I am planning on buying my first MINI in February of next year and I wanted to get some advice on a few questions I have. I hope y'all can help me out.

1. Cooper S or Cooper base? When it comes to cars, I am much more interested in "smooth and quiet" than "fast and curvehugging". In online reviews that I've read, they've indicated that the base suspension in the Cooper S is less smooth than the base version (I guess because driving enthusiasts want to "feel the road") and the engine is louder in the S than the base (not surprisingly). The extra horsepower is mildly attractive, but honestly I'm not much of a speed demon anyway. On the other hand, there are some cool design details that are annoyingly unavailable on the base model (like body color seats and dash) that make me want to go for the S. The extra money doesn't concern me much, but I'd hate to pay extra for something I'll like less. So my question is basically - is the S noticeably louder or bumpier, and is the performance improvement enough to outweigh that?

2. Haggling? Because the MINI is a niche car, my impression is that dealers are not going to be interested in haggling with customers. In other words, people don't choose between a MINI and some other car -- if you want a MINI, then by God you're getting a MINI! This is certainly the case for me - I'm willing to pay sticker to get the MINI, and it doesn't matter if I can get a better deal on a PT Cruiser (or whatever). In addition, MINI dealers are few and far between (the two closest dealers to me are 90 minutes and 3 hours away) so it isn't practical to play multiple dealers off each other. So my question is: should I just go in expecting to pay sticker?

3. Inventory? Looking at the online new car inventories of the MINI dealers "near" me, I am astounded at the small inventories. One has six hatchbacks (I hate convertibles) and the other has twelve. Needless to say, part of getting a MINI for me is getting exactly what I want. Is it common practice to order a new MINI in my configuration rather than buying off the (tiny) lot? If so, how much advance notice is needed... days, weeks, months?

4. 2006 or 2007? My understanding is that the 2007s will be available in January, which means I probably have the option to get a new 2006 or a new 2007. I'm kinda torn. Visually they are very similar, so I don't have strong feelings one way or the other. The 2007 is the new generation, which is appealing, but it's the FIRST of the new generation, which worries me in terms of dependability. Any advice? My gut says go for the 2007 and my head says get the 2006.

5. What is your favorite MINI accessory? Like most things, it's often hard to anticipate what extras you'll learn to love and which you'll never notice again. For example, we got satellite navigation in my wife's minivan even though I though it was a silly expense, but we've had it for 3 years now and I find it nearly indispensible now. On the other hand, we've never used the wireless headphones. So, which things have you found indispensible, for those who have driven MINI's for years?

6. "Cooper MINI"? This is a bit off-topic, but I've heard people call these cars "MINI Coopers" and "Cooper MINIs". This doesn't make sense to me. Calling it a "Cooper MINI" is like calling my current vehicle a "Matrix Toyota". Right? Is "Cooper MINI" an accepted term?

Thanks in advance!

 

If you like quiet stay away from the MCS. It is much bumpier with the stiff suspension and the Super Charger has a wine that kicks in (appealing to most but it does add noise). The stock wheels and tires on the base model are much more forgiving also.

Most dealers will have a $1500 markup on the S model and you can usually get the base model for no markup over sticker.

Many people order their cars and it takes about 2 months to get it. If you want the 2006 you will probably have to order in the next week or two as they will be switching to the 2007 very soon. I ordered mine two weeks ago.

Options can go any way, it depends on what you like. (Sun Roof, navigation, auto rain sensors, auto air conditioning with carbon filter, heated seats, auto dimming mirrors). Where to you like your speedometer, to the right standard or behind the steering wheel. (Requires nav or chrono pack)

I have not heard Cooper MINI so can't help there.

 

First, your choice is between a Cooper S and a Cooper. Calling the Cooper a "base" gets people upset.

Second odds are at this point you're looking at either what's in dealer inventory for an '06 or a "pre-spec" on an '07. Most dealers no longer have slots open for customer orders. No word yet on when customer orders will be taken on '07s. However, as for which you'll like more... Honestly what you need to do is get out and drive the two and see which you like better. There are people here who love their Coopers and others who swear by their S. Personally I'm a former Cooper owner who moved to an S. As much as I love my S, I enjoyed my Cooper immensely.

