As mentioned in this thread, I'm working on selling Molly - my '02 MC - in order to get a new MCS that will perform a few years stint as a daily-driver and then "retire" into the life of a track toy.

Now that I've seen some rumors suggesting that JCW upgrades (or some subset of them) may be available from the factory for '06 I'm not so sure I want to order an '05.

Of course we have little way of knowing exactly what will be available and we certainly won't know the cost for some time. But, if the LSD is anything to judge by, there should be some significant cost savings for whatever becomes available. I am personally hoping to be able to get the suspension and brake upgrades and will likely hold off on the rest.

Then of course there is also the off-chance that there will be a really cool new color that I will like even more than anything else so far....

I have transportation, so that won't be a problem. I am leaning towards the wait-and-see approach - but that may prolong my getting a new MINI until winter time. That is, assuming the other part of the rumor is true - the part suggesting that none of this will be available until November build. And that also assumes no delays from the projection.

Of course there are also some financial considerations. Almost unquestionably, there will be a price increase for the new model year. Waiting also throws a bit of a monkey-wrench into a plan I had for paying the car off before I have to buy the wife a new auto - but nothing entirely insurmountable.

I was | | this close to ordering, but now the uncertainty is killing me! I'm paralyzed by indecision.
...oh what to do, what to do?

 

oh oh, is there any other rumors as to what the 06's gonna have?

1 thing i love to have is for the mp3 player to scroll id tags for mp3's.

 

Well there is also the possibility that the 2006/2007 models are going to be butt ugly!!! I'd get the 2005 while you are assured it's still got the looks. There may end up being a huge demand for 2005 and older MINI's when the new model/body style comes out!!!

Richard

 

I had the same question. About the '02 or '03. Then the '03 or '04.

Then the '04 or '05. Finally ended up with a used '04, and love it.

The longer you wait, the more things will be available, and unlike computer products, the more expensive they'll be.
If your main reason to wait is factory JCW parts, I'd say just get an '05. If you're happy with your MC, you'll likely be happy with a stock MCS. Then you can mod it over time (be sure to get the LSD though!) But then there is the possibility of new colors, etc. and who knows what else...

I was sorely tempted by the '05, but in the end IB was more important than gearing (blasphemy!) and I got more goodies in my used '04 than I would have been willing to pay for in a new '05. Still, I pouted over pro/con lists for months.

Good luck deciding - I feel your pain!

 

I've been toying with the same thing...ok, not the JCW concern, but whether to wait for an 06 or get an 05 now. I spoke with my MA and he said that there were no real changes for the 06. The only colour change will be the silver roof option and that won't be for a while, like January. He did say that there is a rumour of bumping up the 07 design year . I'd just go ahead and order now.

 

If they don't bump the 07 design I'm going to go all out with a 06 MCS.

 

In Canada, you can configure your MINI as an MCSW direct from the factory already.


http://www.mini.ca/en/Model_Range/MI...I/default.aspx

The color choices are limited but based on the pricing (it's in Canadian dollars), it looks like it comes out of the factory built this way.

 

2006 will be the last production year for the R50/53 MINI, which means they will look the same as the '02-'05s.

Also I prefer to withold judgement of the "all new" R56 2007 MINI until I get to see it in person. So far all we have seen about the '07s are pre-production mockups that while entertaining and taught/emotion provoking they perhaps have little resemblance to the finished product we will see around September 2006.

 

Also, while our first year 2002 Cooper CVT has been extremely reliable, I would be wary to jump again on a first year 2007 MINI. Remember all the problems (To a greater or lesser degree) we 2002-2003 MINI owners had to endure? Software problems? Stumble? Stalling? No thanks! I have no desire to do product Beta testing for BMW a second time around


The current MINIs got mostly if not completely sort out by the 2004 model year. Having owned a '04 MCS and now a new '05 MCS I can say that the '04-'06 model years will be the most reliable and highest quality R50/53 MINIs ever produced.

I also tinkered with the idea of a '07 MCS but decided that BMW will not sort out most bugs of the R56 MINI until at least the 2009 model year, so following this reasoning, I opted to get a new '05 MCS will all the "goodies" that make the car a cut above the '02-'04 models. I love the new supercharger, exhaust note, extra torque and horsepower and the shorter gearing 6-speed Getrag.

