Question has been resolved. Went for a 06 Cooper. Silver, premium package, sports package, Cordoba (?) leather. It has 5000 miles on it.

I do like the smaller speedo and now I don't need to figure out what to do with that pesky 6th gear!

Thanks for everyones input!


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I want a MC! I am looking now and considering a used 2006 to save a few bucks. I basicly want a stripped down model so its possible to order a 2008 - perfect color and only the options I want for about $19500. '(But I have to wait and my trade w a CarMax offer of $3500 - could drop quite a bit over the couple of months I wait for the MC)

If I wasnt worried about the trade value dropping considerably, It would make sense to order and wait.

Any suggestions on how to lock in value on my trade?

Haven't driven a 2006 - will I notice a big differnce?

 

don't go to carmax; sell your current car privately now

 

The 2006 cars were great! Best of the bunch for the first generation cars.

If I wasn't so interested in playing with a turbo again, I'd replace my 2003 with a 2006

 

Do a lot more research before making that decision, especially on the differences between the first and second gen cars. Also do your own research on the value of the used cars... don't be too quick to rely on any pricing guide...the supply and demand ratio on used MINIs has changed quite a bit lately. It might be worth you while to find a used 2007, that way you would have the benefits of the second generation car without paying for new one.

 

Yep... there was a BIG change between 2006 and 2007 MC and MCS hardtops. Do some research around here and even more importantly, find a local MINI club and go to a meeting to see a bunch of cars in the same place. The 2006 hardtop MC looks and drives a lot like the 2007 and 2008 convertables, so you can test drive one of those at your dealership back-to-back with a 2007 or 2008 hardtop to learn the differneces between them before you go to the private market to find your '06, if that is what you want in the end.

I like my '06. It's the last of the first model MINI and, to me, it has much more personality than the '07+ MINIs. It is a bit rougher to drive and it doesn't have the smooth turbo (for the MCS) of the '07+, but I like the design (interior and exterior) of the first generation much more. I've had several '07 loaners (both MC and MCS, auto and stick) and I'm always happy to be back in my own MINI when I get it back.

They both have their quirks... you just have to figure out which one is right for you.

If you are looking to save some $$$, I'd also consider an '05. There were some updates between the '04 and '05 model years, so an '05 and an '06 would be pretty close to each other for most things.

There is a used MINI buying guide over at www.motoringfile.com. I'd strongly recommend going over there and checking it out.

Let us know where you are in the world. If you are in Dallas, TX, I'd be happy to take you for a spin in an '06 and introduce you around the local club!

 

You'll likely only save "a few bucks", if that. I could seriously sell my 2006 MC right now for more than I paid for it brand new. I'm sure some people won't believe me, but that's the way the MINI market is where I'm at. I tried very hard to find one used at a reasonable price...

I ended up with a brand new one.

No offense intended to the 2nd gen people, you are my motoring brothers and sisters, but I do not like the 2nd gen at all. If you are specifically going for the 1st gen style and don't mind that you're going to be paying very close to a new car price for a used car, then go for it!!! If the differences between the two designs are of little consequence to you, then I would recommend going brand new and enjoying more warranty and "free" maintenance.

 

The market is nothing like that in most regions.... first generation MINIs have depreciated at least as much as any other car... maybe even more .. follow the for-sale ads on this board and come to your own conclusions.

 

Maybe I should change my sig, perhaps it is a little where you live.

 

Thanks! This is great info. I test drove 2 - 2006 MC today. One was 5 speed w about 6000 miles. The second was Automatic with 21000 miles. Both fun. The auto seemed to strain a bit in the normal mode. The one with 21K miles is at a regular dealer and they seem willing to negotiate. - GOt to og do some math!

 

Get a 2006 !!

Looks better than the 2007, has all the quirks worked out as it was the 5th year of that generation as opposed to the first year of the second generation Cooper, and you will save a few thousand smackeroonies.

 

Get a used '06. I'm in the '06 looks better camp. Smaller speedo, more elegant controls for both radio and climate control on the interior (especially the auto AC), nicer front grill, lights in the bonnet, and WAAAYYY better looking side indicator inserts. That said, when the stage II factory JCW comes out, I'll be sorely tempted to trade in my '06 JCW. The only really bad thing there is that it won't have the JCW suspension, a must as far as I'm concerned.