When it comes to princing there is NO haggling and no wiggle room. You might be able to negotiate on some dealer accessories or even on your trade-in amount, but there's no haggling on the price of the MINI.

Most MINIs are custom ordered, dealer inventory is usually low and usually turned over quickly. As we close in on the MY switchover dealer inventory will probably get even tighter. But again most dealers have filled their allocations for the year and you may not be able to order an '06 at all. That means you're looking at a pre-spec '07 at best. When ordering, delivery times vary but figure 6 weeks from acceptance at the factory until arrival at the dealer on the East Coast and 2 months on the West Coast. Some dealers may have waiting lists if sales are going well. You'll need to talk with your dealer for more information.

2007s probably won't hit the East Coast dealers until late Jan early Feb and all of those cars will be pre-spec cars. Figure that the first customer ordered cars won't hit the US until at least March with orders being placed in Jan.

As for a 2006, if you can't find the config you want on a dealer's lot, then your probably out of luck.

Aux jack, cold weather pack, xenon headlights, possibly the new nav system and bluetooth kits on the '07. There's probably more...

It's a MINI Cooper. MINI is the make, Cooper is the model. Not sure where you've seen Cooper MINI before, it could be in reference to the classic Minis, in which case I believe there were Cooper Minis. They were the ones that John Cooper Garage had a hand in. In general though MINI is the new car introduced in the US in 2002, while Mini is the classic that was Austin, Rover and the like.

 

Maybe in CA, but most dealers everywhere else are NOT charging a markup over sticker... The exception being the few GPs that are on dealer lots.

 

Good to know, did not matter to much for me since I did not order the S. Althought that may change in the future at which point I may have to order it from out of state and have it shipped here to save $1500.

 

For the record, I like the rightside speedometer, but I'm not dogmatic about it.

Sounds like I'm going to need to go with the 2007. One less decision to make!

Regarding the 2007, I've been trying to find more information about them, but other than some nice pictures, I haven't found a place with detailed information about options. For example, one thing I don't like about the 2006 model is that choosing the iPod adapter means you can't get the Sirius option (which seems nonsensical). Will the 2007 allow both? Is there a good site for more information?

 

Since the 2007 was only "officially" released about a week ago, good information is still a bit hard to come by. MINI.com which is the international site for MINI has some information and Gabe and db at Motoringfile.com put up as much information as they can about the new car. But for the most part I don't think your questions are really going to get answered until December when the new configurator for the 2007 MINIs goes online at miniusa.com

 

1. Skip the ORDER process, buy one in stock, there are a lot of unspoken for 2006 models coming this way right now before the changeover.
2. Skip the add-ons, all of them except maybe the MFW and the HK stereo, and win at trade-in or resale time.
3. Make a deal for MSRP, plus destination, TTT and no more than 300 or so extra Dealer fees.
4. Go anywhere you have to and pick up the car and bring it home, or take advantage of the free shipping offers.
5. If you want a metallic color go for it, but NONE of the other extras, well maybe if it's a MCS, spring for the LSD.

Stick with these rules and you will end up with an appropriately priced car that will hold it's value for several years maybe. Give in to the "add-ons" game and you'll pay too much for the car. Find one in stock, all the mini dealer websites all have a New Car inventory page. GOOD LUCK, lets us know which way you went.

P.S. If you decide on the 2007, be ready for a long wait and no choice but an order process, I'll bet in CA. you won't be able to have a car under you until late spring of 2007.

 

My MINI dealer had a Brochure with all of the options including color as of about 3 weeks ago.

 

Financially, I understand your point, but honestly I'm not buying a Cooper as an investment. It's less of a "make smart decisions to optimize my resale value in a few years" decision and more of a "make this into my dream car that I'll fall in love with" decision.

The lease on my current car doesn't end till late spring, so I think I'll plan on looking into ordering a 2007 in January to make sure the timing works out.

