hello all, like the title says i don't have a mini now but i am seriously considering getting a new r56 in the near future. look forward to talking with everyone about these awesome little cars!

 

Well the sooner the better. They're sweet. If you haven't test driven one yet you must!

 

Welcome to NAM! hope you get your MINI!

 

Thanks for the welcome guys. Maybe some of you would tell me what you would do in my situation. I currently have a '05 Nissan 350Z and am interested in the new R56. My main holdbacks from buying the R56 are depreciation and less grunt (i.e. HP). I absolutely love the R56 and I think it adds much more usability than the Z in real life. The R56 gets better gas mileage, has a backseat that can be used in a pinch, and with the rear seats folded down it has a respectable cargo area. Oh and did I mention winters with the Z = scarriest driving of my life? My wife sadly won't let me have both, so that is not an option. So give me your opinions guys, what would you do?

 

These cars are amazing at holding their value... go checkout the used car prices... I got an '06 (yeah, I know, the R53 is a different animal...) 2 months ago...

It was 1.5yrs old (build date in Aug, del. in Sept.) had 8200 mi. on and had 3 options (17" mini-lites, multi-fxn steering wheel w/cruise, LSD)... with CPO, I got it for $20K... I figure I saved only ~$6K for that one year!
So they really hold value.

You can also get quite a bit into one with the rear seats down... I got more stuff in my mini than my wife did with her 325xi
(skis still have to go on a roof rack though)

And just remember, if you need more HP, the aftermarket is more than willing to help... with big names like Dinan who even offer warranties (but doesn't have R56 parts... yet)... there are exhausts, chips, intakes, and on-and-on...

Not sold yet? take a test drive, but make sure that it includes lots of twisty-bits and at least one on-ramp

HTH, and Good Luck!

 

So many choices to make. Your 350Z was on my short list but I will be ordering the Mini for the very reasons you listed. The test drive was really fun. I hadn't driven anything that small in years. I'm waiting for June to see what the satellite radio is all about before I order. Welcome to NAM!

 

Welcome to NAM!!! What the heck, just go get one and enjoy life in the Mini lane!!!



06MCS/DS/B/Bbonnetstripes/Whalen8ballshiftmachine

 

Welcome to NAM! I have an R56 and love it! The aftermarket isnt up to speed with the R53's yet but it will be there soon. Be sure to check out the 2nd Generation Modification forum. Lots of good information there. Good luck!

 

Welcome to NAM! If you test drive a Mini...that will make up your mind. It did for me. I love my 02 and wouldn't part with it except for another Mini.