[BradF]

Here's the deal. I'm seriously in the market for a MCS.

I am the former owner of an 04 MC CVT....My wife REALLY wanted the car, and had to have an auto tranny. Lifestyle change forced us to sell the MC in favor of a 3-series BMW (which we love). Needless to say, I liked the MC, but HATED the CVT. It was, as they say, like going to a movie with a bag over your head. But, we loved the 04 -- specifically the build quality. We called it "Sherman" as in Sherman Tank, because it was such a solid little guy. Build quality alone led me to purchase a BMW, which I previously would have NEVER done.

Now, it's time to satisfy my intense craving for a MINI S. I've checked out the 2007, and took it for a lengthy test drive. I really liked that car, and overall felt that (especially with the interior) BMW hit a home run. I know I'll get shot for this, and it has been discussed somewhat, but I just didn't feel as warm with the overall build quality. It was still very, very good and in a lot of ways I prefer the look of the 2007, but it just doesn't have that same 'carved from steel' feel about it that I loved about the prior generation. But DANG the 07 was fun to drive.

So, the obvious question is this: Here in the states you can still buy an 06 new. Obviously I can't custom order one (which is a benefit), but there are some dealerships here that have 06's piled pretty darn high, and some are even discounting them a bit. So, a new 06 MSC is possible.

Any advice out there from somone whos had the same or similar dilemma? I'm in no way bashing the 07, and I'm very much on the fence with this one.....

Ideas?

[Paul]

As the MINI is such a special car, I'd say go with your heart and order a new '06. Sure resales may not hold up quite as well, but if you're compromising in some way purchasing an '07, then don't do it.

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

I had the same choice to make here and bought a new Supercharged S and registered it in February 2007.

I am sure the dealer must have thought I was NUTS and queried it a couple of times (Quote: "Are you sure you wouldn't prefer a R56?", followed by "Why not?"). When a new R53 arrived on the car transporter it was queried by the person accepting the delivery and he even made a point of coming to see the person/wierdo who'd actually ordered it

Good luck to all those with an R56 and I hope you enjoy them, but preferring the old R53 to the point of paying near list price on an obsolete piece of old stock ( ) is not a crime!

If you prefer the older car go for it while you still can

Tigger.

PS: I previously had a much loved '04 MC as well and we did 32,750 miles in it in just under 3 years. It was hell to part with it, but I wouldn't want to go back now. The MCS is just so much fun to drive and completely addictive. I know what you mean by the solid build, it has the same solid feel as the V70 that I use for work and I love that. Go for the MCS while you still can, you won't regret it!!!

[cellularcoffee]

Nobody can tell the difference between the new new mini and old new mini , getting either one is a good choice. No wrong answer here.

I think the 06 MCS looks better than 07 b/c the new model has to meet the pedestrian safety regulation. But the 07 model has a significant advancement in technology such as the twin-scroll turbos direct injection engine made out of aluminum, aluminum rear suspension instead of steel in the 06 MCS, improved construction quality and seats.....etc etc.

For the 06 MCS fans, here is a fun fact you'll love to hear:
The designer for the 06 model MCS went on to work for Ferrari and sculpted the contemporary F430.

However, I ordered the new 2007 MCS. Why? It has beauty inside as well as outside for the new engine has significantly less CO2 emission and better fuel efficiency. Good for the environment.

[CooperS4us]

It comes down to this:

Do you want the "Baby BMW" feel? Buy the R56

Do you want to feel more connected to the road, have a better looking car (Already on its way to become a sought after classic) and feel like you are driving a 21st century MINI? Then buy the R53

You can buy a new R56 at anytime for the next 5-6 years. You, however, will not be able to buy a new R53 anymore. Your window of opportunity is closing fairly quickly.

There is someone at NAM who was dead set on getting a new R56. This thread will help you decide or at least make you spend some quality time with both cars: (Read this thread, food for taught):

MINI COOPER :: North American Motoring - That darn R53...

[Mini Me GB]

That's all very much personal opinion.. I have owned an R50 and now an R56 - love my R56 to bits and feel it has been improved over the R50 in nearly every single way, including handling.. The styling is also down to your own opinion but to me the R56 is a much more sporty, modern and aggressive look

As has already been said go with your heart, underneath it's probably already decided.. Either way you will be very happy

You can read a review over a NAM as well http://northamericanmotoring.com/for...ad.php?t=91593..

[cellularcoffee]

BradF,

Is your wife going to be driving the new car as well? If so, are you getting auto-box or manual?
It could be the deal breaker since they behave differently.

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

Quote: Originally Posted by Mini Me GB (original)

The styling is also down to your own opinion but to me the R56 is a much more...modern...

I never understand the wish to have a MINI that looks more modern

It seems like a complete contradiction, like asking for an electric guitar that's a bit quieter, ice cream that's a bit less cold, or a dog that doesn't need walking

If I wanted modern, I'd go modern and then there's loads of great designs to choose from. Personally, I'd wind up with one of these:



Tigger.

PS: BradF, did you come to a conclusion in the end?

[mmalc]

I just (literally 20 minutes ago) got back home with my new 07 Cooper, having left my 05 MCS behind. *Personally* I already prefer the new car. *To me* it feels better, has a better ride (and this is with the stock set-up -- I'd put Koni FSDs on the S to get a ride I liked), the equipment level is better, and I prefer the looks.

What does that matter to you, though? Well, if you're looking for some reassurance that some people do indeed prefer the new over the old, I hope this may help. Other than that, though, unless there's any overriding objective metric you can use (e.g. fuel economy may be a consideration), platitudinous though it may be say it the only person who can make the decision and listen their inner voice is yourself.

