I've been lurking about for a short time, figuring I was going to order an 07 MCS. I went to the local dealer today and drove an 06 MCS with 16 inch run-flat all seasons (ie not the most agressive wheel/tire combo), dual sunroof, 3 spoke leather steering wheel - not much else.

What a total blast! Somehow more fun than the last time I tested one - I think back in 2003.

Why should I wait? They have another the lot which is close to the specs of the 07 I would order.. it's missing automatic climate control, and limited slip and instead has a Harmon Kardon sound system which is ho-hum for me (the super charger sounds plenty nice). I could have this one by next weekend?

Anyone have the GIAC chip+15% pulley combo that can comment? The dealer was ready to sell me the JCW airbox right there- suggestions on what airbox mod is the group favorite?

I feel a new MCS sooner than I thought! Thanks for opinions and insights.

julie

 

tell your dealer that you can get the JCW intake at outmotoring for $300, maybe they'll knock the price down a little

 

Well, I have a 2006 MCS; I added an Alta CAI, Alta 15% pulley, and a Unichip... I love the combo...

I guess it depends if you want a turbo vs. supercharger...

Do you have an auto show in your area over the next few weeks? That would let you check out the 2007 model (no test drive of course) to compare to the 2006.

Good luck with your decision!

 

As far as the HK system being ho hum. I thought the same thing but then after having it and living with it I would not have another mini without it or what ever other stereo upgrade there is. Wow does it sound good.

On my MCS (2003) I have a DDM CAI intake and planning on doing a 15% pulley soon. I am looking into the chip. The DDM added a good bit of power and sounds great. It also look great under the hood (stainless steel cold air box).

 

haven't had a chance to hear the upgraded audio - perhaps I will be pleasantly surprised. Still wish it had the auto climate but it does have heated seats so helps here in (finally) cold New England

 

I bought mine ('06) off the lot also; it didn't come with auto climate either. I'm not really sure why the dealer ordered some without... In any case, I haven't really missed it. In fact, in most of my previous cars I would always get ticked off at the fan kicking in when I didn't want it to; I like the control right now.

That being said, if I had the option to order it, I would probably do it...

 

As far as which car suits YOU better, you have to decide. There are two other things you should let influence your decisioni: 1) the 2006 is de facto already a year old for resale purposes and will carry that additional depreciation from the day you buy it. 2) We've bought cars off dealer lots and ordered them (and waited) three times now. We like the cars we ordered MUCH more because, well, they are exactly what we ordered!

The other thing to throw into your mix is whether you trust MINI to make the earliest 2007 models as well as the last of the 2006 models.

Good luck. Either way you won't be disappointed. . . .

 

I have a Helix 17% + GIAC tuning on my '06. They add a whole new dimension in performance. I had this combination with a 15% on my '02 and there have been no problems over four years of motoring. Go for it! Also, I had automatic climate control on the '02 and am happier with the manual controls I ordered for the '06.

 

Is this MINI of Peabody you're working with?

Also, auto a/c is nothing great (I have it and could care less). Heated seats are an absolute must though. 100% more important than auto a/c imo.

Having said that, I love the R56. Since you're so close, I'd wait.

 

Gotta say I like the '06 because it's the most advanced of the "original" Mini2's. Of course, that's like saying I like the photo of the Rembrandt because it won't fade or require extensive restoration like the original...

Get the '06 and get in the game!

 

I bought my '06 MCS off the lot Memorial Day Weekend. True, it didn't have a lot of things I wanted, but it has some things I DID want, too. And, I put a 15% pulley, a UniChip, a Milltek, and an ALTA CAI and some suspension stuff on it and now couldnt ask for a better [or more fun] car. I just LOVE these heated seats...especially since we are in minus zero weather now.

The '06 has most of the early bugs worked out of it, and is fun to modify. I'm not at all sure just what can be done to the new one yet, and the early-on bugs are not something I would want to deal with.

I guess the best thing of all is that I didn't have to wair for weeks for the car I wanted to drive last summer, so I'm all for buying off the lot. Just my 2c....

 

Julie,

I just saw a post from Classic MINI in Ohio where there are selling 06's for dealer invoice. Perhaps this would sway your decision on whether or not to wait. Should be a significant savings over an '07.

 

Actually, not having the auto A/C might be a blessing. One less thing to go wrong and the three manual rotary dials work perfectly fine.

I have a very lightly optioned '05 MCS with the 16" wheel/tire combo and would not have it any other way.

 

FWIW, the auto climate can be made to operate in manual mode. I like having control.

 

My girlfriend and I are in the same position. She really likes the current body style, however the lease rates are not very good at this point, due to the 06' being a year old now. The 07' rates are much better, and more in the ballpark of what she is looking for, payment-wise. She really likes the new Laser Blue color, so it looks like we may be waiting for a 2007. Two different generations in the driveway, should be interesting.

 

We have the '06 and love it.

Two things that come to my mind......

1. Would you rather have a Super Charger or Turbo Charger?

Super Charger is more user friendly.....does not need to be cooled down before shutdown. Newer turbos have had some advancements to help with this problem however and I have no idea what Mini has done yet.

2. '07 is a new engine model year, do you want to take a chance with that?

There is a slight risk involved with buying a new model year, just ask the Ford Powerstroke 6.0L owners. This diesel engine was an absolute nightmare.

Good luck, I know this is not an easy decision.

 

Julie,

Somebody already posted this but have a look at Classic in Cleveland. '06's at invoice is really unheard of. I have the auto climate control and cold weather package and would not get another car of any kind without them.

 

I'd go with the '07 so my MINI wouldn't be instantly out dated and depreciated.

I think you can be confident that there will be no turbocharger cooldown problem, and as far as worrying about the "first year bugs" you've got a four year 50,000 mile warranty, and stuff sometimes breaks on any car, new model or not.

Buy "new", get the 07.

 

resmini, I am glad you're that confident with the Mini product. No one will know how this new motor hold up until the public puts them to the test. When it comes to turbos....they all need to be cooled down to some point before shut down. Sure they all have warranties but who the hell wants to deal with a lemon or recurring problems. All I am trying to say is the Mini or ANY other automobile for that matter is not bullet proof and I for one will never buy a new model year.

Just trying to put some food for thought out there, that is all.

 

I love my off-the-lot 06 MCS and though I would have ordered auto-climate and cold weather package if ordering, I don't miss them (even the heated seats). As others have said, fewer things to go wrong down the road.

Also, the MINI really heats up fast in the mornings in my view. I'm coming to it from a VW Passat, which was like a giant frozen cavern in comparison, but the MINI's standard heater gets going really quickly.

I'm also looking forward to putting some of my savings from buying off the lot for below MSRP into mods.

Good luck!