I have 10 months to decide, but thinking of keeping my '05 mcs when the lease is up. Is there anyone who has a new '07 after having the older model? Can anyone convince me to get the '08 mcs ('08 should be out when my lease is up). Any reason I should buy my '05 off lease?

 

Why don't you go for a test drive and see if you like it? (evil laugh...)

 

That's got to be a personal decision. From what I hear, the R56 has a softer ride and more power (MCS) than the R53. Supposedly, the R53 has a more connected to the road feel than the R56.

I didn't get a chance to drive an R53. All the R53 MCSs were sold out when I went for a test drive, but I'm quite impressed with the handling of the R56 stock suspension (17" 205 tires) on the windy country roads of Carmel Valley.

 

How abotu keep your '05 and get an '07?

 

lol, i wish i could.

 

I'm a bit jaded in my opinon, but I suggest you take the 07 out for a spin I think that will help you decide for sure.

 

Well, I've had my '07 MCS for 2 months now, had driven the R53 JCW MCS and the regular R53 MCS. The new MCS is by far faster than the stock R53 and even faster than the 207hp JCW R53, handles better, and brakes better with a nicer interior, WAYYY nicer engine, it just goes on and on.....R56 MCS all the way!

 

+1 I have had both and prefer the R56

 

If it were me in your shoes I'd wait for the '08. From the information that MINI has released I'm left with the impression that, in the '07s, we got phase one of the redesign. They've told us about the environmental and fuel saving changes they'll be making but I wouldn't be surprised to see them take this excellent car and make it ever better yet.

You'll be able to order it before the year is out. That leaves plenty of time from the perspective of your lease.

 

My first MCS was an '03. I really Loved that car. Currently driving the '07 R56. If you drive the R56 a few miles your decision will be easy

 

Seems that everyone with R56 has no regrets. I might have to start configuring my new R56 on the miniusa site to see what it will run me (07 prices anyway). It would have to be an mcs. I have the six speed now, but will probably get an auto, since I have taken a lot of heat from everyone in the family who can't drive it. Is the sport suspension a must? Also has there been any talk of changes good or bad for the '08 mcs?

 

I tried to add the sport suspension to my MCS order, but was too late. So, I have the stock suspension. I've taken it on lots of twisty country roads in Monterey County, and down Coast one to Los Angeles. I now have no desire to mess with the stock suspension. It handles fine.

I was driving a friend to pick up his $85K Prosche after it was serviced. We took a curve we are both very familiar with at somewhat faster speed than I normally would. My friend, watching the speedo, was somewhat nervous going into the curve. He was very impressed after exiting the curve.

He later tried that speed in his Porsche and continued to be impressed with how well the MINI took it. This is a guy who has been through racing school at Laguna Seca Raceway and raced small formula cars at Sears Point.

This is not to say that the MINI is a match for the Porsche. The Porsche suspension is a lot more refined and will handle rough surfaces in a curve much better than my MCS.

 

I faced the same question earlier. Test drove an 07 and decided to keep my 05. Outside of the slight power gain I didn't find a single change that I actually liked and there were several changes I disliked.

I'll check out the 08 when the time comes but it's starting to look like the 05 may end up being my last Mini...

 

Yeah, i would go for a test drive. Note that a stiffer suspension is now an option on the R56. I actually test drove both suspensions and I would have to say the upgraded one definately rides rougher but I couldnt notice too much of a difference in the handling while high cornering loads. The stock R56 suspension is pretty amazing rides very smooth and you can definately feel it transfer weight seemlessly in a corner and really stiffen up under that weight transfer. Its by far the best ride quality to handling car I have ever driven (although I never drove a BMW). That really sold me on the MINI and because of this I actually sided for the regular suspension. Its seriously a fun car, but I cant speak for R53 to R56 comparison. I havent even broken in the engine yet but that hasnt stopped me from flying around corners under no throttle

 

I have been R53 less for a few months now and had the chance to drive a Cooper 6spd finally. With 16 runflats and the standard suspension I feel like it handled just as well as my previous SS+ Cooper Ss. I really couldn't believe that the car had the standard suspension (kept asking the salesperson) and read the window sticker when we got out.

With all that being said I have been seriously considering a low-spec R56 Cooper, not an S after two R53s. I would start looking at the R56s but you've got months to go before you need to order.