My beloved Cooper S is starting to age and I am thinking of replacements including a MINI. I plan to replace the car in the next year or so (maybe as early as this Fall). However, reading some of the news it sounds like the model year 2014 will come with a new MINI design, but also heard that no changes will come to the Hard Top till later....

I don't want to buy the first model year (also don't really like the looks or interior of the new) of the new model so wondering if I should buy now/soon. Also, heard the 2013 builds are done but the MINI website still allows builds. The three MINI's I am thinking about are the Hard Top S, JCW, or maybe a clubman... Is the R56 going to be around a little bit longer?

Any help would be appreciated! I would hate for the new car to come out and not like it... and end up buying a Mercedes or a 3 series... or gasp... a GTI....

 

The hardtop will be the first model to switch over to the new (F56) platform, supposedly in early 2014. We decided to buy now as we know we like the R56 and don't want to buy the first model year of the new platform, and don't know if we'll like the new one.

 

I wonder when the last date would be to order an R56. Maybe I can get a good deal on one of the last runs. One thing I liked about my 2006 was it was the last of that model run so most of the bugs had been worked out. I definitely don't want to buy first or second year of the new model.

 

I think lots of dealers are out of build slots and it might be too late to build a R56. Have you been reading anything on Motoringfile? I think the F56 will be better than people make it out to be but I agree with not wanting to be the very first car of a new model.

 

I would personally hold out for the BMW 4 cylinder if I were ready to shop for a new car. I owned one for a couple of years in Germany and they know their little engines too.

 

which BMW 4 cylinder? There are already LOTS and LOTS of BMW 4's out... do you mean the 3 cylinder?

 

Rumour has it that the 2l 4 cylinder version of the new 3 cylinder 1.5l engine will make its way into the JCW. The engine is modular, so they can make 3 or 4 cylinder versions as necessary.