Okay, not that I don't trust my local MAs, but I really value the knowledge of the members on this board. . .well, now that I have the requisite 'kissing-up' taken care of, here's my question:

My wife was at our dealer yesterday to test drive various replacements for our trusty '04 MCS. She drove hardtops and convertibles, Cooper and Cooper S, stick and auto, etc. The MAs could answer any and all questions she had. . .HOWEVER - there was some confusion on whether a car she ordered next month would be an '05 or an '06. After reading that the MY '06 production was pushed back to November, I had just assumed that the car we ordered this summer would be an '05. But the dealer told us that all orders being taken right now were for '06 models to be delivered in 2-3 months, but none of the long-rumored changed (factory JCW, colors, Recaros, etc.) would be incorporated until November, more of a running change than a new modely year update. That answer just seemed kinda lame to me. . .

Anyone have any REAL info on the model year breakdowns, production cycles, etc? A straight answer would be cool - thanks!!!

 

The only way you'll get actual facts if is you call MINI direct, and I don't mean a dealer. Call ask-mini.

 

September production is the first 2006 model. If you order now, and the car is to be built prior to September, 2005, you will receive a 2005 model car.

Updates to colors and options have not been officially announced yet.

I hope this helps.

 

So which is going to have a better value, buying a very late '05 (which all things being equal will always be a low mileage car) or buying a very early '06 (which all tings being equal will be a higher mileage car).

 

Trick - being in the market for two MINIs in the next few months, I had the same questions. I'd have to say that the '06 would get the nod for a slight - slight - edge in value, all other things being equal.

Miniguy - thanks for the reply. May I ask where you got your info? I mean, it makes sense to me and sounds plausible, but I'm just naturally curious. Thanks!

 

What's your source, because Motoring file says differently: http://motoringfile.com/2005/06/06/2..._year_timeline

 

I can vouch for the MotoringFile story. '06 Production is scheduled to start in November.

 

I'm in the same boat - I want to order an '06 for the "slight" edge in value but am holding off putting money down on it until the '06 ordering options actually come out. Then I'll be standing in line! I wanted to wait to see what the cost options would be for the factory installed JCW, and possibly the new seats. The rest of my option choices should remain pretty standard.

I'm assuming that if production of the '06 models starts in November then they should get the order options out in July or August and begin taking orders then. I hate the waiting to order more than waiting for it to arrive after its ordered.

 

Not to pry, but do you know if Space Blue will be on the MC? Or will it just be on the MCS?

Thanks!

John

 

I placed my name on the list at Schomp MINI January 2004 (for an 04 MCS.) Went thru one model year and one price increase and ended up with an 2005 model, delivered 8.5 months later, when MINI decided to curtail 04s a few months early to retool and build the cabrios. And I'm glad I got the 2005 model, if not for more power and better interiors. Jimbo

 

Miniguy99 - where are you?

 

If you search his posts it looks as though he has enough inside info to be a MA or a Manager at a Mini Dealership. My opinion only!

ELMANN

 

What's you point? They frequently have less or less reliable info than most people on this forum!

 

Can't wait to hear from some MA's on that one.

 

MA is a made up term for CAR SALESMAN...some of the WORST sources for actual facts about a car...my 'MA' VERY included! Every new car I've ever bought or been shopping for with my friends has been the same way. I know the options better, I know the prices better, I know the operation better...they are just there to be annoying and push some paper - oh, and try to get me to spend as much money as possible. It would be perfect if we could do all the work over the internet as far as I'm concerned.

 

So - the bottom line here is: We don't know for sure. . .right?

 

There has been no 'From Mini' announcement, no. However Motoring file has been spot on in most cases with it's inside information in the past.

 

If you plan on retaining the car, I wonder if you would find savings on the insurance since the car would "age" faster.

 

Quote:
Originally Posted by kaelaria
What's you point? They frequently have less or less reliable info than most people on this forum!


Can't wait to hear from some MA's on that one.

************************


I've often read stuff on Motoringfile.com first before hearing it through official channels. (Yes, I'm a MA)

However comments like "they are just there to be annoying and push some paper - oh, and try to get me to spend as much money as possible." are quite offensive and truly do not represent the vast majority of MA's out there. I bet most of the people on this board would agree. How many MAs have you dealt with other than your VERY included MA??

 

Mini car salesmen? One one other, he was MAYBE 20, and couldn't answer any questions...turned me over to my ultimate salesman. Non-mini salesmen? well over 100...and I was one for Oldsmobile/Suzuki over 11 years ago...wow did I hate that job! Not a single customer was excited about the lineup...Suzuki customers just wanted the cheapest car possible ($5999 bought you the 3 cylinder stripped down Geo Metro) and Oldsmobile people were all the poorer old farts that couldn't afford Cadillac.


Sorry if you were personally offended, but in my experience, my statement is true.

 

This is my first MINI, but my MA was great! Helpful, courteous, knew her product, was quick to find out and get back in touch with anything she wasn't sure about, and even at the last second threw in the floormats for free that I had been asking/hoping for all along! (Mindy from MINI of Pittsburg, and I'd recommend her without hesitation).

I've only dealt with one other MA, Jared? from Rasmussen MINI/BMW in Portland, OR, a little closer to home. I eventually went to MINI of Pittsburg because of Portland's 10-12 month waiting list on an MCS, but even after I told this guy I was buying elsewhere, he was still really nice and let me take all the time I wanted in a Cooper trying out the H/K with some cd's, checking out colors, etc. Although I've also had some less than stellar salespeople in the past, both MINI MA's I've met were top notch.

Fishtail

 

My information is that september build cars will be the first 2006 models. Don't expect delivery of those cars until October on the east coast, and late october or early November on the west coast.

I hope this helps.

 

I'll bet cha $20 paypal you're wrong Care to take me up?

 

My dealer is telling me that 06 production begins August. They better be right too, cause they already have my $1000 deposit. I had given them a deposit and told them to order the car this past week, but then I called them and asked when the 06 production would start, when they told me August I decided to just wait (as I was already out 6-8 weeks anyway) Hopefully the wait will be worth it and the price jump wont be too bad.

Adam

 

When 06's are announced, will it be too late to order an 05?