R50/53 Regretting my MINI purchase?
#1
Regretting my MINI purchase?
When I first saw the R56 spy pictures on MF, before the front was finished, I decided that I didn't like the new front end. I decided that I wanted the supercharger whine, and the body styling of the R53 MCS. I also decided that I didn't want the first model year of the R56, and couldn't wait for the 2008 R56 to see how it turned out. So I ran out and bought my 2006 R53 and have been 98% happy since. Having my MINI has been an amazing experience. I've met so many people because of it and have traveled around the world.
But, now, since I work at a MINI dealer in Canada, I've been surrounded by the R56 and R55 left-right-and center. I just went out with my coworker in a Hot Chocolate R55, ray cloth interior, beautiful inside and out. The biggest thing for me was the gear box!! So smooth!! And I've spent so much time thinking about how much I love the super charger whine, but in daily driving, it's low-end torque that you really need, and my R53 is so lacking in that dept.
My gear box has been giving me problems and when I drive other 2005/2006 Cooper S's, they don't feel much better than mine. So even if there is a minor problem with mine, it will never feel as smooth as I think it should.
I guess I'm just feeling a pinch of regret from buying my 2006 Cooper S and not waiting for the R56. If you look back on the forums, I probably posted saying that I hated the centre stack in the new gen, saying that I will (heart) my supercharger forever and ever, but the truth is the new car really grows on you... And I'm sick of hearing "OMG this is such an amazing car" about the R56, and hearing "meh" about my gen when compared to the new one - from customers and coworkers.
I guess I'm just asking for a fellow MINI community hug here. The payments on a R56 would be 30% less than mine, for a car that doesn't have a tranny problem (of some sort - she's going in for service soon and we'll be able to gauge how big of a problem I'm truly facing) and a car that people are "wowed" over. I mean, having pink on mine gets a ton of compliments but I guess I'm just trying to decide if I should ask my manager to strike a deal with me and a demo R56 (which I'd continue the pink with) or hang onto my Stella... Because these feelings come and go, right? Right??
But, now, since I work at a MINI dealer in Canada, I've been surrounded by the R56 and R55 left-right-and center. I just went out with my coworker in a Hot Chocolate R55, ray cloth interior, beautiful inside and out. The biggest thing for me was the gear box!! So smooth!! And I've spent so much time thinking about how much I love the super charger whine, but in daily driving, it's low-end torque that you really need, and my R53 is so lacking in that dept.
My gear box has been giving me problems and when I drive other 2005/2006 Cooper S's, they don't feel much better than mine. So even if there is a minor problem with mine, it will never feel as smooth as I think it should.
I guess I'm just feeling a pinch of regret from buying my 2006 Cooper S and not waiting for the R56. If you look back on the forums, I probably posted saying that I hated the centre stack in the new gen, saying that I will (heart) my supercharger forever and ever, but the truth is the new car really grows on you... And I'm sick of hearing "OMG this is such an amazing car" about the R56, and hearing "meh" about my gen when compared to the new one - from customers and coworkers.
I guess I'm just asking for a fellow MINI community hug here. The payments on a R56 would be 30% less than mine, for a car that doesn't have a tranny problem (of some sort - she's going in for service soon and we'll be able to gauge how big of a problem I'm truly facing) and a car that people are "wowed" over. I mean, having pink on mine gets a ton of compliments but I guess I'm just trying to decide if I should ask my manager to strike a deal with me and a demo R56 (which I'd continue the pink with) or hang onto my Stella... Because these feelings come and go, right? Right??
#2
#4
The R56 with JCW Tuning kit and Suspension kit also kicks my MINI's bottom in terms of gas mileage... That's the car I've been thinking of. My manger did it up as a demo... 2008 R56 MCS with JCW Aerokit, Suspension Kit, Tuning Kit, CF bits and bobbles, and brushed silver with black shiny interior 18" JCW Wheels (the model # escapes me at the moment). All this is less than the payments for mine!!
I am just worried that the R56 feels like butter when shifting now but is that just a temporary thing? After driving R56's all day, you get into the R53 and it feels like its way less powerful, and I guess that's the dilemma I face at the end of the day.
I have about 47,000kms on mine right now... once it gets past or even closer to 50,000, it becomes less appealing for them to sell as a pre-owned MINI here, making my chances less for a deal like this.
Argh!!!!! Does someone have a crystal ball? Can you tell me what the future holds??
#5
#7
I think it goes without saying that the prevailing environment at a MINI dealership will push the all the advantages (and none of the negatives) of a new purchase. You've probably heard the party line over and over again, so many times that it is becoming virtual reality for you.
Keep in mind that the 2006 R53 in all probability reigns as the finest model year on record of the BMW MINI. Most of the bugs were worked out of the early model year builds, and it retains all of the well thought design attributes that weren't given enough due in the R56 (e.g., you mentioned the center stack, the body styling, etc.). I'll bet the folks in your shop don't spend too much time dwelling on the recognized shortcomings associated with the R56 (particularly build quality) in normal conversation, so it's easy to lose perspective. As Apples says, the grass always appears greener on the other side.
