It is now March, and hearing about some of the problems with your 07 coopers, am I better off waiting a little longer to order if I can stand it. For example, if it takes 10-12 weeks to receive the car, that takes us into around the end of May. Would this give enough time to fix the problems back at the production plant. Or does quality control take much longer and should I wait like some are saying for the 08 or 09's. I don't want to live this way but if I were to have a lot of problems, the joy of this car may not be a trade-off. :impatient

 

Just curious, what are some of the problems of the 07 Coopers?

 

Now that's the real question!! Seems to me working through issues is an ongoing process that never ends. I'd say jump in whenever you want and start motoring. The warranty is good and issues can be dealt with. I'm waiting til early '08 but mostly because I don't need another car til then. Yes, I could wait til '09, but what's the point...some other tweek will come around in '10.

The other deal right now is that options are being phased in and I don't think that'll really be finished for awhile. The oak steering wheel is a good example of an option that has stalled out for now. The dealer alarm is also an unknown item. There are others, and I'm waiting for that all to get sorted.

However, if I could get the car I wanted now and I was ready to go...I'd do it!!!

 

I dont think waiting for your dream car is a problem. This my FIRST car and the fact that I was able to chose it myself, made me the luckiest guy ever. I get to pick it up March 10, but i hit a delema, i had knee surgery on March 1, and i wont be able to drive for a month, so i am forced to wait! AHHH

 

The last batch of folks that picked up their cars haven't posted any issues that I can recall. It seems to me issues are being resolved.

dean.

 

The longer you wait on a new design the less likely (but not certain) that much onf the issue will be resolved. Others might pop-up too.
If you are uncomfortable with taking a chance you are better off waiting. Barring a few issues from everything I've read MINI has been pretty quick in fixing issues.
Remember too that threads online tend to be populated with 'issues' people are having and people generally don't create threads like "I have nothing wrong with my _________ (fill in the part you prefer)"
If you are expect zero issues that would be nice for any manufacturer -- even my last new car a Honda Accord (2nd year build) had a center console door that was not working correctly and had to be replaced and there was a build issue with the transmission that need fixing within the first year I had it. My first new car was an Isuzu Impulse (I was young, I bought it for the styling) and never had an issue with build. That goes against what anyone might have predicted. So if you want to go with the odds most will say wait until next year -- I don't plan to. I want the car and will deal with fixes if necessary -- it could be absolutely fine and if not well so be it, I'll ask my dear old Irish Mom to say a Novina for it.

 

My opinion is you will never know how long to wait. A serious issue could show up only after 10,000 miles and on 1 in 10 cars. That would be a big deal but you'd need to wait a year to find it out. OK, what if 1 in 5 had a problem after 20,000 miles? A two year wait. What to do? Also even as minor problems are identified over time the solutions don't get into production over night. Having the first 2 months build for the Euro market was a good enough start for me. The next major period will probably be when the convertible comes out in 2 years and a whole series of upgrades are incorporated. So buy now or wait 2 years if that makes it easier.

 

Sorry to hear about your knee surgery, but at least you will have plenty of time to brush up on your owners manual.!!

 

I was just talking to my MA about other things and he mentioned that if you order a car now you'll wait till maybe September to see it. So you won't be having much fun this summer. (Not trying to start a range war over the date issue, that's just what he said in passing, and I know he wasn't saying it to sell me a car, as mine is waiting for the boat), and btw he says the car I ordered which was part of the MFSW messup, is now on the lot and waiting for a buyer...so if you want a performance setup fairly stripped down MCS, you're a credit check/paperwork and a few days away from a good time.

 

I understand your worries and honestly felt very worried that I jumped in too soon myself. I ordered my car before the rollout and had never even laid eyes on one. I knew there could be problems but also knew that I had been waiting 4 years and didnt want to wait anymore. With a warranty backing me up, I took the plunge and have had my car 2 weeks today and so far no problems. Im happy I went ahead with it and wouldnt change a thing!

 

The only thing that bothers me is the sunroof. I do not want one like the tester I drove.

 

I have an intermittent rattle that sounds like a candy bar wrapper being stepped on. Really minor. But I'm still only around 500 miles.

