I think that the 07's interior is enough reason to buy the 06.

To quote my MA:
"....the center of the dash is just mammoth in size!! I told you our cars would be worth more someday.....and I sense that day is coming soon!"

 

Took delivery of my 06 MCS in 4 months ago. I did not want a 07 because of the previously mentioned concerns regarding first year production problems. My wife loves the car so much she wants one. Since we won't be able to afford another new car for 2-3 years, I consider myself lucky. Plan on becoming a 2 Mini family when the 08's or 09's come out.

 

Forgot to mention. Dang that interior is ugly. Hope it gets fixed before the 2008 - 2009 model years.

 

I was faced with the same question and I went for the '06 and is due to deliver in August. I can't hardly wait either. We wont see the '07 untii January at best and there will be a huge wait list and markup. I figured if the '07 is so great, I will let the bugs get worked out for the first year and then flip my '06 if the '07 makes me moist. I say go with the '06 and have some fun.

 

Hmm I never noticed this before but I am only counting 5 toggles instead of 6... I wonder what they took off? The door lock toggle?

 

when the 07 arrives, all the reviewers will start to critisise the 06s; it is already beginning to happen when the mini is compared to golf gti, focus st; opel vxr( ? ) etc; all mention that the car is showing its age; both in handling n interior, finishes etc; there is a risk of bugs in the 07 but what the hack, my 06 MCSC still has its share of problems and BMW Asia is still telling me to wait for software upgrade;

 

Just remember. People said that about the Mustang II too

vnwt1 said when the 07 arrives, all the reviewers will start to critisise the 06s; it is already beginning to happen

If people actually based their car acquisitions based on the opinions of so-called automotive journalists' opinions, then they deserve exactly what they buy.

 

I hate the new front end of the 'o7... it looks cheap like a Kia or some other piece of economical crap.

 

It really is up to you.

06's have their fair share of problems... much less than the previous years, but definitely not reliable like a japanese car.

a new model year like the 07's normally introduce new issues in post production. Either way you'll have warranty so its a non-issue.

You can look at it from both angles but I wouldnt be biased either way since you can be one of the first on the street with a new 07 car. Many people speak with such conviction in one way... you just have to also realize, some people have this as their primary car, and also havent owned (not just driven) many other cars from other genres.

I believe the biggest factors to consider is your need for a car and if you have the time to wait... as well as the funds. good luck.

 

I feel the same way.

I rushed out to get my 06 MCS 4 weeks ago when I realized that they were going to change the engine. Remember how something like 38,000 02 MINIs had major recalls? I wouldn't want to have the 1st year of the new model...

As everyone else has already said, I'd go for the 08 or 09... Or if you have to get an 07.... make your decision near the end of 2007... when there are already some reviews on the car!

Ps:
I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks this!!!

 

A lot of us had this same dilemma. I only went with the '06 because I didn't want to wait any longer.

If you can wait 'till winter, I'd go for an '07. I'm sure it will look better in person than we've seen in pics. The interior is weird, but the engine should make up for it. I'm usually one of those "early adopter" types...

In this case though, I don't regret getting an '06 "dated" model. I like this one so much that I don't even care that it won't be the "latest"model.

Basically, either way, you won't be dissapointed. It all comes down to WHEN you want your car.

 

Get an '06 and start motoring sooner!!

 

get a 06 n pay dearly for depreciation when 07 arrives...

 

This is just me but there are enough 06s on the market and will be more with the 07 release that you can probably/maybe get a deal on an 06 if you don't like the 07.... unless you have a very specific spec for your car...then you may have to search a little harder..... at this point...I would wait and drive the 07 and see what you think/feel about the car...... this turbo and new cam are not insignificant...could be a major step forward and turbo technology has come a long way......(I have an 02 and like it so I don't worry about a "new" model) If the 07 is not for you look for an 06...... FWIW... I am not put off by the looks of the 07 inside or out....good luck

 

Also FWIW.....I agree!

 

chows4us says " If people actually based their car acquisitions based on the opinions of so-called automotive journalists' opinions, then they deserve exactly what they buy"

i think all of us on this forum read reviews n feedbacks n testdrive cars b4 buying one; n most of you out there are smart enough to make a decision based on the above methods; reviews may influence our decisions but also help us look out for certain traits of the cars we are looking at; n i think we all need to have a open mind cos there are many good cars out there n each will give us a different experience;

 

I own two 1st year build vehicels, an 02 MCS and a 04 Chevy Colorado. and I bought both used. The MINI with 4700 on it and the Chevy with 14000 mls.

The Chevy has a some what radical engine, 5 cylinders and variable valve timing.

The MINI now has 13000 on it and the Chevy 19000 mls and I have had NO problems with either.

I do have a complete service history on the MINI and the only problem the 1st owner had was a rear hatch rattle. I have no sevice history on the Chevy so mabye the 1st owner worked the bugs out for me.

The Colorado actually has a "stay away" rating from Consumer Report mag.

