Made a deposit for the R56 3 months ago. The dealership just called me to say that I need to order soon. However, a friend told me yesterday that a new GP is availble in the east coast at MSRP + shipping cost ($1600). I have never driven a GP nor an R56. I am not a fast driver so I don't know a whether a GP would fit me. But it's nice to have 1 of the 415 car in the US Nevertheless, the price difference is around $10K. Is it worth it???

 

Go find someone near you that will let you see their GP, only you can decide if it fits your needs. Everyone who has a GP is very staisfied with their choice, Don't wait too long, or you may not even have a choice as there are only a few GP's not already spoken for

 

if you are "not sure if a GP will fit you", I'd go for the R56 instead. Basically, if this is even close to a real question, you should get the R56. If the GP is right for you, you would know it already. . .

 

I'd agree.

 

I'll agree with the others. The GP is a neat and unusual item, but there is a lot to love about the new model coming out.

 

GP without question.

 

I'd do the GP too, but that's me... And even then I haven't bought one because... I have other things I need to do with the $10,000 (or in my case about $7000 which is the difference between getting out of my 05MCSC and going with a GP). I know this is heresy, but these are after all cars, hopefully just one part of your life...

 

Dude! Look at resale value 3 - 5 years in the future! The R56 will not be worth very much, but the MINI will be. Check out some independant sources like: Consumers' Reports, Forbes, Kelly blue book, edmunds, etc....

Go for the GP ! There are some new ones just available at select dealers - check that thread!

 

I was like you before I bought the GP - I read all about the r56 but then I figured that there'd be bugs in the first years production as is usual with new car designs. The GP is all figured out and a really nice package... ok - if you need a back seat its not for you - but that is all that it lacks... I wasn't even in the market really until I laid eyes on the GP - seeing it in person did something to me (well it made up my mind anyway) I haven't regretted my decision for one second, and love the GP - they are super cars!
Whatever you decide hurry up - as there are very few GP's even available... so don't delay if that is the route you choose.

 

Get the GP, if you dont like it, you can sell it 6months from now for what you paid, if not a little more (if you take your time and sell it right.) then you can buy an R56.

 

Good point, and also you can save some money on shipping costs if you don't mind some miles on the car you can fly out and drive it or have a MINIac (much like myself) Drive the car for you and only you have to pay for the gas/lodging expenses and my flight back home. (Most enthusiasts will assure a proper break-in so no worries there)

 

Seems this is the crux of the question...does someone (like myself) who isn't all that into speed really need (or want to pay for) the fastest production MINI ever?

 

Thanks guys/gals for all the input. I am going to buy the 56. j/k I'm going for the GP!

 

You won't be dissapointed at all.. trust us - I have yet to hear someone who owns one or who has driven a GP have anything but praise for the car - you'll love yours too!

I'm with the other people here... DRIVE IT HOME!!!!!!!!

 

If you can live without a back seat......get the GP!! I traded a rare cherry 2003 Velvet Red MC for the GP sight unseen and never looked back. BTW, take care of ANY MINI and the resale value will be there. More than most other cars. Mine had 23k after 3 years and I got 17k for it. That was 4k less than I paid; 3 years later !!

GET THE GP WHILE YOU STILL CAN !!!!!

 

glad to see you made a choice... a good one. What I was going to suggest, was if you need a Back seat for any reason...NO GP. If you do not need a back seat,, the answer is simple.

 

I traded my 05' MCS with 28k on it - the dealer gave me $22k (that was what I paid used for it a year earlier here from a fellow NAM member in LA) Not bad cost of ownership really!

We're all the same - any Mini Cooper.. if kept in good shape they will bring a good penny in return.

But I do vote for the GP over the R56 until I hear more about them and can drive one for myself to see if I like the new motor - I think I'll miss the supercharger though.

 

ALSO...BE AWARE!!... The GP is hand wash ONLY!! make sure you are up for that....

p.s. Personally, the way I think it should be for all cars

 

This is the response I would give.

You'll spend more than you'll want and it sounds like you'll never use the GP fully.

So make a pass on the GP and go for the R56 is what I'd suggest.

Good luck.

 

take lots of pirtures and definatly think about flying out to get it, and driving her home quick way to kill the dreaded break-in period

 

Great choice. No super charger whine with the R56. Big disappointment IMHO

 

oooo this one's easy! Do you want MINI's first stab at the r56 or their ultimate, most evolved, pinnacle of the r53 version?

I'll take the GP for around 30K, Alex!

mb

 

If you are serious : email : rayrayadam@hotmail.com
He has GP 0296 for sale. Tell him I sent you.
1900 miles, extras, 30K - now.

 

I just think the Mini is a more unique car.

 

GP.

Hands down.

But that's just me. Photo's of it don't impress me, but seeing it in person, and sitting in it... really did. Great car.

Remember there's minimal sound dampening in the car, so it's gonna be louder. Plus the other performance and aesthetic changes make it a far more uncompromising car.