 

Well I tend to be a little conservtive when it comes to buying any car model. I usually take the opinion that it takes a good yr or so for the car maker to work out all the bugs. For example I have an 06 Cooper S. I assume (rightly or wrongly) that it would be the model where all the improvements in production have long been done and therefore quality issues would have been addressed. It would theoretically be the best built S. If I were buying the new S I would probably wait for the 2008 model yr. But that's me.

 

If you wait, you're only delaying the fun! Summer is a great time to motor around in. Think of all the road trips you'll miss in your MINI if you wait. Like gokartride said, bug fixes are never ending If you really want a problem free MINI you'll have to wait till one one to two years before production ends on the R56 (I have an 05 and it's absolutely problem free).

 

amazonracer, I am waiting until 2008 to get my Cooper S, but that is not to wait out any first year build issues - I am waiting to get some other bills paid for before I take on a car payment again. If I did not have other financial obligations, I would definitely get a 2007, and that is with the closest dealer 150 miles away. It would be worth the possible 1st year build issues to get the car, but if it weren't for bills, I would probably have an R53 right now.

 

Thanks djam, right now its in some weird bionic knee brace witha built in coolant system haha. Hopefully in less than a month i can TRY driving, who knows, gotta ask the doctor first.


I have read the manual couple times through already while waiting , so soon i will be able to recite it by heart

 

It might be worth noting that they have been building MINIs at Plant Oxford for some time

 

Not sure what problems you've heard about. The only thing I've seen posted is wind noise on the sunroof cars. Ironically it seems to be primarily the demo cars--I have a week 3 build and no noise. The ONLY thing I've found so far (1100 miles in 9 days), is that the cruise control sometimes cuts out unexpectedly. That's the extent of my new-car issues.

 

iono i think it depends on your personality. for me i have to wait and see if i like the mini

(I'm oging to long beach mini around afternoon with my pops YAY! to check out the new 07's haha), so hopefuly it'll turn out great

i'm mroe of the guy that has to look at something before buying. i was impulsive, but if this is one of your dream cars (well for me it is becaus ei'm young and this is a bit stretch for me) i think it's worth the wait (not too long though), but i would want it to be almost perfect because i've waited :P haha

goodluck with your choice. i've had many similar problems and working on it myself :P

 

Paul makes a good point I've made before in another thread. I'd expect less first year issues with this generation Mini. The previous generation was a new car as well as a new plant so I expect less first year problems with this generation than the last generation.

 

Three reasons for waiting:

1. bug removal: 'First year' cars (or whatever) are generally troublesome
2. resale value: Why buy an 07 in the middle of 07?
3. options: Car manufacturers generally like to add options during a model run to entice new buyers. A lot of 'first year' cars are intentionally crippled in terms of options.

Unless you NEED the car now I'd recommend waiting until the options are debuted for 08. Probably Sep 07 we should have an idea of what's available for the 08 model.

JohnG

 

same here.

 

1. I would say first year cars "can" be troublesome. Saying they are "generally troublesome" implies that most of them have trouble. I don't think that's the case.

2. Resale value: Its really more about mileage and condition than the month it was built. I've never sold a car and had anyone ask what month it was built. An '07 is an '07.

3. Crippled in terms of options? Really? The thought of the list of MINI options getting any longer is frightening.

Just my 2-cents. Your mileage may vary.

dean.

 

Aside from color or perhaps some seating option, I can't really think of what else MINI could offer (an espresso machine would be nice for those long road trips)? We now have folding rear view mirrors

It is safe to assume that we'll see some increase in HP and the JCW... but unless you're looking for those, any time is a good time to buy a MINI

 

How about some gauges!? ('08 chrono pack anyone?) Or perhaps a re-program of the exhaust burble. Or, maybe a bonnet that fits correctly and a nav system that works like it's supposed to. Or, maybe a rework of the center stack that makes just a little more sense and looks a little less disney. And what about the hidden dash compartment that's now getting glued or screwed shut? Where's the 6 disc changer suposed to hide? Maybe a factory installed alarm system, or a cigarette lighter with a lighted ring even. Or perhaps a seat belt that you can actually reach without dislocating your shoulder, or spotlights that don't cost an arm and a leg, or a special cutout grill for those lunatics that want/need four spotlights, or some performance options (I.E. exhaust, intake, etc.). And how about a clock? To name just a few.

In other words, I like the idea of an espresso machine for the long trips, maybe a 4 cupper in the boot? Make mine a double.

:impatient Waitng since 06/06, and now considering waiting for an '08.