R53 > R56 > R53
#78
Some of us have many years invested in both our MINIs and how we feel about them. Sometimes we tend to blurt things out that don't sound right on-line when the brand is attacked. Which is what I see a lot of in this thread, attacking the brand.
Mark
Mark
#79
Yes. It seems that eventually some balance emerges on the whole thing and I've seen that expressed in this thread, too.
Folks used to get into very spirited Cooper vs MCS discussions and it took some time before folks finally figured out that the two cars were both very good, very different, and very suited to certain drivers and their expectations. In that case, a lot of information was exchanged before folks either 1) figured it out or 2) got tired of debating it endlessly.
I suggest the same thing is happening here. I mean, this was the year R56 arrived!! We probably should expect opinions to fly 'til the dust settles, especially if some have good reasons to opt for the previous gen car. In the end, though, I think all this information will ultimately lead to that same equilibrium...if someone has a personal preference on they type of MINI motoring they prefer/want/need and there's a MINI to suit...go for it!!!
Folks used to get into very spirited Cooper vs MCS discussions and it took some time before folks finally figured out that the two cars were both very good, very different, and very suited to certain drivers and their expectations. In that case, a lot of information was exchanged before folks either 1) figured it out or 2) got tired of debating it endlessly.
I suggest the same thing is happening here. I mean, this was the year R56 arrived!! We probably should expect opinions to fly 'til the dust settles, especially if some have good reasons to opt for the previous gen car. In the end, though, I think all this information will ultimately lead to that same equilibrium...if someone has a personal preference on they type of MINI motoring they prefer/want/need and there's a MINI to suit...go for it!!!
#83
The point I was trying to make in my prior post on this topic is why do some Mini owners - classic, R50/53, R56, etc feel the need to argue that some years, model or versions is not a "real" mini?
It usually seems the one they prefer is the one they own is "in their humble opinion" is the only true mini and the rest are not! Oh yeah they are also experts about this subject.
I have said it before in prior posts, are there still R50/53 and R56 owners that are not aware that there are still some Classic Owners Clubs that do not coinsider any of their Mini's "real" minis? Ever seen a "100% BMW Free" decal on a classic?
I currently own a '66, I have have owned a JCW R53, and I also currently own a R56 and they are all great cars and have their stong points and weak points, but they all share the fact that they are a blast to drive and guess what - they are all Minis!
In the words of Rodney King - "Can't we all just get along".
It usually seems the one they prefer is the one they own is "in their humble opinion" is the only true mini and the rest are not! Oh yeah they are also experts about this subject.
I have said it before in prior posts, are there still R50/53 and R56 owners that are not aware that there are still some Classic Owners Clubs that do not coinsider any of their Mini's "real" minis? Ever seen a "100% BMW Free" decal on a classic?
I currently own a '66, I have have owned a JCW R53, and I also currently own a R56 and they are all great cars and have their stong points and weak points, but they all share the fact that they are a blast to drive and guess what - they are all Minis!
In the words of Rodney King - "Can't we all just get along".
#84
I am still rather new to the MINI scene (check my number of posts) but I faithfully follow NAM everyday. This discussion/argument fascinates me in the lack of perspective some posters seem to have regarding FUN. I now drive a 07 MCS after owning not one, but two Neons. It is unfathomable to me that negative comments can be found in context with MINIs. You want bad? Drive a low end Chrysler!!!! You'll never speak/post a bad word about ANY version of MINI again.
poyzin
poyzin
#85
I think BMW should think about resurrecting the R53, maybe as a "classic" specialty model (I'm sure the marketing guys at MINIUSA can come up with the appropriate song and dance). Otherwise, they're just leaving money on the table from people like me who were looking forward to buying the next iteration but decided to skip it. I bet they could even charge a premium...
#86
The R53 is destined to become a classic... it will share the same relationship with the R56 as the BMW 2002 shares with the BMW 320.... the 2002 became a classic, and the 320 was just another car. Why is this? Because the R53 and the 2002 are geared towards driving enthusiasts, the R56 and the 320 are built for the masses.
#87
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...don't get your shorts twisted clubby.....by "unqualified" i mean that 99% of this entire thread is subjective....it is hard to argue subjectivity, as has been alluded to in a number of posts herein......the "BS" I referred to is related to "my opinion counts more than yours" ........deciding on which car to buy is arguably the most subjective decision anyone ever makes, continued refinement of the 1st gen Mini is not in the business plan for a lot of reasons , mainly because it would lead to ever decreasing car sales....car sales and subjectivity are related..... like i said , it's an interesting discussion for the entertainment value
#88
I originally wrote:
Note the first two words ... For me
My personal opinion, subjective of course!
