.4 D / 75 KM) - poor technical condition of most cars, cramped rear seats, average finishing materials

Mini One / Cooper II (R56) - pros and cons

+ attractive and well-assembled cockpit, sufficient choice of engines, good base turbodiesels (1.6 from PSA) - emergency 1.6 petrol engines, microscopic trunk, still high prices of younger cars

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Used Mini One / Cooper I (R50; 2001-2006) - user reviews

Used Mini One / Cooper II (R56; 2006-2013) user reviews