I wanted/liked both vehicles so much that I completely ignored the 1st-year-build issues.

At this point in the game, I'm so far ahead on both of these vehicles, that if any major problems acured with either I would just fix it and than replace it.

Go figure! Maybe I just got lucky with these two this time.

I honestly beleave that the 07 MINI will be a better car than the 02/06, except for that rear suspension thingy. I don't care, 'cause MINI has got me now. I am totally loyal to the brand and always will be.

 

my theory is it all based on pheromones......some cars draw us too them and some cars repel.....

 

I'm not really that put off by the looks of the 07 inside and not. My rationale is that there's been so much redesigning and "cheapening down" of interior and exterior parts--along with an unproven engine--(most Americans have little to no experience or knowledge about Peugeot products) that the 2007 is def a risk. Granted, there are the trailblazers and pioneers, and my hats are off to them for going foward, all auto manufacturers need them to survive.

However, I sold new cars for five years, and any first year model or major redesign, especially one that involves extensive factory retooling, is going to go thru huge growing pains. Get the 06 now, and if it's not your cup of tea then flip it in 08 or 09 when the new model has some kind of track record of reliability and improvements over first year bugs.

Also, about a year ago I called 5 random service advisors across America, and the consensus is that although they understood the politics of BMW coming up with a new MINI engine (because of the Daimler/Chrysler merger) they had nothing but praise for the old motor and its ability to hold up well to mods and its general bulletproof nature, now that MINIs with 100k + were being logged and recorded. One SA even said this motor will join other Chrysler motors like the Slant 6 in its toughness and reliability--and ease to work on even for the home mechanic.

So I guess it boils down to this: being (relatively) safe with the current proven model, or being a "trailblazer" with the future unproven model. From my experience in the automotive history, I'd pick the former. Jimbo

 

It's hard to argue with this position..... I think I would still look at the 07.... some cars reek of "value engineering" and some.... get improved..... mfg as an "art" in general is improving and I'm hoping the 07 reflects that.....photos don't really convey quality like the naked eye and touch....all in all I think your point is well taken and a good piece of advice

 

What a relief to see that there is someone else willing to keep an open mind.

I do not understand why the great majority here is of the opinion that BMW is intent on making the new model worse than what we now drive. I think BMW is quite proud of its niche in the market of higher end performance vehicles and has no intention of selling the next MINI short and tarnishing their reputation.

I know that there are many that don't like the recent re-designs of the BMW models and think that those cars were "ruined" by BMW and that then they presume the MINI will be "ruined' too. I happen to like the re-designs and I think many others do as well. I expect the re-designed MINI to be a vehicle BMW will be proud of.

I do understand the logic of avoiding a first year car, but I think it may be a little exaggerated here.

Also, do we know for sure that that interior is the "final" design? I agree with others and the new interior does not bother me. I think the redesign of the exterior is minor. Its not like they are turning the MINI into a Camry.

The most important factor for me if I were in the market for a car, is the time factor. I do not know if I could wait until January.

 

Is this like a text message or something because its barely readable.

Most ppl believe whatever is in print. Many take it as Gospel

As to depreciation. How do you know that? What if the new model is a bomb. PT Cruisiers are "retro". Read http://money.cnn.com/2006/06/20/Auto...iser/index.htm

"You have a retro vehicle - and how do you update a retro vehicle?" ...

Even experts can't think of a single retro-themed car that has ever been substantially redesigned."

MINI is certainly retro so how will the MINI buyers react to a change? Not clear yet.

 

I saw one interior picture that looked like MINI was going to use iDrive. Is this true? If so, that alone would completely turn me off to the '07.

 

What? The MIN-I-Drive?? AY-I-I-Drive!!

and I agree with C4U, first gen depreciation upon the release of second gen is not an absolute. No one can predict this yet, not even the so-called wizards at Edmunds and Kelly.

And if one wants to wait to look at an 07, and decides, that upon looking and driving, that they'd rather have an 06, it may be too late to snag the older model. There's just too much of a gap here between model years, one my MA has already termed "problematic." It's like one has to choose (specifically for a spec'd 06) here in the next 5-6 weeks, or wait to see the first 07s when they arrive the first quarter of next year.

This kind of logistic gap would make me go for an 06 now, then, if I liked the 08 or 09, flip it then (or buy a new one, the Traveller should be out by then.) JB

Am I the only one who would like MINI to take the stretch Traveller chassis and turn it into a little pickup? I think that'd be sweeeet....

 

The 2007 mini engine has been in development probably for years by now. Has anyone heard of any problems with it?

The variable valve timing of the 07 does introduce a level of complexity not seen in the current engine. However, the direct injection/high compression and twin turbo of the S engine means there will be substantial fuel savings and no need to rev the engine out to develop hi torque at low rpms.

It will be interesting to see how the all aluminum engine holds up. However, Peugeot is very experienced in building small, hi performance engines, witness their rally car. I doubt BMW would let a clunker be released.