[Joema]

I previously owned a 2005 MINI Cooper that plagued with problems. I was one of the unfortunate ones that had a bad gearbox . Even the replacement box had a bad throwout bearing. Anyway, my question is has BMW made any changes to the box since mid-2005? I really liked my car and prefer the current styling despite the issues that I had (don't want to get into the other issues for this post) and am contemplating a 2006 while I can still get the current model versus the new 2007. The fact that the 5-speed is not available on the upcoming US spec 2007 model makes me suspicious. I would appreciate any constructive feedback on this issue as I'm sure others may be on the fence of buying the last of the current model versus waiting for the new one.

[Paul]

Personally I'd wait and get the new one, not because of the gearbox alone, but getting a new "old" model might be a bad financial decision. The new boxes are basically the same as the current S box across the range, but with a smoother shift/less notchy gate and slightly revised gear ratios. I prefer the 6 speed to the 5 speed anyway, so I guess my vote is firmly with the "wait" camp.

[Joema]

Thanks Paul. I had a feeling you were going to say that. I restore British Cars as a hobby so depreciation doesn't bother me. A daily driver plagued with problems, however, does bother me. Ideally I guess I should see how our European fans make out with the new model since they are getting it a few months before those of us over in the States. Mine had the chrono package which I didn't see as an option on the new car. Too bad. I know most prefer the traditional look, but I like lots of gauges as many of my old MGs had. The wooden dash, steering wheel and the Redwood leather have my vote. I'm just curious to see how much those options will be in the US. I also had seen somewhere about a non-metallic oxygen blue. I would be curious to see what that looks like. The better gas mileage and safety also interest me.

[morrisminiminor]

I don't understand why anyone wouldn't wait for the new car if they were keen to buy one. The fuel consumption is greatly improved so the one big complaint about fuel consumption is being addressed. The looks may not suit everyone but when buying your second or third MINI I'd have thought that you would want to see some improvements. If no changes were made, within a week you wouldn't remember you had a new car apart from the dent in your bank balance.

morrisminiminor

[REDKOOPER]

I was in the same position, do I wait or do I buy what I like now. The 2006 model is superb, all the problems have been sorted out. The 2007 will no doubt have new problems. I bought the car (MCS 06) as I liked the supercharger and the real scoop and the LSD. No matter what car you buy you will loose money, but who cares, you only live once. As for fuel econemy, I have just completed a long trip (mostly motorway driving at 70 mph) and have returned 40.9mpg.

[Joema]

I have gone through many cars and my experience has been that the last year of the outgoing model is usually the best built and the first year of the new model is usually in need of a few fixes. There are always exceptions to the rule, as in anything, but this typically holds true. Only time will tell. I, like RedKooper, prefer the styling of the current model over the new model. Thanks to all for your comments. Morrisminiminor's opinion is at the top of my list as well - Can I overlook a few things I don't like with the new car to experience the benefits it provides (fuel, safety, etc)?. If I go new, as stated above, I prefer to wait and hear from those who get the first ones off the line to see how well they are screwed together.

[mrxup]

what about the price of them? Does anybody has information?
Does the 2007 mini would have the same price as the 2006?
Thanks you guys,Comments will be appreciated

[Ken Cooper]

Sounds like your 2005 could very well have fallen into the lemon law catagory. Every forum I've visited has one or more of those being discussed. Sorry to hear about your misfortune.

Question: Isn't the 6 speed transmission that replaces the 5 speed the same that has been on the current Mini Cooper S? I haven't heard about any reliability issues on that one.

Also, this new engine appears to be rather more sophisticated than the one it replaces. I like the idea of a BMW/Pugeot designed engine for my BMW designed car.

Comments I've read from R56 design engineers include the goal of making the Mini Cooper come away from the European crash tests with 5 stars. That's important to me, especially having a car that starts out at a disadvantage (small cars don't fare so well against those majoruty big cars/SUVs (probably a bigger deal in the U.S. than elsewhere).

Also important from my perspective is the part the model year plays in later resale.

At least these are some of the reasons why I decided on the '07 rather than the '06. It was a tough decision especially considering my problem of chronic impatience.

Oh, did I mention the gas mileage?

[Joema]

For anyone considering a new first generation from remaining dealer stock, dealers are discounting, at least around my neck of the woods. I contacted two dealers
(PA/NY area) and they were willing to knock about $800 off the price. I decided to wait myself to see how the new model pans out but thought I'd pass this info along in case anyone was considering the outgoing model.