 

Good luck, I am much to much of a motor-nut to ever think any ONE vehicle could qualify as my one and only "dream car", there is always something out there that catches my eye sooner or later. My goal is to have FUN while I drive whatever and then start again with something else. If I could collect vehicles I would, but right now all my vehicles are just "transpo" really, most are fun in their own ways.

 

Just a thought, but if you want to "buy off the lot," you might think about hopping on a plane and heading to Oklahoma City. There is generally a pretty good selection of cars on the lot here. Of course you should call first (sure enough I'd tell you to show up and there would be nothing!), but they are very nice here and you'd have a fun drive back East. The dealership is Jackie Cooper Mini and their number is (405) 755-3600. My MINI Motoring Advisor is Jay Dee and she would be more than happy to talk to you.

And this is just my opinion, but I'd go for an '06!

Chuck

 

Is there something about the '07 that you don't like, or just general concerns about reliability?

 

For me I don't like the changes to the dash, it becomes too retro in 2007. I am sure the main reply to this will be wait and see how many bugs show up in the first year model.

 

There is an entire forum page devoted to the new 2007 model here on this website, you might start reading those threads...

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...play.php?f=136

 

To each his own of course...

But while my vehicles are in essence just transportation, all of my vehicles have the options and features I want in them. I don't plan on keeping my cars forever, but I don't want to not be happy with what I drive. If the options I choose don't bring in a higher value at trade in time, I'm not concerned. As long as I'm happy with my experience with the car, whether or not I get a few extra hundred $ at trade in don't matter to me...

I'm just not willing to forgoe features and options because "something else out there will catch my eye sooner or later." While you're right, most people don't have an all time dream car, I would much rather own my dream car of the moment, than sacrifice features and options because something better might come down the pike in a few years...

 

If you don't require a little bit more umph on your high-end, go with the base model. A lot more bang for your buck.

It never hurts to ask for a better price. They should at least give you a free keychain.

Most people custom order their cars. If they have something on the lot that is perfect for you (or at least near perfect), go for it. I was about to custom order when I saw that my dealership had one on the lot that had almost everything I wanted on it, just different wheels. I'm super impatient, so I got it and then ordered the wheels.
Worked for me.

2006 is the last of the first generation. Typically, it is best to stay clear of the first version of any next gen cars. Personally, I loke the looks of the '06 a lot better too.

Driving lights, aux port, premium and sport packages.

I've never heard Cooper MINI.

 

I thought that the 2007 Mini was going to be turbocharged? It that is the case they will be quieter than the Cooper S now, and maybe even quiter than the standard mini.

 

More quiet than the MCS for sure, but not the MC.

 

The 2007 R56s are reportedly much quieter than R50/53. For some that may be a good thing...for some not so good. Thing is (as stated) we're all trying to figure out R56...most of our info comes from UK specs and options/packages will differ a bit here in the States.

If I were buying a MINI today, it'd be a tough call. The '06s are the best ever, but the '07s have lots of features that are pretty darn cool. If it were me, and if I was intrigued w/ the '07s, I'd get one. The MINI warranty is pretty darn good and I think you'd be okay. If you decided otherwise, though, you'd be in good shape, too.

I will say that MINIs can qualify as a dream car as few can. My automotive interests are pretty focussed though, I'll admit.

Finally, it is not a Cooper MINI...it is a MINI Cooper....has been since 1961 when they first appeared.

 

Are you sure about that?

The car wasn't officially unveiled until the Paris autoshow. Until then all the official photos had body cladding and such hiding the features.

I don't even think Motoringfile had photos of the car without cladding prior to the Paris show...

 

I'm very sure. We were discussing whether to wait for the 07' or go ahead with the 06 and were comparing the differences. We both agreed that there would be a bunch of unknowns in the first year of a new model and I went with the 06'. That and I did not like the new dash of the 07'.

 

I just wanted to say thank you to all the people who responded. A lot of very good information and interesting opinions -- much appreciated.

 

Sound advice.

 

Of course if you plan on keeping it for 100,000 miles some of the overpriced add on's can make life a little nicer.