....or vice versa.... The biggest selling point for me is the new motor. It sounds amazing but that could be a bunch of PR spin. Any opinions/advice? Thanks.

 

2006: refined, (most) first gen bugs addressed and eliminated over the previous 4 years, old tough lo-tech Chrysler engine proven to last even under mods (and fairly easy to work on) nicer interior, first generation excluvisity

2007: new model, will have niggling bugs and problems inside and out guaranteed, new Bimmer/Poogee hi-tech engine untested either stock or under mods, interior redesign and refit sketchy at best (look at the problems early 05 builds had with the dash redesign), too many unanswered ???'s in general

If it were me, no doubt slam dunk 2006 model.

If you don't get a 2006, wait until the 2008 or 09 model when the first-year bugs have been found and addressed (this is generally accepted for all new models)

If you want a new 2006, you better hustle, for the dealer order cutoff is July 31 (last I heard, anyway). Good luck JB

 

Go with the '06. You'd be getting the engine with the bugs worked out. Unless I was into tinkering, I'd be worried about getting the first run of the new one.

Annette

 

The way I see it, and the reason I chose an '06 over waiting for an '07, is this:

The '06 is a fantastic car. The '07 may be slightly better, but to completely outclass the current generation, it would pretty much have to be the perfect car.

Therefore...

• The chances of the '07 completely outclassing the '06...slim
• The chances of the '07 falling short, whether on performance, driving feel, design, reliability, whatnot...I would say better than slim

Basically, the bar is already so high that it'll be a hell of a jump to clear it.

I've said it elsewhere before, but I think once all is said and done the situation will be similar to that of the BMW 3-Series. The new E90 is a fantastic car, but it doesn't completely outclass the E46.

 

I would toatlly agree with you sequence.

But you gotta have some early adopters to keep MINI profitable for the first two years or so of the next generation...

 

I'd buy an '06 with a proven power plant. Otherwise, personally, I would wait to buy an '08. I've purchased vehicles before in their first production year and had nothing but problems with the engines. So thus I'm a little skeptical of a new engine. Just my two cents.

 

And there will be those who HAVE to have the new, trendy model, bugs and problems be damned (like the oil consumption problems on the first year RX8)-- plus those who put off the purchase until it's too late and they HAVE to get the new model. Are these your adopters? If so, I don't think profitibility will be a question here.... Jimbo

PS if there wasn't a new engine coming out I'd say go for it. But like other posters, that's my main concern (that and all the interior redesigns--those nagging fit and finish issues can really drive one bonkers.)

 

I agree. Totally new complicated car could be troublesome. Like my 03 MCS.

When is the last production run of 06's? I imagine "order" date depends on the slots the dealers have open.

regards,
Red

 

Not mentioned very often in the forums. Driving style between supercharged vs turbocharged. Maybe it has been mentioned but the driving characteristics it would have on our cars other than some power loss at the top revs vs turbo lag. Or the requirement in turbo cars to "cool down" the turbo after spirited driving (only if you want your turbo to last a long time). How is that going to affect the MINI driving experience?

The 06 is supercharged. No turbo lag but some throttle lag right at the beginning. Currently, we do not know if there is going to be some throttle lag in the new car. You'll have to decide if you're okay with either characteristic. But having driven a few turbo'd cars in the past, you do need to adjust your driving style to match where the turbo cuts in. But generally, it's not a big deal.

After spirited driving, you need to let run your car very gently for 30 seconds or so before shutting it down. This might be an issue if you find you pull into a parking place and just shut off your car and run off right away. If you do it often enough in a turbo car, the turbocharger's bearings will fry out.

Currently, we don't know enough about the new drivetrain to know how the 07's driving characteristics will be. The 06 is a known quantity right now. If you are willing to wait to find out, then maybe you should wait. If you need a car real soon, then you can't go wrong with the 06.

It seems most people are warming up to the looks of the redesigned car so that probably won't be an issue.

All the best in your decision.

 

these MINI's don't really age... it's like you have a 2006. and even in 10years, you
still have a "2006." they're not going to say, oh, that's an OLD MINI!

but on a Honda, let's say you have a 1995 civic. everyone's first impression will be,
'man, that's an OLD civic!'

so, get the 06, play with it see if you like it. If not, you have another
4-5 years to get the next gen MINI.

 

I believe MINI claims no or little turbo lag, turbo kicks in at 1800? Motoringfile has the details.

As to spinning down, is that true anymore. It was 15 years ago but our last turbo, the manual said those days were long gone?

 

My vote is to go with the '06...I have one and its fanstastic..of course we traded in a perfectly equal '04 for it.

..Tammy

 

The 2007 interior should convince you to get a 2006 model

 

2006 and this is why:

- It had a better design team.
- Accountants were not allowed to run away with this one. (2007 is another story).
- It cost more to make.
- It has a supercharger. (Turbo will become a norm. An s/c will become a classic)
- It's the real deal. Not some project that was brought about due to better than expected sales, rising costs of the engine, and of bs pedestrian safety standards.

Hope that helps you.

 

Not sure I buy into the SC argument. While turbos are certainly ubiquitous, more and more of the faster cars are going SC ...
Shelby Mustang ... rumoured Blue Devil Z06 ... and many aftermarket conversions for Porsches are now SC and not turbo. Even the Dinan M3 conversions are SC. I do not see a trend to eliminate SCs in the marketplace

 

I was referring to mass production, not aftermarket tuners. Turbo is the way of the future, especially with all the rising gas prices.

 

Unlike the chicken littles calling for time to stop at 2006, I'd go for the 07. Somebody has to go for new cars or we'd all be in 1965 Buicks. Rarely do companies as astute as BMW go backwards with car design, and Peugeot know how to make small, dynamic engines - I've owned two; both beauts. It will be slightly bigger, and not as pretty but,well, welcome to the 21st century. Our dealer gave us the option last week as this was the last window in the NW to get an 06, and we still plumped for the 07 and the continued wait, mainly due to the engine.

 

I bought my MINI when I did precisely because "the 2007s are coming, the 2007s are coming..."

I did not want to wait until 2008 or 2009 for my MINI and did not want my ownership experience ruined by the next gen evolutionary blues. The 2006 represents the pinnacle of evolution of the original style - which happens to be a style that has gotten a lot of attention and drawn a lot of fans. The subtle style changes of 2007 - many of which being made to satisfy European pedestrian collision standards - leave many of us cold.

In the end, ask yourself what will become a classic more - the last year of the first generation or the first year of the second generation....

Bill

 

My '02 came with an engine 'stumble' and I had to live with it for over a year. My '06 has been nothing short of perfect for four months.

 

'Nuff said. man do I sense a few rattles and squeaks a-brewing and many Service Advisors a-jumpin! yecch! JB

 

That's ugly!

 

[QUOTE=roehrigs01]

where's the rest of it?
this looks STRIPPED...

 

After reading all of the above posts I would be convinced to buy....an 07. For the same reason you want a MINI - it is different. Those that buy the 07 will be in a very unique crowd. Some call it guinea pig I call it trailblazer. Someone needs to be bold and carefree and take the chance just like all of those that bought the 02. Those people that bought in 02 had the opportunity to have the most unique affordable car on the market and they grabbed the chance. I think very few of them regret having their MINIs, bugs and all.

I think the crowd here is obviously very biased in favor of what they have although there is certainly sound logic at work as well.

 

The '06 just looks better, both inside and out. That could just be personal taste, but the '07 looks like an awkward adolescent version of the original pup.

 

Thanks you guys. Still not 100% sure, but leaning towards getting an 06. I guess I should call my local dealership and see if I can still order one...