I am looking to buy a MINI in the December time frame as I will be graduating from University. I keep reading things on the board and talk to friends and get information and it seems that the 2007 model has some problems that need to be ironed out by MINI. Things such as the spray nozzles leak water, or window problems....you know of the list.

Question is this, should I hold of and get an 08' model MINI, and hope that some problems are resolved? I heard the packages will be more expensive on the 2008 as opposed to the 07', any info? The one thing I would hope is that by buying an 07' year MINI in mid December I should be able to get a great deal as they would be trying to clear inventory or parts for the 08 line.

What do you think?

 

I'm somewhat in the same boat (was planning on waiting for an '08, then I started reading NAM and now I want it NOW NOW NOW), and based on the vague info my MA has if you're waiting until December to order a car from the factory it's going to be an '08.

And as far as getting a great deal on an '07, I think in Mini terms a great deal might be a couple hundred below MSRP (or maybe a few gratis dealer add-ons).

 

Some, if not all, of the 2008 features are already showing up on MINIs arriving now. Calculate the delivery time for your area -- based on info from threads here on NAM -- and order it so it arrives when you are ready for it.

If you want a MINI where all the problems are worked out, you will never get one. As time goes on, MINI changes things, those changes can introduce new problems. Over the long-term, the R56 may become more problem free, but it wont happen at a specific point such as 2007 to 2008.

Actually the R56 doesn't have many problems now. Forums just tend to be the place they all show up. If you look at Honda forums, you will probably find lots of problems reported. I've seen it a lot with software. Look at a trouble-shooting forum for a particular program and you'd think that it is unusable, when the reality is that thousands of people are using it without problems.

 

The only new thing you want is the usb port to integrate your ipod without paying like $800 for the aftermarket wire/software. If you wait and get that (you have to order BT) you'll be good with a 2007. There are no other options worth waiting for in the US, and probably none coming our way. Cars are cars, there are always problems with some, none with most.

 

You could also buy a low mileage used 2006 S in cherry condition. You'd save some money and be more sure you're not getting new design shake down problems. My 2006 MINI S is only the second vehicle I have ever purchased new. It is one of two out of >35 vehicles (autos and motorcycles). Buying used has saved me a lot of money.