I would like some feedback on the following question....Say you could buy a 2003 MCS now at MSRP, you have to go out of state to get it, or have it shipped. The 2003 in question comes pretty much the way you would have ordered it. The color perhaps is your second chioce but still would work. OR...Order a 2004MCS just the way you want it, but not get it until Oct, or Nov. Still pay MSRP, and still take out of state delivery. Why out of state you ask...Here in Ca, at MSRP for a 2004 you have at least a nine month wait. I just don't want to pay any CA dealer $1000 to $2500 over MSRP just to have one now. This is my thinking....The 2003 is in the last few months of the model year, meaning the car will be considered a one year old car by Sept as far as insurance is concerned. The 2003 model has reported some minor problems that I figure should be fixed on the 2004 model. But....All that being said, I sure hate to have to wait another 5 or 6 months to get a MCS. What would you do? Thanks in advance for all who post.

 

The fact you even ask this question has me thinking you’ll wait for the 04. If you wanted a MINI this second you would be putting your money on the counter. Most everyone who has a MINI had to wait for build, shipping and delivery and to put it off 4 more months, will not change the fact you will still have to wait for those things. This means you may not be waiting 4 months, but 7 or 8 months.

 

Ah, you may very well be correct on me waiting on an 04. My problem is I tend to be impulsive on buying certain things in life, the 03 Mini would qualify for one of the those buy's. However if I could stand the wait (Read I really want one now) the 04 would be the better buy. What to do, what to do?

 

Work the phones man, somewhere out there is a MINI just like the one you want sitting on a dealers lot, start on the East Coast and work west. Why wait for the '04 when you could be driving and '03 now?

X2

 

I almost bought an MCS off the lot since the dealer had one with *almost* everything I was looking for--minus the HK. I went ahead and ordered mine anyway and it was the right decision for me. I think most of the people who are buying MCSs really do believe that their car should be a reflection of who they are and what they're into--get the one that fits you best.

One other thing you may want to keep in mind is that if you're concerned about the color, which is suggested by your message, remember that you'll be seeing this car every day and you don't want your first thought when you see it to be "I should have waited and got the blue one."

 

Whatever decision you make, you'll have to live with for a long time. Once you receive the car you ordered, those extra few will seem like nothing. Order the car you really want, there's a good chance it will probable arrive sooner than the dealer expects, that's what happened to my car, it arrive two months ahead of schedule.

 

If you look hard enough you will find a 2003 mini at MSRP now. Just have a list of what you would like to have and do some calling and have some patience. For a start you can call Mini of Hawaii at (808)593-8699 and ask for Judy (MiniMa) tell her Minihune on MCO sent you and that she should try to find you a nice MCS right now. Last time I talked to her last week I think she said she had about 20 MCS ready to go on the lot. Can you believe that? If you get any hassles just PM to me and I will have a talk with her so you can get something now. I hate to see those MCS gathering dust when someone can be driving them around- some have HK audio options. Many have premium and sport packages but not all. Hawaii state tax is 4% which is cheap compared to California. If you need help from this end send me a PM.

I don't work for mini or have any relatives affiliated with BMW or Mini of HI.
I just love my MCS and would like you to get a chance at enjoying one now. If you go on the waitlist for 2004 models it is still a wait. I got my MCS in Feb as an October 2002 build. I became available from an order that fell through and within a day I bought it. This means that even if you got one of the first sept 03 builds of the 04 model that it might be January before you get it- all depends on delivery hassles. East coast tends to be better than west coast or Hawaii.

 

The first 2004 models aren't going to be much different from current 2003. MINI has been fixing faults as it goes, not waiting for a model year. The only real benefit to waiting for a 2004 is resale value and the possibility of a new color or option, and they haven't announced much in the way of those yet.

 

Thanks to everyone who took the time to post. Also I just figured out that this was not the right place to have posted my question. Sorry. Im still kinda new to this posting stuff.

 

DJ-
You're right- I was going to tell you that but I got caught up in responding to your question.

Moderators- please move this thread over to MiniTalk- thank you very much.

 

moved to Mini talk!

Alex

 

the newer always has better stuff on the car, no matter good or "just fine" human society is a on going formular. things come out in a way of people think it should be better. if MINI dose not make any better car on 04 compare on 03, they should close their company.
Do u think a company without a improvment and new development will stay alive in america??? 04 is a definitely good choice for this time of the year. it is coming soon and so close. if you are very rich, u do not have to wait just buy one and enjoy. but if you are OK but buying MINI still a kind of "investment", you should not worry to sacrafise couple of month for it.
Life it is about exploring, guessing, sacrafising and compromising. nothing is it seems to be, but you have to make a choice!!

04 forever!!!

 

New features in 2004.
Nobody knows for sure but here is some speculation based on past history of what happened in 2002 and 2003.
The 2004 models will be largely the same car as 2003. In mid year the convertible body style will be available as an early 2005 offering.
New colors are likely to arrive- no telling what these might be but expect some colors currently restricted to either the MC or MCS, now available for the opposite model. Maybe a new color or two sometime in 2004. Who knows maybe a two tone color beyond the extra black and white roof/mirrors.
Maybe a new alloy wheel style for the MCS or convertible.
Maybe a new dash finish- what about graphite or wood?
New interior colors for the doors or clothe.
Cordoba brown leather for MCS models.
CVT for the MCS and convertible.
These are all just speculation-

 

I'm thinkin' that if you wait, you may be paying more. My dealer indicated that the base price will probably jump up a bit in September for the '04 model year, as it did for the '03. You might want to ask about this before you decide.

 

Just wondering what problems have they had with the 2003? do the dealerships fix them. Mine was found last week and is being re-routed to the dealership, due to be in by next week. Should I be concerned, I felt I got a good deal on my Cooper S . Please let me know what Items I should keep an eye out for. Thanks :smile:

 

>>I would like some feedback on the following question....Say you could buy a 2003 MCS now at MSRP,
>>Still pay MSRP, and still take out of state delivery. Why out of state you ask...Here in Ca, at MSRP for a 2004 you have at least a nine month wait. I just don't want to pay any CA dealer $1000 to $2500 over MSRP just to have one now.

What dealers in CA have you spoken too about this 9 month wait? No Cal or So Cal?
why buy a 1 yr old model for top dollar? most other dealerships are running their end of the year sales events...yea right that would be a wild hair day if MINI had a cooper sales event!

 

Problems with the 2003?
Depends on which model and when it was built.
For all MC/MCS-
Coolant bottle leak and replacement
Cracked windshields-mostly from rocks
Rear hatchdoor rattle- fix by adjusting strike plate
Sunroof Rattling- fix with velcro strips
Lots of squeaks and rattles- various reasons
For MCS built around 10/02 to 12/02 the recall for rear suspension bolt-replace
For MC CVT
Certain build dates for CVT-factory problem with transmission fluid- fix by replacement
Rough running, stalling, -fix with software updates


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03MCS-IB/W, aero grille, white tail lights, MB Quart speakers, euro parcel shelf, Madness intake/ rear swaybar- Get In.Get Out.Get Even-Motor On