I need some honet input from those of you who own. I live in the country and drive 32km one way each day to work. (work in edmonton) Other than the country dirt roads most the driving is HWY (yellowhead)
How are these cars on the gravel roads, snowy roads, icey roads, and can they hold up to the mileage that I would be putting on?
Anyone have anything good or bad to say about the EDM dealership? Can the price be negotiable on the cars?
I see quite the MSRP difference on the US website as opposed to the CDN even with our dollar being quite good right now.
Should I even consider the MC classic, or keep looking at the MC or the MCS?

I appreciate any and all input that you would be sharing...(btw I am looking at the '07)

Thanks!!

 

If you like more spirited driving, go for the S.

 

The fact that you're asking tells suggests that outright power is not the priority in your criteria for choosing a car. Seeing as the Edmonton area is relatively flat (compared to, say, BC), and your priority is commuting, then an MC might be adequate for your needs. You're more than welcome to differ from this opinion but it's your money.

It appears to me that with the rise in the Canadian dollar, the US cars have become better value. The level of standard equipment is different so even though it appears that Canadian cars are more expensive, the standard level of equipment is higher in Canada. I also noted that the Cooper Classic (base level) had its price lowered by about $2000 over last year's model with just a wee bit of increase in standard equipment. I suspect, the dealer will throw in a few extras (without lowering the price of the car) to make up some of the difference in currency fluctuations. MINIs are in pretty high demand and are considered a niche market car so it would be difficult to get a discount from MSRP. Though in Canada, they don't generally raise the price of the car over MSRP because somebody else is willing to pay more for your car (in California, they call it "demand pricing"). They won't discount, but you might get away with asking for a few throw-ins like a set of winter floor mats or even snowtires (not likely, but hey...anything can happen). But understand the dealer still needs to make a small profit to stay in business and the pricing is generally set by MINI Canada.

As for winter driving, MINIs are full of electronic nannies to make sure your car is surefooted. So in winter, I might suggest you have snowtires on 15" wheels. You shouldn't have any problems except in deep snow. MINIs are fairly low to the ground so your car may turn into a snowplow if you are not on a road.

I have a 05 but I understand the 07's suspension has been tweaked to be a bit more compliant to adverse road conditions. So either MC or MCS should be fine.

 

Get an S. I got a Cooper and ended up trading-up for an S because it just wouldn't go fast enough.

As far as buying in Canada vs. in the US:

I agree that the prices are substantially lower south of the boarder but our government sees to it that you don't pay less when you import it.

I looked into this when I decided to trade-up. All said and done I would've had to pay 19.1% in taxes and duty on the Canadian equivalent plus a few hundred in tests and conversions, not to mention the $1.10 CDN for every $1.00 USD. I can't recall the exact reason, but I think the car would've had to sit at the boarder for 48 hrs, too.

Buy in Canada to save yourself the headache.

 

Unless you pay cash for a S and get it with almost no option then you save money buying the states.

I noticed that the CND version has alot of standard features that are options on the US side. That said, the us has alot options that we do not have available buy of couse at a price.

I am going to buy in Canada

 

My 05 MC has been great. Do I wish for more power? Sometimes, who doesn't. Do I like getting up to 39 mpg on trips with my wife and normally getting 32-36 mpg? Yes. After taking some driving schools, do I love blowing away MCS's at the Dragon? Oh yea! Thanks Graham. You really have to work/play harder to get the power with a MC. More shifting means more fun to me. Go for it, either way you will love it!

 

I'd get an '07 MC. I own an '06 MC and my needs were a commuter by weekday, sportscar by weekend. The '07s get 40+ MPG, not anything to scoff at though the '07 MCS is almost on par with my '06 MC MPGwise.

 

Thank you all for your words of wisdom and advice, I placed my order for my MC today!! So unbelievably excited, but cannot think about it for awhile as it will not be in until more than likley september!!!
Oxygen blue, with with cap and mirrors and white bonnet stripes!! YIPPEEE
Thanks again!

 

Congrats on your order, Ikshar.
Can't wait to see pix of your car when you get it.

Now the wait......and wait....and wait.......a-n-t-i-c-i-p-a-t-i-o-n....

 

Well done!
You know that once you have a VIN and the production date is near you can track progress of the car on the Wallenius Wilhelmsen site? (track it from Southampton to Halifax anyway)
I have yet to see an Oxygen Blue at the local dealer, did you order the Classic?
I ordered a Chili Red Cooper Classic in Jan./04 and received May/04, it's still a hoot to drive.
Recently test drove the new turbocharged '07 S and came away not that impressed, I guess I'll be keeping the Cooper.
Welcome to the MINI family.

 

Congrats! Hope you have as much fun as the rest of us!!! Now the wait begins. Oh such sweet torture!

 

Is the car here yet?

 

~sigh~ noooooo, not yet....