Running out of warranty on the lovely 03 MCS. So...

 

My .02

Stick with your 03 and mod it to your likely. Especially if its out of warranty.

Get an 05:
If you want the better build quality and refined 6speed gearbox.

06:
If you want a factory installed JCW kit and other 06 special options.

07:
Want new model and new turboed motor.

 

I opted to get an '05 a couple weeks ago before the factory line shuts down. I didn't want to be sitting on an '04 in 3 years. I'll likely look at an '08 when they are about, but would'nt want to grab a first-year major redesign as the '07 promises to be.

My $.02

MINISteve
MMC# 179 (A weird Prime Number)
out with the '04 MCS, in with the '05 MCSC

 

FWIW, I would either

A) get an '06 (it's july already and september build is right around the corner)
B) Wait until '08 so that MINI can get the teething issues with the MK2 sorted out a bit and not take the first year production.

My advice as an '02 owner.

 

I am struggling with this issue also. I have a 2003 Cooper with 16,700 miles on it and it has been a great car. I think that next spring I may sell it and get a 2006 S, or I might just keep it and after it's paid off, get a fun 2 seater of some sort to go along with it!

 

I got my 2005 MC with a 3 year term so I could get an 08 when they come out, and hopefully they'll have the AWD gearbox in production!

 

I'm struggling with the 05/06 debate. (Currently MINI-less.)

There's nothing tasty for me on the 06s, I'd like to bank a bit more downpayment though.

The downside that I'm not sure of is the increase for 06. Especially the way the $ has been getting hammered lately. If we're talking a bump of 5-10%, I'd be better off getting an 05.

Anybody feel like making predictions on the model year price bump?

 

Wonder what the difference may be between selling now with 4500 warranty miles remaining & selling in late 07 when there's none. ??

 

re:
1) 06 Price increase
2) $ value
3) 3-year term
&
4) Potential AWD

Keep 'em coming.

 

I would think not much as there isn't much warranty left. If I were purchasing a car with 4500 miles of warranty left, I wouldn't be banking much on the warranty.

 

I disagree, dansmini.

4500 is a lot more than zer0. It's BMW/MINI looking it over for free.

 

My local dealer said there is an increase in price for 06. I was thinknig about getting an 06, but the colors just didn't do it for me so I took the advice and got an '05. Should be born at the end of the month then after a nice long swim Maximus will be in my hands by the end of August or the begining of September.

 

I guess if you have been having little problems here and there with your 03'
it might be best to sell it now before warranty is up...but if you haven't,
Id just keep it until the 08's come out too... or drive it until it falls apart.

Unlike other 'normal' cars MINI's age gracefully so just because it's getting
older doesn't mean that the value drops or anything. (well, it does, but
emotionally there's really no depreciation... maybe it's just me). :smile:

 

When considering the difference in resale value of your car now or 3 years from now, you also need to consider the extra money that you would be spending if you bought a new car now. Financially, you will pretty much always be better off holding onto a car longer

 

More good stuff.

I do think of keeping it until the 08s are here, kenchan.

Also tempted to nab an LSD & 05 gearbox at the right price, rigidjunkie. :smile: An 05 would seem to have less miles than an 06 bought a few weeks later, when selling again for an 08. Right?

Such decisions. Only tolerable 'cause we're talkin' MINIs. :smile:

You're spot-on with the fiscal advice too, MandaBoo. Compared current payment w/ new payments, added a 3% kicker. I think I just don't want to owe so much for a MINI, sans warranty. Anti-investment that it is, gotta love this game.

 

Neither.

Keep the 2002 until the wheels fall off. In the meantime, save your pennies.

You do not want the first year of any model car. Forget 2007

Second year will have less bugs BUT here they start reengineering changes. Consider the current MINI:

1. Jan, 2004 exhaust hanger change
2. Jul, 2004 suspension changes
3. Sep 2004 Gearing changes

Then, in the cycle, they start offering stuff they didnt have before in 2005 ... LSD, Ipod adapter, etc.

Best bet is to buy Mid-cycle which should be 2009 model (Sept 2008). By that time, maybe they have AWD. In the meantime, think about all that money you will save for a down payment.

If you think having a 6 or 7 year old car is a bad thing, how long is the average auto loan these days? How long do you keep your cars?

If I trade up every 3 or 4 years I KNOW I am losing money.
If I trade up every 7 or 8 years, I KNOW I am getting the most value for my money.

Just something to think about. Besides, by Sept 2008, which is only 3 years away, MINI will already be engineering MINI3 and you will be seeing the "sneak pictures", etc. and drooling over the new 400 HP AWD, 2000 lb, stripped down JCW with adjustable cunards.

In other words, its a vicious cycle ....

 

It's somewhat easier for MCS owners to weigh various options now. It's been somewhat tougher for Cooper owners...the big styling changes for '05 meant the early, cheeky look of Coopers was gone, gone, gone. I was about to trade my '03 in and couldn't do it because this was the MINI I liked best. The line was drawn in the sand and I made my decision, come what may. Perhaps I have the fiscal astuteness of a gnat, but I just was not ready to part with my present MINI. Love is blind.

I say all this because this is a sign of things to come. MCSs have remained relatively unchanged...but not for long. And once they're gone, that's it...bye-bye!!!

Few will be willing to jump first on the '07s (unless they're REAL good, but who knows about that?). So the choice here is whether to keep your present MCS or get an '05-'06 MCS. If it were me, and if you love that supercharger, I'd keep yours and tweak it, unless your car is obnoxiously "buggy". If it has given you grief and you can swing it financially, the '05 (and probably the '06s) do seem very, very good. But, then again, especially if you DO love that supercharger and styling, you'd better be prepared to keep that one, because it'll then be a venerable relic of automotive history!

 

As much as I love my 03, I may be going for an 06 soon. The reason why. I don't care much for the styling changes of the 07, including the turbo. I prefer the looks and sound of the current model and feel it's in my best interest to go ahead and replace my 03 while the getting is good.

There are a few things of the newer 05 and 06 car I don't care for such as headlights and brake lights but I can change that. I do like the factory LSD and am waiting to hear more about the factory JCW. Obvioulsly the new gearing and better build quality helps with the decision.

So really, to me, it boils down to styling and quality as being my decision to get another MINI. But, if I had an 03 that never had a mechanical problem, I would keep it until the wheels fell off. :smile: