I test drove a 2006 MCSC last night. Very fun car! It only has 8900 miles on it and the asking price is $24,495. Installed options listed below, it's a good price as far as I can tell.

I am debating between this car (I will be offering lower, of course), and ordering new. I have read all of the threads comparing these model years but still have a few unanswered questions (in red, below, because I am clearly too wordy, so I hope you will skip to the questions if you are pressed for time). I will not be able to test drive a new 2008 until Saturday and I need to move on this 2006 now if that is the way I decide to go.

I'm not really wrapped up in the looks of either car, I will love either. But the downside on this 2006 is that it is black and not a color I would choose. It's very pretty, sure, but it has multiple small chips on the front and they are SUPER noticeable (because of the color?). The interior, however, is immaculate. The roof looks good but I can tell the owner(s) were not as careful as I would like with removing debris before opening it. There is one wear spot, but it is still only very superficial. It is in good but not excellent condition.

A few things I really like about the 2008, minor but very appealing:
- secret compartment on the driver's side
- aux input on the stereo. I'm a rabid music fan and will need a way to hook my iPod up in either car. In the 2008, it's a done deal.
- on-board computer
- option to add universal garage door opener. The 2006 does not have this installed. I try to carry as little as possible in my vehicles so I can leave them open. This would be handy
- ability to order it with all weather tires (I live in Kentucky, I will need these in Winter)
- remote control of top (assuming this is not a feature on the 2006, I'm not sure)

Additionally:
- ordering new will get me a lower interest rate, so total cost of ownership is nearly a wash
- the closest dealership is 90 miles away. If I buy from them, they will come pick up my car for service and leave me a loaner. VERY attractive
- I will know exactly how well it is taken care of for every one of the miles on it. The 2006 has had 2 owners, one is a dealer who uses it for his personal vehicle, among several others. He goes through a LOT of cars but I don't know what that implies about his driving habits, or the first owner's. I have no idea how it has been driven for the first almost 10k miles. (Does this matter?)

Now to the questions. All the threads on this subject recommend DRIVING both before deciding. Since I don't care (at all) about the difference in appearance, with the exception of the color choices I will have ordering new, and since I have only driven the 2006 (which will not last), what will I like more or less about the handling of the 2008? <--my only actual question so far.

I took the 2006 through the city and on the highway. It shifted very smoothly, accelerated VERY quickly, and handled crazy tight turns with ease. It was smooth at high speeds, too. Just a joy to drive. There were no odd noises coming from under the hood that I could discern. I wasn't super impressed with how things looked under the hood for a car with such low mileage, but I am a bit of a perfectionist. There were drips on the (drip pans?) in the back of the engine compartment, and the radiator and air filter had insect burial grounds in full force. Nothing that can't be cleaned up, of course, but makes me question how well the previous owners cared for this car.

I read about the strange rattles coming from the 2007/8 engines and the nightmares some people have had in trying to remedy this. Is this a problem at all with the 2006 MCSC manual transmission engines? <--second actual question.

I think that's it! For now, at least.


Installed options (some of these are probably standard, but I pulled them off the ad):
power windows
power door locks
AM/FM Stereo receiver
premium sound system
compact disc player
ABS
tilt Steering wheel
cruise control
heated seats
steering wheel audio controls
dual power mirrors
fog lights
remote keyless entry
traction control
rear defroster

 

Well I'll give you a response to your thread instead of the 100 PMs and e-mails we have exchanged.

What 2008 are you considering? A fully loaded S cabriolet, or non-S, non-cab?

Might help in comparing prices, as I imagine price is a factor? AFAIK getting a flagship MINI [fully loaded S] is pretty spendy [at least to me it is.] Here in California with our high sales tax an S would be about $34,000 out the door. I know some states have no or low sales tax. Ours is 8.5%.

What is the dealer letting a fully loaded S go for, in comparison to a non-S?

Does the MINI dealer have any S cabs to sell? Is the dealer willing to deal?

I read elsewhere on NAM that dealers are running out of cabs to sell so they are not doing deals and instead tacking on "additional dealer markup." May be a regional thing though, those harder hit by the current recession letting them go for MSRP [full sticker.]. [That's right, we are in a recession despite what Bush says in an election year.]

</end third degree>

 

Hi Michael! I cannot thank you enough for all of your help!!

I am looking at a new MCSC, but not fully loaded. The price will be about $3000 higher than this 2006 and I will save on interest for a new car at my credit union. They do not consider the 2006 new since it has over 5000 miles. The payments are going to be very, very close for either. I will also consider the non-S Cabrio while I'm at it.

That leads me to wonder is Mini still taking orders for the 2008 Cabrio? I need to ask the MA, I suppose, because once I start talking new, I may as well order exactly what I want.

The dealer is not willing to deal, but he is not asking over invoice. They do have inventory and have stated they can transfer from a sister dealership who also has inventory. Maybe it's only a problem on the left coast? The MA is willing to toss in some accessories at no cost and I'm waiting to hear back from him on the specifics of the drop-off and pick-up service as well as the loaner vehicle. Having those services available to me is worth cold hard cash right out of my pocket since it is a 90 mile trip one way. That will be a huge selling point.

Sooooo, in summary, yes I will pay more for a 2008, but not much at all. I consider it a wash of sorts. I'm more interested to know why anyone thinks I should get the 2006 over the 2008, and looks/styling are not a factor (neither interior nor exterior). I like 'em both! I'm leaning toward new at this point, but am going to drive the 2008 Saturday and then I'll know more.

I'm not quite ready to pull the trigger on this 2006.

