I had a 2006 Mini Cooper S for about 3 weeks. I loved it, but the dealer misled me: told me it was the owner's wife's car...turns out it was a service loaner so I'm taking it back. They never had us sign the Proof of Disclosure form, so we're getting out of the deal.

I've decided I really want a new one, and I can't decide whether to get a 2008 right away, or hold out for the 2009.

I want an automatic, but I'm interested in some of the JCW upgrades.

Any thoughts?

 

Are you talking about hardtops or cabrios?
If, since you're in the cabrio forum, you mean you want an 08 or 09 cabrio -- well, the 2 cars are completely different since the 09 will be the R57 (based on the R56) and not the R52 (based on your R53)

 

Yes, cabrio. And the fact that they're so different is my dilemma. I'm interested in the start/stop technology in the 09, and the fact that the rollbars have changed and the top is supposed to sit differently. I'm concerned about the possibility of losing more space in the rear due to the way the top is stored. I'm also not sure about the supercharger vs. turbo deal.

 

The interior on the newer models is utter crap compared to the R52/53... check it for yourself. Push on the paneling around the heater controls, feel the solid hard plastic instead of soft foam-backed dash padding that WAS on the doors and now is not, and check out a few other panels and bits on the car and you will see that BMW has certainly cut their costs on the new model. They never intended the original MINI to sell so well, it was to be marketed as a small-numbers semi upscale vehicle... we know the opposite to be true, so they decided to improve their margins on the new cars. IMHO they look better from the outside, but how often do you drive around looking at your own car?

 

Personally I love the inside of the new models....call me biased, but I just think it is more MINI than others...but lets not get it into R53 vs R56...basically MINI must make changes and they did...all you can do is take a look yourself and see what you like...its all personal preferance....to each their own

 

I say if you like the 08 hard top style wait for the 09 drop top. I have an 07 in lighning blue and like the styly better then the 08 hard top. It seems that they have taken away some of the details that gave the Mini its own look.

 

Gotta go with seatosky on this one. The look and feel of the interior of the R56 is cheaper and not as upscale as the R53.

The exterior appearance also took a step down, IMO. And in the new cabrios, they're taking away the two chrome rollbars and replacing with one that is black.

However, if you're more interested in the powertrain than the aesthetics, go with the 2009 cabrio. The turbo is more powerful and more responsive than the supercharger, IMO.

 

There has been much discussion on teh differences between 1st and 2d gen -- and the bottom line is that you can only decide this for yourself . . . test drive both (I know the new cabrios aren't out yet, but you can test an R56 to get a feel for the new interior, engine, styling, etc....)

As for start / stop technology: this is an easy comparison if you're in the States -- it's not avaliable here . . . so don't worry about it.

 

If you can wait, then WAIT! You will have a car worth more just because it is a later year, harvest the 2009 changes and a chance to order the new and improved accessories. Not to mention the JCW is out, but that looks like a very high premium to pay for a factory hot rod that doesn't even include the sport suspension and it is an electronic not a mechanical LSD, I believe!

 

Yeah I agree...i took delivery of mine in november because I couldn't wait...now I have a 1 year old car that is really only 6 months old

 

And, of course, you can probably count on a price increase for 2009.

We preferred the look of the interior on the R52, and the exterior of the 53 vs 56. A little item was that IMO the R56 stereo looks odd, is less intuitive, and will be harder to upgrade if you should choose. We decided to buy an 08 cabrio rather than wait for the 09, even though i'm really curious about the active roll bar and how the new engine will feel with the cabrio's weight. And, like I said, it wasn't worth waiting (IMO) and probably paying more.

 

I think everybody seeking to buy a cabrio right now is in the same pickle...should I wait for the next gen cabrio?? Having driven an R56 for a year...I personally would have to wait if I were buying a cabrio. These cars are continuing to develop (why would they not?), not devolve as some may think...interior, exterior, engine, economy...if you want to drive one of these every day I think the next gen cabrio would be the MINI of choice, if that is an option for you. That does not mean you may rightly prefer a first gen cabrio...that is a personal preference thing. But to deny the improvements being made is silly. The thing you have to do is select your point-of-entry and enjoy the MINI you own, regardless of the next tantalizing tweak coming down the line, and they do come. Fortunately for us, all MINIs are great, and all have things that make them very special and very desirable, and this while the marque continues in a very strong direction. Good luck making your choice...I'm certain that (among those who know their MINIs) you are not the only one making this tough call.

 

I test drove the 2008 Cabrio and afterwards the Clubman (yeah I know not the same thing), and I was in love with Cabrio. I don't know, but the first that came to my mind was that 08 Cabrio was raw, and fun, and I liked that. It was, to me, much more fun than Clubman.