For me, the R56 has lost it’s “MINI genes” ... It’s a fine car … but it’s not a MINI
My personal opinion, subjective of course!
#89
I think BMW should think about resurrecting the R53, maybe as a "classic" specialty model (I'm sure the marketing guys at MINIUSA can come up with the appropriate song and dance). Otherwise, they're just leaving money on the table from people like me who were looking forward to buying the next iteration but decided to skip it. I bet they could even charge a premium...
#90
I think BMW should think about resurrecting the R53, maybe as a "classic" specialty model (I'm sure the marketing guys at MINIUSA can come up with the appropriate song and dance). Otherwise, they're just leaving money on the table from people like me who were looking forward to buying the next iteration but decided to skip it. I bet they could even charge a premium...
Problem is, design parameters such as these cost $$... and BMW elected to take the R56 in a different direction. With the R56, they moved towards the broader "camry" market segment and away from the narrower enthusiast segment. Perhaps in time, the MINI brand will diversify enough that BMW will once again make an offering targeted directly at the enthusiast... time will tell.
Last edited by slag1911; 01-26-2008 at 09:40 AM.
#91
Guess you didn't get one of the ACR ones...
But yeah, the base neon was pretty bland to drive....
Matt
#92
Chrysler has done this before, there was the K cars, then the Mini vans, a K car frame, bigger box. I had a K car wagon in the 80s, bland, yes, but cheap and I could haul kids and dogs in it. Built for the masses.
I don't think the 2nd gen MINI is headed in this direction, except that a Clubman will haul more stuff
Just my take on the subject, which is not worth arguing about, as it means nothing in the grand scheme of things.
Mark
I don't think the 2nd gen MINI is headed in this direction, except that a Clubman will haul more stuff
Just my take on the subject, which is not worth arguing about, as it means nothing in the grand scheme of things.
Mark
Last edited by lotsie; 01-26-2008 at 10:28 AM. Reason: speling
#93
I could see the GP being highly sought after at some point, but R53 in general? No. I think the qualities that might make it unique, while not lost on enthusiasts of the model, are being over-stated a bit.
#94
I think BMW should think about resurrecting the R53, maybe as a "classic" specialty model (I'm sure the marketing guys at MINIUSA can come up with the appropriate song and dance). Otherwise, they're just leaving money on the table from people like me who were looking forward to buying the next iteration but decided to skip it. I bet they could even charge a premium...
It'll never happen, but I'm with ya 911fan.
mb
#95
It seems to me that the R53's are holding their value quite nicely, considering it is a now obsolete design. I drove an R56 for 2 weeks, decided it just wasn't for me. I liked the seats, but the rest, not so much. Rode too much like a Camry. Nice and smooth, but just was not as "connected". Felt way too German, not enough Brit! I am now actively looking for another R53 for the family
Last edited by JCWGrover; 01-26-2008 at 06:47 PM.
#96
The entire first series MINI is on the path to becoming a classic... the R56 release with its new direction geared towards "camry" type masses, has both assured and accelerated this movement.
#97
WOW.....
Have anyone of you actually driven a Camry? I currently have one sitting in my garage. It's my dads & I'm selling it for him. I've gotta tell you, to compare an R56 to a Camry is one heck of an large insult. The only similarity is the number of wheels each has. The R56 is a fine car. The Camry is an appliance. They shoulda called it the Maytag. Some feel the R56 love others don't. Me, well I drive an R53 & love it. But I can see me in an R56 in the future.
Now you folks who think your R53 is going to be a classic?? I just don't think so, but the GP may be. Though it will be a very long time from now. I'm not going to worry about it.
Now you folks who think your R53 is going to be a classic?? I just don't think so, but the GP may be. Though it will be a very long time from now. I'm not going to worry about it.
#99
And I'm sure you understand what I meant.
#100
Have anyone of you actually driven a Camry? I currently have one sitting in my garage. It's my dads & I'm selling it for him. I've gotta tell you, to compare an R56 to a Camry is one heck of an large insult. The only similarity is the number of wheels each has. The R56 is a fine car. The Camry is an appliance. They shoulda called it the Maytag. Some feel the R56 love others don't. Me, well I drive an R53 & love it. But I can see me in an R56 in the future.
The R53 was destined to become a classic in the design studio... just as the R56 was destined to be just another car for the masses... due to its design parameters.
Last edited by slag1911; 01-27-2008 at 08:31 AM.