I have similar thoughts... though I'm leaning strongly towards the '07.

My tactic: Put a deposit down on an '07 and get my place in line (if you're even considering an '07, I would do this soon).

It sounds like the demos will be in before the end of the year, right around the same time dealers will be allowing those on the waiting lists to spec their cars.

Drive the '07 and decide then what you want to do (continue with your order... or take your deposit back and start shopping for a used one).

 

If you are concerned with appearing masculine in your car maybe you'll have to get a 'stang, a Charger or a pick-up of any flavor, MINI is for drivers, projecting a masculine image is for Madison Ave. IMHO, and going against the prevailing opinions here, IF it worries you what people might think, best not to get it. If you want to read up on the racing history of the original Cooper S you might not ever question the image of these cars again, won Monte Carlo Rallye 3 years running, but those weren't these cars, they were smaller...

 

do it, wont regret...

Look who is talking?