I am currently trying to arrange the test-drive over the weekend with dealer to see whether we as family fit and like the car before ordering it. If car fits us, I would buy 2008 becouse I really like it.

So I guess, test drive the car, if you are really in love with it, I see no reason to wait...

 

Thanks for all the input. I think we're going with the 2008 sidewalk. SPF Zero -- let me know how you like yours...

 

Go now and never look back. You will get one of the last of the classic MINI's IMHO.. The new ones have lost ALOT of the details that made this car special.
1) Interior dash panel materials as well as looks have been cheapened, made to confuse, can't upgrade stereo and the base one sucks compared to the base stereo in the '08.
2) No Chrono package available.
3) HVAC controls are seriously wacked
4) Body has lost its curves, The back may look more muscular but the front looks totally feminine. The headlights look like something from a VW new Beetle. 5) Hood scoop is a wannabe.

6) No water temp gauge anymore, ( WTF????)
7) fuel gauge less precise, now silly led lights
8) No supercharger whine and the exhaust pipes now look like something a 18 year kid would put on.
9) Headlight no longer lift with the hood ( this is major cool in my opinion, just don't slam hood and you will be fine!)
10) front fenders no longer part of hood.

took me about 2-3 weeks to notice the differences and I went with the 2008 and I'm never looking back.

The current Bullcrapo line from BMW is that they had to change it because of current safety regulations in Europe about striking a pedestrian etc.. I laughed my **** off when I heard that.. Its all about costs. Period.

 

When I purchased my 07 Cabrio I didn't realize at first that there was a difference in body styles.
But upon closer inspection I did start to see some differences that would eventually become major in my eyes.
I love the angle of the head lights on the R52 vs the R56 and I prefer the honeycomb vents on the Bonnet vs the black ridge on the R56.
The profile of the R52/53 is much better looking than the extended lines of the R56.
And above all else, the one thing most other drivers will comment on when I have passed them is they all love the sound of my Supercharger whine as I zipped pass them.
Someone on this thread mentioned that with the newer cars you get better technology and that is not always true.
But I will say this, while some may prefer a 67 Camaro over an 08 Camaro we all still share a love for a particular generation of the same vehicle.
Mine of course happens to be the first Gen MINI but that doesn't make anyone else's choice a wrong one.

Long live the sweet sound of the Supercharger whine.

 

My wife and I bought the 08 cabrio this past Thursday. Why not wait for the 09 you ask? 'Cause we can drive it RIGHT NOW and are having a blast! We'll wait and see how things shake out with the new cabrio, but we love the ride RIGHT NOW! We'll be able to enjoy this car for the rest of the spring, the summer and the fall. MTTS in Chicago? Maybe.
I had a checkmate coupe, but love the cabrio.
There's my 2cents, fwiw.
Carl

 

Ours is due of rcompletion this week (Wednesday) then a long boat ride and a truck from LA to Denver. Gonna be a few more weeks before we even get to drive it!

Stop in and say hello at the Sidewalk Owners' Lounge: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=135386

 

I LOVE my sidewalk, it's a blast to drive You wont regret it, I dont like the look of the 2nd Gen, that is why I got mine last month.

 

2nd gen looks do grow on many...unless you like them right off the bat as I did. Really, in my mind the only compelling reason to get a cabrio now is to "have it now and have fun motoring." I can't/won't argue that logic!!! Everything else is a wash, imo, w/ pros and cons balancing out. The only compelling reason I can think of to not get one is the much better mpgs for the second gen car....this alone would hold me off. I always thought MINIs should do better in mpg and w/ the second gen they finally do.

 

We are really happy with our 08 MCSa Sidewalk Cabrio...get it now and enjoy the summer and fall. Have a look at all the gallery pics. It's as neat to look at as it is to drive.

 

Ozarkgolfer -- thanks for the pics. After lots of thought and research, we have decided on an 08 Sidewalk Cabrio, which is set to deliver on June 6. I'll post photos when it arrives.

 

Here is my last point of logic on this matter then I'll be quiet.

If you buy now and decide later that you would prefer one of the 09 models then all you have to do is trade it in.
But if you wait for the 09 model and later decide that you would have liked the R52 model instead it would be too late to get a new one.

So buy now and decide later, but you can't buy later and decide for one now.

 

Abby, did I miss your color choice?

 

Sorry...it's white silver with black interior. So sweet....Apparently arriving on the 28th, making it to the dealer on June 6. Big debate now is bluetooth or not. Thoughts? I don't want people to hear my conversations, but CA law in July will require headsets or bluetooth.