I have a 06 MSC on order right now with only xeons, I was just talking to my one of my moms friends and he has an 03 with 3,300 miles and it have every option except navi. Do you think I should stick with the new one that is stripped down or go with the fully upgraded 03?

 

There are so many different ways to go. I splurged when I ordered mine, and now I'm thinking that a lot of the things I got weren't worth it. The other day I customized a new MINI with only the few things I really am glad I got, and the total came out about $8k less!

By the way if the car isn't in production yet, you can have the dealer change your order.

 

I agree with elbum0... many things that you might think you need, you really dont...

Just have to know yourself better and know what your needs are versus the wants.

If it were up to me, I would not do the NAV, moonroof, xenons nor interior pieces and go with the JCW package w/diff.

 

Go with my upgraded 03!!! =P

I have everything and NAV and JCW and more, but 50k miles =O

 

Just a little quickie here... Xeon is a processor made by Intel, Xenons are the are the headlamps you are getting with your car.

Anyway, there are a few things you have to consider here. The '03 is going to be noticably slower than the '06 due to gearing. Also if it is anything short of what you really want ie color combo, condition, etc, then don't go with it. It's easier and more fun to start with something that looks good in your opinion and build from there, than with a color or other things that you "have to get used to."

Just my $.02

Mikey

 

If you can get a good deal on the 03 and really do want all those options, then it would be a good deal. I'm not a big fan of extended warranties, but this would be a good car to do it on since it has such low miles but is approaching the end of the factory warranty.

I must say that my wife's 06 Cooper feels a bit more solid than my 03 MCS and I think that there have been enough subtle improvements over the years to make the newer MINI's just a little better in some ways.

If I was in your shoes, I'd take the 06 since I now know that many of the options on my fully loaded MCS would not be seen on a new MINI if I could order one today. I'd love to not have the sunroof and the auto AC for instance.

 

Go with the 06. Warranty!!!

Of course I will get flamed by those who had no trouble with their cars.

regards,
Red

 

Even though my 06 that is on order is very basic I still love the fact that it still has a brand new warranty and the new gearing.

 

Heresy!:impatient

How do you like your cars? I like mine loaded, but wouldn't have splurged on many of the options on a new one. Ended up with a great deal on a used '04 with Nav, xenons, etc. and LOVE all of the options. I would also have liked the lesser equipped car, though. Quandry. Best option (if you've got the $) get a few of the goodies on the '06!

 

sounds like you made up your mind

 

Agree. Same goes for my '05 MCS. (That's the year they changed gearing)

In April '05 I found an 03 MCS in excellent condition, 15k miles, at a fair price. I test drove it twice. After the second drive, I went straight to the dealer and test drove an '05. It was a no-brainer.

BTW, my only regret is that I didn't order Xenons. Every once in awhile, I think about a 15% pulley and CAI, but whenever I'm on the freeway and I hammer down, I say, "What for?"

My suggestion: go with the '06. You won't regret it.

 

Keep the '06!

Better build quality, better airbag system and much, much better performance right out of the box!

 

Yah I think Im going to just keep the 06....I have to figure out a way to say no to my momsa friend....he's all stoaked that I might buy his car...

 

I agree

 

They changed the airbag system? I was not aware. What changed? The passenger airbag can be shut down, that's all I know.
My 03 MCS is fine, but a dog from a standstill, part of the problem is the DSC. Is it just the gearing, or did they ratchet back when the traction control engages?

Thanks.

regards,
Red

 

Get the '06, and do add the Xenons...they are fantastic. I got all the packages, except I chose the 16-inch runflats instead of the 17s in the sport package, and I didn't get the OEM navigation system. I love all my goodies. If I were to order an '06 today, I'd get all the goodies and LSD, as well.

I've had the pleasure of driving Maximusmini's new '06 MCS with LSD and really like it, so you may want to test-drive a MINI with LSD and one without to compare.

 

Go with the 06. 'nuff said.

 

They changed the gearing on the 05's. They traded some top end for better off the line acceleration.

 

without a doubt go with an '06

 

Personally the MFSW is a must have option, and I might take the 03 just to get it. If you can live without cruise (and I'm guessing you can because you specd your car w/o it) stick with the 06.

 

2006 model-- much more refined, quicker, last of firstgen

In a way, I'm so glad the wait list was so long that I ended up getting an 05 instead of an 04. The revised gearing and other small improvements made the difference. Soooooo glad a wait actually provided a huge benefit!! JB

Oh and BTW IMO having MFSW (for the CC) and the xenons are the only two options I would get, if someone held a gun to my head and said "only two options."

 

I have an '03 MCS, loaded. GREAT CAR! (slow off the start, granted).

I am replacing it in three days with a GREATER CAR... an '06 MCS JCW. Everyone has already stated the obvious and I agree.
Xenons are great, but if you are an urbanite, you can certainly do without. Xenons are great on those dark country roads that I rarely experience.