Hi All,

I am ready to purchase a Mini drop top after admiring them for many years to replace my '80 MG B.

I was all set to get an '08 but now I'm not sure. It seems that the redesigned '09 will have just enough stuff to make it worth my wait. My current daily driver (which will also go away) is in perfect shape, so I'm in no hurry.

Is there any update on the delivery of the '09 in the USA? If it will be late summer or fall I think I can hold out and get one of the first ones. If it will stretch into '09 I'm not so sure.

Thanks!

Jeff

 

Will probably be Feb 09 release in US. The 07 R56 release was in Feb 07, the 08 Clubman release in Feb 08, and hence the 09 R56 rag top in Feb 09. I bought the 07 R56 MC. Great ride, I'd wait it out if I had a daily drive available until then.

 

^ +1 on Feb 09. Expect the same release timelines as with the R56 and Clubman.

Worth the wait? -- well, the best thing you can do is go to the dealer and try an R53 and an R56 back-to-back. There is plenty of debate as to which is 'better', but I would go out, test both and decide for yourself.
You should be able to tell most differences by testing the hardtops even if the 09 cabrio isn't out yet.
There may be some additional differences with the 09 (ex. rumored active roll-over bar instead of the view-obstructing bars on the current back seat, and more than likely new color(s)), but the biggest differences are going to be the same ones that exist between the R56 and the R53.

 

I was going to wait, after two years of wanting a MINI and went out and got a 2005 CABRIO with 14K miles. Its just a base Cooper with the premium package. In 09 this will get traded for the R57

 

Thanks to all who replied.

I went tonight and drove the '08 cabrio and the '08 hardtop. There were some things I liked about the R57, but some I didn't.

What exactly would make you wait a year for the new one, the turbo, telescoping wheel?

Thanks

 

The engine is a significant improvement over the old tritec. Much more efficient with lower emissions.

Having never driven the old convert I can't really compare. But I've driven both the old and new hardtops. I like the better engine and for me prefer the better ride, not quite as punishing. Some, and there are plenty, who prefer the more raw ride of the old hardtop. Just depends upon what you are looking for. But for a daily driver, I'd prefer the new.

 

I agree....the main things to look for is the engine (efficiency and performance) and the ride quality, especially if you plan to drive w/ runflats. I do believe the arrangement w/ the cabrio roll bars is due to be significantly different as well...that will likely be important from a visibility perspective. Much has been made of the difference in appearance between the two models but I believe both truly have their advantages. I will also say that once you are motoring all that totally fades away. Both cars are full-on MINIs at heart. I had a much-beloved R50 and now am nuts over my R56. Great package, imo.

 

Wait, for sure.

The new cabrio will have much much much more comfortable seats, better fuel efficiency, better power delivery, a more solidly built interior, and probably a better roll-bar setup.

Downsides will be that its the first of its kind and may have more bugs than an '08 will have, which has had 3 years to be refined and work the kinks out.

Edit: I traded in an '06 MCSC for an '07 MCS so I'm well aware of the differences between the R56 and the R53. I say wait.

 

definetly worth the wait.

 

Thanks to all who replied. After much thought and lots of angst, I've decided to go ahead with the '08. I just can't wait over a year to play. A few months wouldn't be so bad.....

I should have mine in March / April, just in time for top down this spring.

See you on the road!

Jeff

 

Congrats - you won't regret it . . . not when you get that cabrio in late spring and in time for early summer

 

Yeah, for all the excellent features of the '09, waiting that long would be very painful. I was going to wait for an '08 but circumstances intervened which forced me to get another new MINI in '07. I've never been so thrilled to have a plan thwarted!!!!!

 

Thought I would update this thread (for the last time) to let you know that I took delivery of my '08 yesterday. Thanks to everyone for their thoughts on waiting for the '09. I bet I'll spend many days this year thanking god I didn't wait. I also bet I'll find some good reasons a year from now to wish I had.

See you on the back roads!

Jeff

 

Jeff - I haven't see much of the White Silver, but that looks awesome in your sig. If you don't mind, could you post some pics either here or on the 1st-Gen cabrio forum?

 

I would be happy to upload a pic or two from my delivery. What is the best way to do so to meet the forum requirements? My pics are far too large!

 

Hopefully this picture works. It is a larger version of the one in my .sig (just click on it to open it I believe). Once spring rolls around I will take some better ones outside (with the boats in the background).

Color is White/Silver with malt leather seats with silver piping. Chrome line exterior and interior.

Jeff

 

Thanks, and very nice. That color looks great, and I like how the pin stripe ties in the interior color as well.

 

The engine difference alone would be worth the wait. I never cared for the previous motor at all much. If the price increase isn't too much on the R57 I may consider one.

 

Dude, you must be stoked. You got a Sidewalk Edition. Lucky Git.

Hope you didn't loose your MGB. Still got mine. '69 Roadie

 

Need to make space in the garage. MGB will be sold this spring. Now I just need to find someone who will appreciate it.