I have an opportunity to purchase a 2013 MINI JCW or wait to order a new 2014 hardtop. What should I do? The 2013 models have a very enticing APR special right now so that's what's pulling me towards the 13'
Thanks for your opinions!!

 

This has been discussed before. And in those threads, it seems like the 2013''s win out. I made my decision and went with the 13. It is the last truly mini Mini in some peoples opinion. It boils down to making a +/- list and going from there.

If you think not having that new BMW engine or one of the funky new features will bother you get the new one. Of note the F56 interior is of slightly nicer for and finish. I am very comfortable with the interior of the R56 though, as well.

The 2013 has it's own charm, will be the most desirable R56 forever and has had 90% of the bugs worked out over the last 6 model years. Low APR is great, styling is preferred.

Why do you want a Mini? Let's go from there. Single questionWhat do you like

 

My first car I purchased on my own was a 2003 MCS and I loved it! Hop in, roll the windows down and speed off! It was great! I've been through a few cars sense then and now I have a big car and I can't park it to save my life! And I want that spunk back! That always was there when I had my mini! I just don't want to go from some features I've grown to love in my past cars to the JCW doesn't have and miss them and be unhappy.

 

What features specifically? The minis are fairly well optioned. Comfort? Electronics? Visual?

 

Visual I guess. LED DLR's are a soft spot for me. As well as a backup camera. Both I guess I can truly live without going back to something so small.

 

I think back-up cameras are mandated for 2015. Frankly, I've gotten tired of guessing where the back of my VW CC is. Years ago, people used to back-up until they felt and heard their bumper hit the other car, but that's ancient history. The b/u is one of the big reasons we're getting two new cars this year.

 

Verbatim from what the R53 owners said when the R56 post came out. Buy whatever makes you happy, be it an R53, R56, or F56 and enjoy the ride. Don't pull an above and snob out because one version of the MINI varies differently from another....the MINI brand is about being unique, it's disappointing that some of the "enthusiasts" can't recognize that.

 

Unfortunately they've been delaying that mandate for years now...wouldn't surprise me to see it delayed again.

 

Te rear of the mini is vertical, and flat with very little overhang. Basically if your rear glass isn't broken yet you aren't close enough.

 

Sounds like you want the 2013 R56 then

F56 for more luxury. R56 for more spunk.

 

I also had a choice of getting a 2013 MCS JCW a month ago while there were still a few left optioned the way I wanted, or ordering a 2014. Putting aside my distaste for the BMW-izing of the 2014 F56 (this is completely different the the R53 to R56 arguments years ago), I agree with what someone else said.

I have bought the last model year of a couple cars including my MCS JCW. I just won't buy the first year of a new vehicle especially when everything is brand new(according to Mini 98% of the F56 is all new). Things have to shake out on real roads with real owners over time to see what won't be reliable and has to be re-tooled. Happens with every new model from every marque (well, maybe except for Honda and Toyota !)

And I really wanted a JCW, and even it I liked the F56 enough to buy one, I didn't want to wait a year or more to get one.