There. I've said it. I don't like the 2nd gen MINI at all. I must admit, I've never driven one, and I'm sure it's great. But I just don't like the look at all. Sure, the new grille is nicer, but those headlights are too far around the side. And the part breakup isn't nearly as nice. And the proportions of the rear are all wrong. I know some of the changes were caused by pedestrian collision regs, but most of the changes were to make the car cheaper to build. And they look it.

And then there's the interior. They decided that the two things I personally don't like about my '06 (the cartoony stalks on the steering column and the big elliptical ring on the door) were the themes they were going to emphasize on the new car.

I'm sure they are still a hoot, and I hope everybody enjoys theirs. I just really glad I got an '06.

 

Well, thanks for sharing (I guess) and good for you for liking your '06. Enjoy it!

 

Thats great, How nice for you.

 

I am glad that the car is built cheaper. That means the engine is a real gem and that's where all the cost went. I like it....

 

I am just happy that I get such great low end torque and such high gas mileage.

 

Oooookay, thank you..buh-bye...

 

You have your opinion, but from the 07 sales figures, seems the majority are accepting the change, and are happy with the new model.

 

We have both and they are both AWESOME to us!

 

Oh, so true

 

thank you for sharing and the your forum is over >here<

by the way i like the 2nd gen better than the 1st gen MINI.

have a great day

 

why would you open up this can of worms?!

 

I always wonder what the motivation is when folks make posts such as this OP did. Everyone has an opinion, and each should be equally respected, particularly if based on fact, experience, education, or qualitative and/or quantitative research; but to come into an '07 Forum and make an unsolicited comment such as that is, well, nothing more than an unsolicited opinion from someone who admittedly hasn't test driven a 2nd gen and has no practical experience with one. IMHO, completely lacking merit, credibility, and value.

BTW...we own 2 1st Gen MINIs...and by the end of this week...we'll have a 2nd Gen as well. All of our MINI-children are, and will continue to be, loved equally.

 

Thanks for your opinion. However, I think you are overstating the differences. I dont own a 1st Gen and, belive me, after saving up for nearly 3 years I did my research when the 07s came out. It seems just about every reviewer on the planet disagrees with the differences you have pointed out. Most of the reviews comment on "not messing with success, the new 07 MINI blah blah". I mean, when I see a MC on the road the exterior differences are really minor.

Here's a link for ya: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vI6aDdb47CY&NR=1

By the way, I hope you enjoy your Brazilian made Dodge Neon engine. I'll take a Peugot/Citroen engine that is rally track proven anyday (even though it is French ). Better mileage to boot!!

Your opinion is your own. Posed the appropriate way, it can be well-recieved and discussed. A post like that belongs in your 1st Gen forum.
Have a nice day.

 

The '06 and the '07 are both cute cars.

The engine of the '07 is what sold me. Plenty of power for my boy-racer nostalgia, and excellent gas mileage to satisfy my tree hugging conscience. The '06 MCS can't match the '07 on either of those.

 

Like Robin just said, they're both incredibly cute cars. Why can't we all just get along.

 

OUCH! Since I own both I can appreciate both for what they are. But that did seem a little harsh! MAybe the looks, features, interior etc. will grow on you.

And hey if they don't you bought what some feel is the best year of the R53, the last one! Good luck and enjoy NAM!

 

The OP could have just posted to see if he could start a heated argument.

 

Then... it's a good thing you bought an '06, isn't it?:impatient

 

Well, I like them both more than the other and I'll fight anybody who thinks otherwise. But then again, I hate everybody equally.

 

"Trolling"?? On NAM?!?!? Surely you jest...

 

 

Can we close this thread after my post? Bottom line is: they're both great little cars, and they look pretty much the same inside and out, but when you step on the gas or pull up to the pump you notice a difference.

 

I test drove an 07 MCS today. Definitely superior to the 03 MCS I had.

 

Well I love my 06 but I would and will gladly drive whatever generation of MINI is available whenever the day comes that Clara has to retire.

 

Noted. Ignored.

Agree with TheBigNewt...time to close the thread.