One other less trite thing to consider is Papert's Paradox (named after an MIT professor). I wish I could find the concise formulation I first saw a decade or so ago, but it's along the lines of: It's curious that the more similar two things are, the more time we spend trying to choose between them despite the fact that the difference made by our choice is ever lessened.

So if you're really struggling to choose, it's likely that both will suit you equally well and you should simply toss a coin. Whichever you choose, (a) you'll be happy with it and (unfortunately) (b) you'll always be wondering if you'd have been just a tiny smidgen happier with the other

mmalc

[medilloni]

Quote: Originally Posted by mmalc (original)

I just (literally 20 minutes ago) got back home with my new 07 Cooper, having left my 05 MCS behind. *Personally* I already prefer the new car. *To me* it feels better, has a better ride (and this is with the stock set-up -- I'd put Koni FSDs on the S to get a ride I liked), the equipment level is better, and I prefer the looks.

What does that matter to you, though? Well, if you're looking for some reassurance that some people do indeed prefer the new over the old, I hope this may help. Other than that, though, unless there's any overriding objective metric you can use (e.g. fuel economy may be a consideration), platitudinous though it may be say it the only person who can make the decision and listen their inner voice is yourself.

One other less trite thing to consider is Papert's Paradox (named after an MIT professor). I wish I could find the concise formulation I first saw a decade or so ago, but it's along the lines of: It's curious that the more similar two things are, the more time we spend trying to choose between them despite the fact that the difference made by our choice is ever lessened.

So if you're really struggling to choose, it's likely that both will suit you equally well and you should simply toss a coin. Whichever you choose, (a) you'll be happy with it and (unfortunately) (b) you'll always be wondering if you'd have been just a tiny smidgen happier with the other

mmalc

Well put Mmalc, really enjoyed your post - and so true

[BradF]

I just thought I'd give everyone an update. After much, much, much consternation....I bought a brand new R53. I scoured the dealership network to find the right car. I took a bit of time to get the proper configuration and price ($1,700 off of MSRP) but I took the plunge.

As someone pointed out, my struggle is truly a testament to just how good the R56 is. I drove it, and liked it alot -- it just didn't solve my longing for the 04 i got rid of. As many have pointed out, the R56 feels like a baby BMW. I really think that is a good thing as my wife's car is a 3-series and we love it.

I also think that (mybe a few years from now) i'll end up with an R56.

Thanks everyone for your input.

[JG.26]

Quote: Originally Posted by Tigger, Eeyore & Roo (original)

I never understand the wish to have a MINI that looks more modern

It seems like a complete contradiction, like asking for an electric guitar that's a bit quieter, ice cream that's a bit less cold, or a dog that doesn't need walking

If I wanted modern, I'd go modern and then there's loads of great designs to choose from. Personally, I'd wind up with one of these:



Tigger.

PS: BradF, did you come to a conclusion in the end?

Funnily enough I would steer clear of the new Honda Civic as or some strange reason I think cars that look too modern seem to date much more quickly. I was following a T reg Audi A3 the other day and thought how fresh the design still looked where I just don't think the Civic will in 5 years. It's design is trying too hard to stand out!!

[gfoye]

Saw your post regarding thoughts buying 07 Mini. (I live in San Diego, CA area)

I had an 02 Mini with CVT. Loved car - hated CVT -same as you. Sold it after 4 years due to CVT.

Had my 07 about 2 weeks now -with Aisen automatic - my advice - get 07.
Made selections on-line - took print out to dealer -ordered - took about 6 weeks.

07 with automatic - terrific - fantastic - love it. In D (drive) factory gearing is perfect - we live in hilly area. S has zooming power - don't need shifting - built in gear selections perfect.

Going down hill - if i have to downshift - just a touch of the steeering wheel padel does it.
Or I can place in sport drive and do all the shifting but I found it isn't necessary except for fun.

Go for 07 - glad I got mine.

(I'm 75 years old by the way - have to watch myself so I don't a speeding ticket - that thing flies.)

Also - ride is about 30% better in respect to shock absorbtion - new shock valving absorbs impact better than 02. Ride still stiffer than necessary but that's Mini.

Gerald Foye
gffoye@netzero.com

[wiggis]

Quote: Originally Posted by BradF (original)

I just thought I'd give everyone an update. After much, much, much consternation....I bought a brand new R53. I scoured the dealership network to find the right car. I took a bit of time to get the proper configuration and price ($1,700 off of MSRP) but I took the plunge.

Good choice - I much approve !

Think of it this way - you've bought a car which was famously the least profitable car BMW had on its books, and which cost as much to build as a BMW 3 series. Something has got to be very right about it.

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

Quote: Originally Posted by JG.26 (original)

Funnily enough I would steer clear of the new Honda Civic as or some strange reason I think cars that look too modern seem to date much more quickly. I was following a T reg Audi A3 the other day and thought how fresh the design still looked where I just don't think the Civic will in 5 years. It's design is trying too hard to stand out!!

I've got to agree with you there, it'll date very badly I'm sure though, just for now, it looks brilliant!

I was only using it to illustrate the point that if you want "modern", there are other cars that do modern" it so much better than a "more modern" MINI

Tigger.

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

Quote: Originally Posted by wiggis (original)

Good choice - I much approve !

Think of it this way - you've bought a car which was famously the least profitable car BMW had on its books, and which cost as much to build as a BMW 3 series. Something has got to be very right about it.

Now, that's a great way of looking at it

Tigger.

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

Quote: Originally Posted by BradF (original)

I just thought I'd give everyone an update. After much, much, much consternation....I bought a brand new R53. I scoured the dealership network to find the right car. I took a bit of time to get the proper configuration and price ($1,700 off of MSRP) but I took the plunge.

Fantastic news BradF Really looking forward to seeing some pictures

Tigger.

[CooperS4us]

Great choice BradF!