I returned tonight from the Detroit auto show. I urge anyone wanting to order an 07 to wait until they actually see the car. I attended the show thinking I had my order "nailed down" and left knowing I am going to make major changes.

The MiniUSA site is nice, but it is no substitute for actually seeing the car, colors, options, etc.

 

What changes are you making?

 

yes tell me! even though its pretty much too late for me to change anything but oh well...

 

Which aspects of the car struck you as the most misrepresented? Not all of us have been lucky enough to see an R56 in the flesh.

 

From those that I have seen (quite a lot) the colours are the main item, both interior and exterior.

 

I do not consider anything to be misrepresented. Seeing the new cars, and sitting in them, gave me a much better idea of exactly what I really liked and needed. Like they say, "the proof of the pudding is in the tasting."

I had the greatest trouble visualizing the interior using MiniUSA's Build Configurator. In general, I liked the standard interior trim more than I thought I would.

 

Great input....I'm waiting for the Chicago Auto Show in mid-Feb....probably go the first day. I agree with you...I'm not buying a thing until I see it in person.

 

Luvyellow, you had mentioned in a previous post that you have ordered the yellow (obvious by your moniker I s'pose). Is it the shade of yellow that has disappointed you? Your's is the first post I've read where disappointment was expressed after actually seeing the car (includes the European forum). Was it the color you didn't like or was it somethine else. You owe us more of an explanation after making a comment like that.

 

I still like Mellow Yellow. Prior to the show, I thought hard about other colors, but decided to stay with yellow.

Also, after attending the Detroit show, I decided not to order options replacing the stock headliner, trim, and upholstery. Not only does this save lots of $$ but, more importantly, I discovered that I really prefer the standard materials.

This is obviously only my personal preference. Many people will make different choices, which is great. In fact, I wish there were more choices - I disagree strongly with MiniUSA limiting some upholstery selections by exterior color. Who is buying the car, anyway?

In my view, using only the MiniUSA Configurator to order a Mini is a bit like relying solely on a realtor's photos and listing description to buy a house. Both are representations, rather than the real thing.

There is no substitute for actually seeing the cars in order to make sure that you are making the choices that suit you the best. The "proof of the pudding is in the tasting." That said, It looks like I'll place an order without a test drive!

 

lol luvyellow, so you're ordering your MINI after tasting (but not digesting -- test driving) -- Is that like smoking but "not inhaling"
Anyway, did you take pics?
I've ordered the yellow but have had some second thoughts since (not strong ones but there nevertheless. My only concern is some photos it seems mustardy -- what's your take? bright and saturated or muted?
Thanks

 

I was at the show last Tuesday. You will not be dissatisfied with the color. The yellow is a true yellow and looks great on the MINI. The standard MCS seats with the cloth are very comfortable, much more so than the R53 sport seats. I shared everyone's concerns about buying sight unseen. After seeing the R56 at Detroit I'm very pleased with the decisions I made. I presently have an '04 MC and the new MINI is a worthwhile successor.

 

Thanks MiniC

 

i changed the spec 4 times & colour 3 times b4 the spec was looked its the hardest part of mini is the spec closely followed by the wait for delivery only 38 days till my laser blue s is delivered after ordering on dec 7th

 

<68 days minimum for me, shoot me :(

 

You will die a thousand deaths waiting for your MINI to arrive!!

 

Yeah. I think it would be easier with an exact date. At least then you could mark off the days on your calendar.

 

Let's be optimistic--mark off days to the unveiling, February 17th. We know it won't be before then. Thank heavens I'm going on a 10 day vacation. It will definitely help!

 

IF you're having trouble with "the waiting" already, DO NOT read the new issue of Grassroots Motorsports Magazine! They loved the 07, and their highly enthusiastic driving review will only make the waiting worse! The review reeeeeeeeeally got me going! UGH! Late Feb/early March... seems a long way away.

 

Actually that makes me feel better since I ordered the car without seeing or driving it. But, am I the only one sitting here questioning what I got? I keep thinking "I should have gotten that option", "Maybe I should have gotten stripes" Its driving me crazy! :impatient

 

...all part of the ownership experience, my friend. You don't think we hand wash in the cold or park near windows at restaurants because we're sane, do you???

 

when i get my MCS it will be parked by the security door at work...its the only area that has an exterior camera so security can keep and eye on my baby while im working

 

No, Trinity, you're not alone. I'm very comfortable with my options, BUT reading NAM can be hazardous to one's mental health. I worry about the reliability of the breed--coming off an older BMW that has been bulletproof up 'til its 190,000 mile marker (and still pretty darn good), but some of these horror stories make one pause...

 

Sixblade, I hope you're not a surgeon. I'd hate to think you'd leave in a hurry if someone was molesting your baby!