Granted, your frustration with the gearbox is justified but is it worth trading that away so that you can inherit the R56 cold start chatter issue instead (which MINI still hasn't really solved and might be eating engines from the inside out)? My guess is that after a year or two of R56 ownership you'd be pining for your '06.
If I were in the MINI market, I'd be shopping for a low mileage '06 R53 -- not an R56 -- just like yours. I think you're lucky to have what you have.
*gives a hug*
Keep in mind that the 2006 R53 in all probability reigns as the finest model year on record of the BMW MINI. Most of the bugs were worked out of the early model year builds, and it retains all of the well thought design attributes that weren't given enough due in the R56 (e.g., you mentioned the center stack, the body styling, etc.). I'll bet the folks in your shop don't spend too much time dwelling on the recognized shortcomings associated with the R56 (particularly build quality) in normal conversation, so it's easy to lose perspective. As Apples says, the grass always appears greener on the other side.
Granted, your frustration with the gearbox is justified but is it worth trading that away so that you can inherit the R56 cold start chatter issue instead (which MINI still hasn't really solved and might be eating engines from the inside out)? My guess is that after a year or two of R56 ownership you'd be pining for your '06.
If I were in the MINI market, I'd be shopping for a low mileage '06 R53 -- not an R56 -- just like yours. I think you're lucky to have what you have.
*gives a hug*
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#8
being an owner of a 2004 MCS and a 2005 MC and now a 2007 MCS (R56) i would say go for it 100%. my 2007 (first year model by the way) has been great and i don't miss one thing about the R53 EXCEPT the supercharger whine. but you know what i did to fix that......i installed a cold air intake and you should heard how AWESOME the turbo blow off sound is!!!
wow man... $800 car payment is a lot!! i thought my $465 over 5 years was high.
wow man... $800 car payment is a lot!! i thought my $465 over 5 years was high.
#10
I won't even sit in a new Cooper for this very reason... I don't even want to know what it feels like.
My .02... Ordinarily, I'd say yes; you'd get over wanting the newer model. As long as you're confronted with them everyday however, I don't honestly think you'll ever stop wanting one! If the newer car is not only going to be 30% cheaper for you, but a significantly improved motoring experience for you as well, I say go for it.
My .02... Ordinarily, I'd say yes; you'd get over wanting the newer model. As long as you're confronted with them everyday however, I don't honestly think you'll ever stop wanting one! If the newer car is not only going to be 30% cheaper for you, but a significantly improved motoring experience for you as well, I say go for it.
#11
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Whatever makes you happy.
Why ask other's opinions?--you must drive the car and only you will smile and frown about it as you lay dreaming at night.
I have owned over 30 cars and it took 2/3 of them to make me realize that I am the one who should be happy--not anyone who second guesses me or has different opinion.
Go for it. (happiness that is)
Why ask other's opinions?--you must drive the car and only you will smile and frown about it as you lay dreaming at night.
I have owned over 30 cars and it took 2/3 of them to make me realize that I am the one who should be happy--not anyone who second guesses me or has different opinion.
Go for it. (happiness that is)
#13
i had a 06 MCS, and now its gone, i miss that car so much. I have driven in several R56, and they have some pluses and minuses, but over all i would rather have a 05-06 even an R50. BTW im looking for a 05-06 R53 or R50, i got a step down of a 04 Jetta when i had to get rid of my 06 R53, and i have been regretting it ever since.
#14
The R56 with JCW Tuning kit and Suspension kit also kicks my MINI's bottom in terms of gas mileage... That's the car I've been thinking of. My manger did it up as a demo... 2008 R56 MCS with JCW Aerokit, Suspension Kit, Tuning Kit, CF bits and bobbles, and brushed silver with black shiny interior 18" JCW Wheels (the model # escapes me at the moment). All this is less than the payments for mine!!
#16
But really, I'd hang on to what you've got... I always figure they're both great cars, and they will both have their own shortcomings as well. So as tempting as a brand new R56 JCW might seem (for me anyway), my lovely little R53 has plenty of life left to give. Think of it this way: In a few years you'll still be able to get a new (or very low mile) R56, but finding a similar R53 will be tough. I say enjoy the R53 while it's freash, and switch over later. That's my plan!
#19
I drove a 2007 R56 and yes, it does have a little more power in the seat of the pants, but I couldn't get over the feeling that it felt more like too many other cars and not the mini I am used to (05 R53), but I was not able to figure out why. You will do what you think is best but I wouldn't trade mine for one just for more power. They are both great cars and to each his own.
#22
#23
IMHO it's still high, but $800 CAD works out to US $663.86
I always assumed that people paid about $600 max for a MINI. So $663 seems way too high for a mid-priced car.
I'd be curious what people pay per month. I thought average would be about $400 monthly for a MINI.
Last edited by MichaelSF; 11-11-2008 at 08:38 PM.
#24
Don't forget the $1000+ per week it will take to fix it every time it breaks. And it will break every week...
But really, that seems steep... Not sure how Canadian converts, but the financial calculator on MINI USA gave me something in the 400's x 4 years for a $38,000 JCW with 5k down plus 5k trade-in. I suppose if you bought a totally loaded JCW with nothing down and no trade in maybe...
#25
Stilll US$660 on $800 CAD... Too much for a MINI...