Hi all - I have no MINI yet and was reading this (and other) forums all weekend trying to figure what move to make. I've liked the look and the test drive of the Mini from day one but was unable to really do anything about it till recently.

My local dealer(s) - there are 2 - will let me order a 2007 MSC any time I want to write them a $1000 check for delivery who-knows-when. They both also have brand new 06 MSC's in stock. Ugh... what to do...

What I've learned (and willing to be told I'm wrong) is that like all cars, Mini's have their issues. The ones that scare me are

- strut bearings and towers that won't survive the roads outside Boston where I am no matter how careful I drive (and I'm generally nice but doesn't mean I don't like to zip about)

- rust under the rubber seals and elsewhere?

There's wide differences in opinion here about whether the 07's have lost their Mini-ness and whether these issues will be resolved - but who knows what new ones will come up?

I currently have a 2001 Audi A4 Avant with mods to exhaust, turbo, ECU and suspension to make it more fun. No way it can handle as nimbly as a Mini and frankly I don't need a car quite so big anymore anyway..

This group seems to have strong opinions - bring um on!

thanks
Julie

 

From the Tidbits I have gathered here, and on other forums and what no, it appears...according to mini...that they have rectified the strut tower problems.. Read this article from a far more reputable sports car magazine then something like motor-trend... https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=89567

and by the way.... WELCOME TO THE MADNESS

 

Well it's true MINIs have their issues as do all cars. Nice thing with the '06s is that most issues are pretty well known and the MINI warranty is darn good for addressing anything that comes up.

However, I'm one of those who wanted a MINI because it was a MINI and no other car would do. I still feel this way. There's lots of options out there, but nothing beats the fun, practicality, handling, and looks of a MINI. This outlook has definitely skewed my objectivity in the matter.

 

Thanks for the welcome and quick replies. The 06 mini is so cool and probably i could get a deal on it.. and it's a more or less known set of issues...

It seems the community at large isn't sure if the M7 strut braces really solve the problem, or do a 'good enough' job - what can you do if you bend them over and over?

And then again, turbo chargers can be fun too... I guess this isn't too bad a problem to have..

 

I can't really speak to the mechanical issues, but WELCOME TO NAM!

 

Welcome to NAM!

 

As far as which way to go (new 06 vs new 07), there is an old saying...(you mini scholars out there help me out...) "1 in the hand is better than 2 in the bush..." so if your local mini dealer has some new karts that kinda match your needs, outfitted kinda like you want'em, then I would go for 1 of those. Particularly if the new models come in and they need to move the 2K6 cars, they "may" be inclined to deal.


I have a 2K5MC BRG, bone-stock, with some nice packages, and it's a real hoot to drive. Picked it up with about 5.8K miles, for a real good price (one my wallet could live with).

 

Hello from the UK go on and buy a mini its something you will never regret. I have had many hot hatches over the years but the JCW is the hottest tide around