Ok so here is the deal, right now i have a 2002 dodge ram, and I figure that if i get a MCS i would save about $2500 a year in gas only, not to mention i like the mini more. But the real problem is should i get a 2005 or wait for the 2006 model next year. The only thing worse than getting a soon to be out of dated body style is to buy a crapper version and have to wait longer. So any input u guys have on this topic would be really appreciated.

 

Welcome to NAM .

I would go with the 05 (or even an 04 as I don't like the new multi function steeringwheel). If there is a major change in 06 I would not want an 06. Every time I bought the first year modle change I have gotten a piece of Junk. 90 T-bird super coope, Volvo S-80 T-6, and a couple of others.

besides you can buy one today and not have to wait.

Earl

 

I like the not waiting part.:smile: and if u think about it that would be like a 2500 rebate for not waiting. I also heard that the new engine will be tubroed i dont know if this is a good or bad thing. Also does anyone know if group buys are possible with this car. I know with trucks and such they are, but i figured if a few of us in the dallas area went up there together to buy we might be able to get a better deal, i know ski was looking too, so that is 2 of us already.

 

I agree completely with Earl.

The '05 MY is probably the tightest produced. I've got an '03, which improved upon the '02s. People who've taken delivery of '04s say they're even better than '03s, so with only minor changes in the '05s I'd say they're still going to be great.

I think there are some major changes in the works for either the '06s or '07s, can't remember which... one of the biggest changes in the rumor mill is that the next generation MCS will have a turbocharger, not a supercharger. I prefer a supercharger over a turbocharger because it doesn't lag... There's also been speculation that as the models progress, BMW is 'dumbing down' the MINI to make it's appeal more widespread. I don't know if this is true or not, but if it is and you wait, you won't get the car with the characteristics that we all love so much.

Just my .02

 

Gratification delayed is gratification lost. Life is short. Don't wait!

Godspeed.

 

Yeah - what they said!

 

I don't mean to be morbid (it's just a general personality attribute, in my case) but...

You could be hit by a bus or pounded into the ground by a rogue satellite sometime in the next year. Then you'd die owning a Dodge Ram. And I'm pretty sure that's an automatic exclusion from the Elysian Fields...

 

I would get an '05. The '05 has the highest quality yet, which was very high even in '04, so this is a great car. The most amount of options, least amount of issues, tightest fit and tolerances, and best options. The '06 is still an unknown, but I still don't think it will be radical enough to make the '05 look obsolete. Besides the body style of the '02-'05 is timeless. Changes will not make it look outdated.

On a second note, it is pretty well understood that the next engine will be a turbo, with the same hp levels as the current one makes (@170hp). In my opinion I would much rather have a supercharger. No lag, better torque across the range, and better seat of the pants feel. Turbo's are always laggy and more peaky typically than a supercharger.

Good luck in your decision!

 

Definitely get an '05. Heck, these folks are even convincing me!!!

 

Hey! Now I want an '05! LOL! Hmmmmm.....


Clover

 

Well, if no one wants the tubo charger then why don't we all sign an petition against it? It worked for the anthracite headliner!

 

Crazy automotive journalists aside, I don't think that the 06's will be the big change to the next generation that is being predicted. If they are going to start making 06's in July of 05, they have to be pretty far into the process, and no one has seen anything that indicates actual vehicles are driving around. I think 07 is a better bet for the changeover. I doubt that there will be one year of Cabrio production and then a major body change - just does not make sense. In fact, I would predict an engine option addition or change before I would expect a completely new platform. A new diesel and a new MCS motor in the old platform makes more sense than a whole new car. Either way, I expect that BMW is going to concentrate on increasing production in Oxford before they change the entire line. They literally can't make enough of these curret cars to sell. Where is the big incentive to change everything?

 

I agree with Dr. Joe. Major projects very rarely meet their tentative start dates and BMW hasn't even officially announced the supposed changes yet. True, they haven't officially announced that they are even selling 2005s yet, considering you can still build an 04 on the web site, but I digress.

You probably will get the current body style even if you wait a year. If you really want any potential changes, you're going to have to wait two years, or even longer. I'd get it now, unless there's some financial concern.

 

To hell with financial concerns! Buy a MINI at all cost, NOW! You won't regret it, even when you have to eat Top Ramen for dinner every night!

 

The sooner you ditch the truck, the sooner you can start saving $$ at the pump

 

I heard that MINI changed their factory car-wash shampoo to a diluted formula to save money! PETITION!

 

Buy now. If you want an '06 later, look at recent resale values!

 

Wow, this is actually true. It is an amazing car!!!

 

Wait for the 2006 Mini at this point.





I know. You found out what the Dodge Ram symbol REALLY stands for...

 

HOLY COW... I think you are onto something!!!!!

 

Buy an 05,wait 2 years and see how the new stuff flushes out after 06-07,then trade ,or keep what you got going.I plan on keeping my 03 for some time,but if a turbo MC shows up,I'm inBut get one now,best fun for the money