 

I think most dealers stopped taking orders in late June -- so call NOW if you're thinking of an '08.

first actual question: you will not feel any handling difference. (By the way, remote top opening is available in the 06 as well).

second actual question: the 07/08 problems you describe relate to the second generation engine -- which does not come to the cabrio until '09 models ----- so not an issue on the '06 OR the '08 cabrio

By the way, the 08 may come with AUX input standard (unlike the 06), but it does not come with iPod integration standard (alowing control of iPod with steering wheel controls or the radio head unit)

 

Are you wanting/buying a cabrio or hardtop?

The only difference between the 2006 and 2008 cabrios will be minor(ie option packages). Driving and handling will be the same since the body etc hasn't changed yet.

 

Absolutely, the Peugot engine is NOT in the 08 Cabrios. 05s to 08s are all identical except for options.

Lois

 

ahhhhh, now I get it! Thanks, Lois, and everyone. I am looking at Cabrios, but the improved MPG in the 2008 MC hardtop (non S) is mighty attractive...

It'll sure be fun deciding! I have decided that I'm definitely going with a new Mini. The dealer's valet/loaner service for a 180 mile round-trip is too good to pass up.

 

I figured as much, and I can live with this. My current car stereo (Sony) has remote control of the iPOD but it is rather lacking. I find myself disconnecting it in order to manually get to what I want, or just shuffling music and skipping stuff I'm not in the mood to hear. So long as I can hook it up, I'll be happy.

 

Well that 2006 we talked about is new for all intents and purposes. Won't be flawless though. Mine too had some rock chips in the front. Can't be helped if one goes on the freeway.

But like I said in my e-mail to you, since the MINI dealer is 90 miles away, I would buy new. Odds are you will not need to have the car taken in [on a flatbed] but if it does happen, you will be glad you bought from the dealer [based on their statement that they will cart the car to and from the dealership.]

Query however: MINIs come with 36,000 mile / 3 year road assistance. Does that cover towing it to the nearest dealer? I have not read my warranty book to see that.

But if it does, then even on that used 2006 you would get the same towing, etc. as the new one, except to year January 2010.

If that is provided in the road assistance, then it's not the dealer providing that service, it's MINI USA.

Just something to consider.

But you can't beat getting a new car. Just never in the cards for me.

 

The Mini Roadside assistance covers towing/wrecker service to the nearest dealer (or dealer of your choice if within 50 miles) for 4 years/unlimited miles (found this info here: http://www.miniusa.com/faq.jsp?categ.../warranties-m). That would also be available on the '06, but not for as long as will be with a new Mini. The valet/loaner service is what is most appealing, for everything from oil changes to warranty repairs, for as long as I own the car. That's not going to happen if I purchased used. Well worth the extra price of a new Mini!

I passed on the 2006 and now I'm waiting for Saturday to hurry up and get here!

 

Hi, I have it on authority from 3 dealerships that Mini is not taking any more orders for 2008 Cabrios. I placed an order for a Sidewalk Cabrio June 28th. Unfortunately Mini stopped accepting orders for Sidewalks like, that day, and super unfortunately, my MA failed to check my order status until a week later, by which point Mini halted acceptance of any new Cabrio orders, so I can't order a different one to my specs without Sidewalk either. They will only be producing the cars they already had orders for and those orders are frozen and can't be changed. So, people like you and me are stuck in terms of getting a Cabrio built to our preferences and instead have to scramble (if we want) to get our hands on one of the ones already being made to deliver to dealers, hoping that something will be similar to what we want. Since the screwup at my original dealership, I have switched dealers and they are working to find me something like what I wanted in the first place! Here's to hoping!

By the way, I also heard from the dealer that Mini has pushed back the anticipated delivery of the 2009s til March. They think we'd be able to order in Dec. Hope that helps!

 

Yeah, I confirmed the same with my dealer earlier today. We have already discussed the orders they placed at the end of June and he is going to send me detailed specs on the 2 that interest me tomorrow. He said they are not reserved.

I'm sorry about your order. That must be sooooo frustrating, especially since you wanted the Sidewalk. Those appear to be fairly rare. I hope you get one that will make you happy.

My dealer told me that the 2009 Cabrios are going to production in December, FYI, with orders being taken in ~September. He wasn't sure on delivery. March could be right. I'm sure they will have some kinks to work out in the assembly lines when they ramp up.

 

Many have used the Dice-Link which allows control of the iPod with the steering wheel or head unit without disabling the iPod clickwheel:
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...oducts_id=1637

Just one option to consider.

 

Peugeot-now that's a brand that brings up an image of reliablity

 

Heard the same think orders Nov_Dec.......March delivery :(

 

Thanks for the sympathy. Yes, I was totally miffed at my former MA. Called to express my dissatisfaction to his mgr today but I don't think they really care if they sold me a car or not!

Happily, I've now hooked up with a different dealership and they've been amazing! They've made a ton of calls to other dealers and are working to make a trade for one of the stock convertibles they have coming for a car like I wanted in the first place. They seem really dedicated to getting me a car and I can't believe the inter-dealership difference. If it doesn't work out to get a sidewalk though, I think I'm just going to wait for the 2009.

 

Having owned 2 Peugeot's - exiled Brit - I can reassure you that PSA have changed a lot.

Although probably better known for their excellent diesel engines, Peugeot have been near the top of sporty small cars in Europe for nearly 20 years - the 205 & 206 had excellent engines, handling etc.

Their build quality was a bit tinny though........c'est la vie.

 

And we own a British built car? Luckily for us, Lucas Electrics is not a vendor for MINI.

In the recent past, Peugeot has done very well in WRC with Marcus Gronholm behind the wheel. Though Citroen seemed to have the edge, especially with Loeb driving.