hey all, i found this link and ist said 2nd gen models are coming

http://www.worldcarfans.com/9080601....ive-march-2009

shouldi wait or buy now?

 

This has been discussed, but if it were me, I'd wait just for the top-open-o-meter

 

There are a couple of threads on this in the 1st gen forum.
Here's one:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=141196

I hope that was sarcasm . . . of all the changes with the 2d gen., the gimmicky top-open-o-meter would be at the bottom of the fators to consider (I would think auto-roll over protection, turbo vs. supercharger, mpg, interior, exterior styling, etc . . . would play a bigger part in the decision . . . even the burble/no-burble should be of more importance)

 

Did you seriously just post this? Really? I'm getting semi-flamed on a Mini forum for posting something about a cutesy-little-MINI-esque feature?

I have an R56. I know what they're about. I would wait, and buy the '09, because I have some idea of what to expect versus an R53. I'm not going to turn this into an R53 vs. R56 debate. There is nothing to evaluate for me.

Most people don't consider interior/exterior styling, because to most people, they all look the same. That's the idea. Roll over protection? There are numerous documented accidents in MINI verts that attest to the safety of the vehicles. I wouldn't worry. Turbo vs. SC? Got me there, that's something everyone should consider.

Burble, no burble? I'd be more concerned about SC whine/no SC whine...BOV or no BOV...

 

^ relax -- don't read so much into my post -- it was not meant to be a semi-flame . . . nor was it intended to start another R53 vs. R56 thread (there's enough on that in other locked threads )

I was just mocking the top-open-meter which MINI is marketing as a great new feature which will mean more top-down motoring -- I personally think it's silly.
Not only was I not flaiming the R57, in fact I'm pointing out that the new car will offer much more important changes to consider than the meter. . . . that's all.

As to the specific considerations -- most will not consider styling . . . I would. I'm not passing judgment on either car, just pointing out that it's a factor that should be considered (even people who can't tell the difference in the exterior should be able to tell a difference inside).
Roll-over: I'm not critiquing the permanent bars for safety -- in fact, I think the main reason for the R57 change is visibility. My 2 cents on that: I actually like the look of my rollercoaster bars . . . and don't mind the visibility.
And I agree, SC whine should also be considered -- although I would personally give that up before the burble.

 

I'd wait (if that is possible) just for the better mpg.

 

Yep, I choose to wait and have put my name on 2009 list, #1 baby.

For me there were many reasons to wait for 2009: my schedule mostly and better MPG on 2009...

I love current version too...