Get the 06. Everyone agrees that the 05 and 06 models are the best so far; there's a good chance that will continue to be the case after the '07 comes out, and resale on 05 and 06s will go UP rather than down...

 

I was debating the same issue, and decided to order an '06. I'm doing a 24-month lease, which puts us into prime time for the new MCS. Or, we can keep the '06. I figure it might be a little more expensive that way in the long run, but I'll pay a little more to keep my options open.

 

Well I've found a few new '06s that fit what i'm looking for. Just need to pull the trigger. I have a few weeks to ponder before I decide.

I don't mind being a guinea pig, and if I do become an '07 MINI PIG, I'll blog reviews and updates on my website. That scenario would be atleast 9 months away though.

 

what kind of prices on those new '06's?

 

Midwestern Mini seem to have the best prices, eager to work with out of state buyers and shipping. They list it as MSRP so perhaps you can try to nego a lower ship cost or some other dealer installed option.
All the ones I was considering were still on the lot.
http://midwesternmini.com/Default.as...=new-inventory

The BRG/W MC for 19,850. Has cold and premium pkg. Or any of their MC BRGs
Also and PW/B MCS for 23,020 with MFSW, Heated Seats, Sunroof

For west coast
http://www.niellomini.com/New_Inventory_Link.aspx
Have a PW/B for 22,095 premium checkmate that was tempting. No heated seats was the dealbreaker since the checkmate has those awsome blue grey leather cloth seats. They deliver to the Oregon border.

I just used the "find a dealer" off of miniusa.com and checked inventories.
Some dealers are sloppy and don't list options or packages and even sometimes no color. Most have toll free numbers though.

 

Good thinking and glad you found some good options. For me, I think I'd like to stick to my customized spec. On your search, did you find any dealers willing/able to order/ship a customized mini in a very short timeframe?

 

Didn't ask the how soon question but Niello seemed they would head out the day they have the money and proof on insurance.

 

Another vote for an 05 or 06. The 07 is not the same, seen the pictures, it just doesen't look as good IMHO.
What's that up to $.08?? Counting inflation this should be the deal maker.... $37.43 right?

 

The thought of a Peugeot powerplant in '07 pushed me to get an '06, which has already proven itself. I remember when Peugeot was in the states years ago. They pulled out because their cars didn't sell. Hopefully they have improved as they fair better in the European market. Only time will tell and I didn't want to miss another good year of motoring.

 

Here is a new option for you Seattle guys - buy my 02 with 43,000 miles on it for $15,999. You know you want it. Here it is: http://www.vehix.com/pages/contactde...9&INVRESDist=0

Wow, thats a long link

Its here on NAM too: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=63543

Buy now and trade in on an 07 later, no need to be MINIless! Make me an offer I cant refuse!

 

My logical brain says YES!

My fun brain says NO, that's not an MCS + LSD!

My receipt says, too late, already ordered an '06!

 

2006!!! You can't go wrong!!!

 

I agree....it will not just be a new engine....it will be new everything. I'd get an '06, then get an '08. Does that make 8 cents-worth?

 

I had the same decision and went for an '06 MCS for the same reasons that everyone has already mentioned.

I got to order mine after only a 2 week wait (my dealer's web site indicates a 2 month wait list because they sell at MSRP) and am now waiting for a production date, but my MA indicated a mid May delivery.

 

I guess my biggest problem is that I know the one - the one and only - thing that I wish was better about the current gen MCS is the amount of power (hp & torque) it has.

Don't get me wrong, it's great, but having driven faster 4 cyl. turbos (GTI MKV, etc) and knowing that the new '07 will be a torque-y little beast (with cheap/easy modding), it just gets me really excited.

The logical part of my brain has all along said "wait until middle next year for the 4th or 5th week of production for '07... get the new car you want... save money driving your beater Cavalier..."

The impatient, emotional side of me says "buy an '06 now, lease it for 24 months and then trade in for an '08!"

The combination of this and all of your educated responses is "buy an '06 on loan, sell it in 3 years when there's more equity than debt and capitalize on the high resale value and then get a nice, ironed-out, mid-model refresh '09"

 

ditto

 

I'm going to wait until I can see one in person, and know at least some facts before judging. I cannot afford an 06' right now, but will be able to in ~year or so. I might end up with a slightly used 06' or maybe a brand new 07'! Of course, if I did get the 07' they would have ~6-8months to fix anything that shows up, before I would be ordering it. The whine of a SC is awesome, but the BOV on a turbo is hard to beat!

 

Bov?

 

Isn't there going to be a Blow Off Valve on the 07's? I thought all turbo's had to have BOV's? It's the *thing* (sorry, I know nothing about turbos) that makes the sound of the air letting out. In other words, the big PSHHHHHH sound.

-Cody

 

oh.. ok. gotcha

yes, that's a pretty cool sound.

However, to my highly uneducated knowledge, i believe the '07 engine will not have a blow off valve, or at least not one that will make a loud "PSSHHH" after each shift. I believe it's the way the new twin scroll turbo is designed and also in combination with variable vein tubing.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong...

 

Well, if it does have a BOV, most likely they would limit the sound anyway, kind of like the SC before and after the Alta intake. Normal people will not want a loud BOV on there daily driven MINI, but for the rest of us, we'll have to wait until aftermarket options!

 

Another reason to wait for an '08 or '09. Give the aftermarket crowd some time to design, build, and test new parts.

 

I just had to make this decision, and decided on the 2006, for all of the reasons cited here, plus:

• The 2007 MCS motor has the same HP and torque figures as the 2006 motor, and is of similar weight, despite having much more advanced technology (on-demand coolant pump, direct injection, twin scroll turbo). Why take a chance on unknown reliability and other issues associated with new tech without getting some tangible benefit?
• I'm 6'9" tall, and I *know* the 2006 mini fits great, even with a helmet on (with no sunroof). I don't know if the 2007 will fit as well, and I don't know if it will be as easy to get one without a sunroof.
• The relatively simple, even crude, design of the current motor reminds me of the simple, even crude motors that came in the classic mini.

As others have said, the 2006 car represents a real sweet spot: fully debugged components, available LSD, reasonable price, fully optionable (or de-optionable). I ordered exactly the car I wanted (white over BRG, LSD, no sunroof, no DSC, 16" V-spoke, fogs, cold weather, and that's it). Who knows if the 2007 will be as easily configurable during the first-year ramp up.

 

Congrats tubrwreck. IMHO you have made a good choice.

 

Yes, good choice. I'm going with an '06 too. Makes the most sense all around. Especially since I don't like what we've seen of the '07 redesign.