It seems the reviews and feedback on the 07 Base model are non-existent. I guess all the magazine's only had a limited amount of time, and nobody seemed to care to give a driving evaluation of the Base model.

I sure wish I knew. I have decisions to make .

I've been thinking about getting the 06 S AT ever since my last test drive of one. But now, mainly due to pricing issues, I'm thinking again of getting a base.

The 07 is supposed to be a little quicker due to the engine. But I'm not sure whether the 6 spd auto trans will make more quickness than the current CVT does.
Plus, I've heard the seats are more comfortable, and since I have normal arms but long lets, I really am looking forward to the telescoping steering wheel.

I could really love that 07 base with all its over 40mpg and price etc... if I had an idea how quick it was, and whether that would be acceptable to me.

I guess I'll just have to wait until they come out for some demo models to drive. But I don't want to wait that long

Any ideas to help make this decision easier ?

 

I think the primary press preview at Zandvoort only provided the 2007 MCS to the journalists. So all the articals covering that event only speak to the S cars. Should be more out there soon enough. The Paris show is right around the corner! YAY!!!

 

I'm right with you 1wander! I REALLY just want more info, official US options, all that stuff. I'm going to be throwing my money at some dealer, this will be my first Mini, but waiting for all this stuff is driving me nuts. I'm a HORRIBLE wait-er, and this being a major purchase, it's even worse.

I hope to see some more reviews/commentary about the car out there soon. It's like the info comes in waves, a bunch, then nothing, then a bunch, then nothing. SOOO frustrating! Yet, tantalizing...

Hang in there,
Jmelrose

 

Jmelrose,
So ru holding out for an 07 ?
What do you want, a base ?

 

1wander,

I'm planning on getting an '07 MCS auto, with plenty of bells and whistles (probably all the packages, except Cold Weather). Not everyone's cup of tea, I know, but I love that with a Mini I can get EXACTLY the options I want without it being a big "custom order" thing that gets a huge upcharge from the dealer, like my Honda would be if I ordered it now.

Anyway, short answer, yes. I'm holding out for an '07. Definitely upgraded from the base model.

What about you, what are you hoping yours to be like?

 

Hey JM,
I keep waffling back and forth on what I want. When I drove the 06 MCS, I thought, Wow !!! Very nice pickup. I like it.
But with all the options I want, the price is a bit more than I want to spend. So now I'm thinking I may go with the Base Automatic
What I like about the Base is the higher gas mileage, the spare tire, meaning that I don't have to run RF's, the Lower Entry price.
I like "humble" and boxy cars. So if the pickup is as good or close to as good as my current car ( an 06 Subaru Legacy with a 2.5 naturally asprirated engine ), I'll go for it, knowing that even with less power and a slightly cushier suspension, it still is a lot of fun to ride.

 

If you could learn to drive a manual you could save $ and get the MCS or save $ and get decent performance from the MC. You have several months to learn. Though that may be a harder decision than the one you have now.

 

Oh I know how to drive a manual. And I thought I wanted a manual, until I test drove one. I'm too lazy to get into all that leg action and shifting again.
Nope. Auto for me.

 

From what I have heard and read, Mini will be going with the 6 speed automatic and it'll be similar to the auto that's on the current MCS. So it'll have the shift paddles on the steering column, if you want to use them. Or you can just run it like a regular automatic. From what I've heard, these transmissions are very similar in terms of performance to a manual. Some people claim they are even better because the time it takes the car to shift from one gear to the next is much less than any human could manage with a manual tranny.

So the question really becomes, how will the new base engine perform? 120 hp isn't that great, but for a small, fairly light car, it's not that bad either. I think it'll be pretty decent, but nothing at all like a MCS. So don't compare the two in terms of performance. You have to ask yourself, do you want a fun, sporty yet frugal car to drive or do you want a pocket rocket?

 

GOOOO Pocket Rocket!!

I usually have my cars for a while. I plan to drive this one a long time, and so I'm splurging on the upgrades because this car and I will be together for long enough to validate the extra cost up front. For example, I ALWAYS get an aftermarket stereo system, most recently because I needed a way to get my iPod connected directly to the head unit. Long story short, I've already planned to get the Digital Mogul system since I have heard great things and it will allow me to be quite happy with the sound in the car without going aftermarket. (The new dash doesn't look aftermarket-friendly, from what I've seen.) So what's my point? My philosophy on it is spend big up front, take care of the car, and that should keep my eyes from wandering too far when the '10s, or '12s or maybe even '15s come out. :-)

I'm sure the 50th anniversary Mini in '09 WILL make me feel a twinge of regret, but as an Apple Computer user, I'm used to wishing for the next great thing shortly after buying the current great thing...

JMelrose