So right now I've got a 2010 Laurel. Love it. I've been saving for an F56 for the past few years and am ready to buy - but am having second thoughts.

For $32k I can get a new F56 done how I'd want, ordered new. Or, I can get a used, sub 10k mile 2013 GP.

Important information: I've got no kids, and no plans for kids for a few years. I live in MI and this will be my only car. I sometimes cart around a 65 pound Golden Retriever.

I'm looking for advice - should I get a GP for a few years until it is time for kids or get an F56 and be good to go for many years to come?

Appreciate the advice in advance.

 

That would be an easy one for me: GP2

The F56, while it offers a more refined interior and a BMW power plant, does nothing for me. IMO, the GP2 is the apex of what the R56 is in terms of power and aesthetics.

 

+10000! lol
ya man, go with the GP. way nicer looking, should hold its value as well, given its the last of the GPs there for gen2. you could probably put 20k on it and sell it for what you paid for it and get a barely used F56 in a year or so if you really got sick of it.

 

First of all, who says kids have to come along at all? My wife and I have been married for 29 years and have loved every minute of spending money only on ourselves

This isn't even a fair comparison. A GP2 or an F56? The only reason an R56 JCW is in my garage instead of a GP2 is that I already have a stripped down track car, and wanted some of the "comforts" for a daily driver the GP2 does not have-HEY, I'm middle aged and getting soft, what can I say? (back seat, rear wiper-when you are in a downpour it's really hard to see anything out the back of a GP2, cruise control, sunroof, H/K audio, etc).

The GP2 is an animal compared to all other MINIs, IMO-it's raw, has a great sounding exhaust, and with the adjustable suspension, can really do a number through your favorite twisties, as well as being ready and eager for track days when they come along. It really does embody the "go-kart handling" moniker that MINI has strived for, IMO.

When I saw my first GP2 in person to test drive it (when I was comparing it to buying my R56 JCW), I was surprised by the Thunder Grey paint job. It's like nothing I have ever seen before. It has a "creamy" appearance that is hard to describe, and it stands out from everything else on the road-a great color....it is FAR from any typical grey you may have seen before.

I'm not too keen on all the decals on the car, but those can be removed easily if desired.

You will have a car that very few folks have ever seen, much less driven or owned.

I would suggest you look at the inventories of dealers around the country. When I bought my R56 JCW, I had two dealers willing to let go of their new GP2's for $35,500....if there are any left, you might be able to get one closer to the $32k price point you are looking for. Because the GP2 is geared toward a very narrow slice of prospective MINI buyers, some GP2's have been on dealer lots for well over a year....they are willing to deal.

good luck and please let us know what you decide.

 

GP2 without a doubt!!!

 

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GP2 all the way!

Sent from my iPad using NAMotoring

 

GP2, I regret not buying the one on the show room floor when I bought my S.

Third option - wait for the new JCW - price will be closer to $40k though.

 

I would buy the GP2. I love my R56 S, not interested in the new F56 at least for another year before they get the issues worked out. The GP2's are rare and will hopefully hold their value.

 

Another vote for GP2. A limited edition, tuned to the hilt GP edition on a 6 yr old platform over a first year standard production car with no proven track record is a no-brainer, imo.

 

I love my F56. Having said that... Still gotta vote GP2.

 

GP2 ftw!

 

And then there's this...

http://www.motoringfile.com/2014/04/...due-to-defect/

Probably nothing major with this, but still...

 

F56 for sure. 2000cc engine.

 

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Given the choice I'd take the GP2 all the way. Take a heat gun to those stripes & it will be a very good looking sleeper of a MINI.

 

GP2 without question. Purchase an extra set of the stickers in case you ever sell it, then remove the ones from the car.

 

I drove the new F56 today and it does have some cool gadgets, but it felt like driving any other small car. Once I got back into my GP2, I felt at home. The GP2 is unique and stands out from the crowd, it also makes you feel more connected to the road.
I'm not the type of person that hates on the new body style, just because I have the old one. I really like the look and feel of the GP, maybe my feelings will change when they release the JCW version. Also, the new F56's several quirks and software bugs that need to be addressed, typical of a first year car.
Get the GP and you won't have any regrets.

 

Love that sexy leather wrapped dash with matching red stitching on the seats the GP2 looks gorgeous and performs like a race car! I have no love for the new F56 Bini Cooper S, I don't believe that the F56 JCW will be much faster than the GP2. It really is a BMW Cooper S.

 

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I had a new 2014 S loaner for 6 days. I am not a fan of the protruding nose. It's not elegant. The gradual upsweep from the window line to the top of the fenders is glaring. I like the tail lights. The interior is okay but the changes aren't necessary. The materials contrary to some other opinions feel cheaper. The seats are okay.

Biggest thing is the feel. We drive Minis because of how they feel. Why are posters going into Minis from Caymans? It felt like a small economy car. It's bland. Engine feels powerful and smooth but I didn't want to step in it because the rest of the car felt pedestrian. If I was looking for feel and drove a WRX or EVO or the hot little Ford whatever it is then the Mini would be off the list. Moving the speedo just says "we've caved to someone's opinion." Often in life those people weren't buying the car anyway. I keep finding these days that folks hold strong opinions about, pick a newsworthy topic, only to not care because it doesn't affect them. They have changed the major things that make a Mini special and attract buyers. The world doesn't need another small car. I'm afraid they've lost their way. Hope they get it back. So if the GP says, "hey enjoy me".....

 

Minitonka,

very good and thoughtful post....you bring up some interesting points.

thanks.

 

GP2 for now.. but i wouldn't be surprised if the F56 JCW outperforms it handily

 

Like the looks of the GP2 and its unique. Those big brakes, rear diffuser, rear wing, belly pan, under-body and a nice interior, limited production , etc.

The F56 does have the electronics and the newer leds, does feel more like an e9X BMW on the interior. F56 daily, but weekend warrior and all around fun , GP2.

Good luck on whatever you choose.

 

Few, if any, have ever regretted buying a GP or GP2. Many have regretted not buying one.