In a nut shell, Most people thinking about upgrading or getting a new MINI before the 2007 model year, will be very pleased with the quality and reliability of the current product.

I am kinda weary to do Beta testing of a Peugeot engine, to be quite honest!

 

Thanks for that info. I did not realize this. I think it is a fair extrapolation to think that we will see something very similar. I can only hope that we might also see the added availability of the suspension and brake upgrades.


As for this notion of the '07 design getting bumped up... I hadn't heard this one yet. But it would surprise me greatly. My best understanding suggests that the fundamental reasons for redesign are related to dfferent space requirements for the new engine (which I'd be absolutely shocked if it was made available for '06) and the ability to broaden the line of available models. I think the '06s will look the same as they have so far.

But, even though I'm sure we haven't gotten a true representation of the final design (merely a suggestion), I already know I like the existing design and am not keen on the possibility of not liking the new one.....

 

The 2007 MINI will be cheaper to build, but promises to be even more refined, more powerful with even better interior materials (However the interior materials of my '05 MCS are as good or in pair with what you find in a 3 Series cabin).

BMW will get thousands of "Beta testers" flocking to the all new car during the first year of production. I am very interested in the Clubman station wagon version which will be a perfect replacement for the '02 Cooper, but I will follow the R56 very closely and jump into one until there is enough evidence supporting a higher quality/more reliable product.

Unfortunately BMWs first year production attempts are always plagued with problems and their product seem to get substantially better 2-3 years into production.

 

2006 is going to be a very good model year. :smile:

According to MotoringFile we'll see:

• Special Edition options pack including Recaro Seats
• Silver Roof option
• JCW parts being offered as factory installed parts (probably not the full kit though)

MINI has even more up their sleeves to close out the new MINI MK1 production. Keep in mind that MY 2006 will be the last year for the low hood design.

 

I agree, C4U....we won't know until the "big" unveiling, tee hee!


Clover

 

I might just be the most impatient person alive, but I'd wait for a 2006. Sounds like there are going to be quite a few nice additions. I'm actually desperately trying to find a way to trade my 2003 Cooper for a 2006 MCS. Its far from likely, but its nice to dream.

 

Is that how you got your username?

<ducking and running >

 

 

06

 

....................................i dont get it......





lol

 

If my 03 MC gets as many miles as most of the cars I've owned,and this is the first new car for me after owning about 20 used cars in the last 35 years,I should be good till 08

 

Regardless of what I decide (BTW, I'm thinking I'm gonna wait it out for an '06), I'm still hoping that the wifee will decide on a new MINI when her time comes! That should be somewhere in the tail end of the '07 model year or the beginning of the '08s. :smile:

This is a tough choice for her though - since I'm a bit of a car geek I always know about what's new/different/good/bad/questionable/etc. on the market but she wants to be able to make up her own mind without my interference. (Women! ) Since I've already got a MINI she doesn't like the feeling of "copying" my decision and thinks it strange to have 2 of the same kind of vehicles. Of course my argument is that we both have similar driving needs (we each do 95% of our driving commuting approx 60-70 miles alone without cargo) - and a lot of the rational arguments point to a MINI. Why try to complicate the decision with the other 5% of our needs? We can always borrow/rent something else... (Plus I'm trying to convince her to let me get one of those lightweight aluminum trailers to haul stuff with - which will easily handle most of the house/yard projects. ) But, alas, the more I say the more it turns her away. It is a tough thing to convince her by not saying a word - and just letting the car speak for itself!

 

I got an '03 in '02. Was able to order it in mid-Sept. for mid-Nov. delivery. If the same timeframes hold true this year, you're only looking at a seven month wait . Hope that helps . Also, the MA was apparently totally unaware of the options available with the new model year, or conveniently forgot to mention them to me. Of course I was also blissfully unaware, until I later stumbled upon NAM and the world of miniacs.

As for your wife, let her get the the MCc!

 

Are you psychic? You've read my mind!!! I've casually dropped that comment once or twice - you know, off-hand-like, in passing - so as not to "influence" her decision....