[TrojanMan]

Hi folks, I'm a newbie to this site, and this is my maiden post on the forums.

I'm thinking about trading in my '01 VW GTI for a Cooper. My main concern is that the new model seems to be just around the corner, and from I can gather from this site and accross the web is that it will be released as an '07 model.

My question is whether or not any U.S. release date has been set, or at least suggested. There are already '06 models out in showrooms now from other companies, would Mini follow the trend? Finacially I should probably wait until at least November to make any sort of plunge, and my VW is running fine, so I can wait if it would seem to worth it (and from what I have read I think it would be), but I'm only human, and can exhibit only so much patience.

Also, at one point would a waiting list be established for the new models? Is there any chance that I would be able to get one of the new models without paying over sticker?

Thanks in advance.

[05HB]

I'd guess 07 models to be hitting the US around August 06 - I think July is when the factory typically switches over to the newer model. Perhaps this is delayed a bit when there is a major model redesign being roled out. Best to contact dealers now and see if they are taking deposits. Some West Coast dealers have around a 12+ month waitlist, so it may not be too early to get on the list.

[M1N1GUN]

Welcome to MINI2 TrojanMan...

My advice would be to definitely remain patient and enjoy your GTI for the moment. Take advantage of the great MINI community and stay glued to this forum for all the latest news regarding the R56. The more info we get, the better the new model is sounding.

The exterior changes look to be plentiful but at the same time stay true to the current models design, along with interior changes that look to improve quality and space. The engine (IMO) will be way better then the current iron lump - and in case you're not sure, we'll be able to see it's potential/quality, in a lower spec form in some Peugot/Citroen cars before it's released in the MINI.

[Paul]

Judging from all I've seen and heard over the past few months, I'd say around September 2006 at the earliest for the new shapes first model year to start. And don't hold your breath if you're after a cabrio!!

[Mattia]

Paul, this unofficial release date is for only One and Cooper or also Cooper S?
As I've asked before with one of my posts, I'm not sure, but I think to replace my 02 MCS (full of rattles....).
And probably it's better to wait the 2007 model, as it will be a great improvement.

[Paul]

I'm not really sure, last time we had to wait for the S in the UK, but this time early indications are that they could well release all cars together. If they will or not is another thing, I don't know.

[MINIAC]

Quote: Originally Posted by Mattia

As I've asked before with one of my posts, I'm not sure, but I think to replace my 02 MCS (full of rattles....).

And probably it's better to wait the 2007 model, as it will be a great improvement.

The first year of the new model may have niggles just like the first year of the original MINI

[Mattia]

Quote: Originally Posted by MINIAC

The first year of the new model may have niggles just like the first year of the original MINI

That's probably the key....

Thanks for your opinion!


@ Paul

Thanks for your answer

[Pritch]

Start of Production for the One, Cooper, CooperS and Diesel should be September 2006 - this doesn't mean they hit your showrooms then

[Paul]

Quote: Originally Posted by Pritch

Start of Production for the One, Cooper, CooperS and Diesel should be September 2006 - this doesn't mean they hit your showrooms then

Indeed. Knowing when they'll build 'em and when they'll ship 'em are two different things, especially for the various global markets.

[dalboyne]

Quote: Originally Posted by Paul Mullett

Indeed. Knowing when they'll build 'em and when they'll ship 'em are two different things, especially for the various global markets.

...and when will they stop taking orders for the current models? As they are build-to-order, it's not like they'll stockpile before switching production, is it?

[Cooper76]

If you are after build quality/reliability, then get the current MINI at the end of its run. BMW always produces its most reliable cars at the end of their cycle. My '98 e36 coupe was bulletproof. That's why I bought the '98.

[Pritch]

Quote: Originally Posted by Cooper76

If you are after build quality/reliability, then get the current MINI at the end of its run. BMW always produces its most reliable cars at the end of their cycle. My '98 e36 coupe was bulletproof. That's why I bought the '98.

If you are after the best build quality / reliability, the the best of any car should be about a year after launch of a new model / platform (not facelift) - this is when all the start-up problems will have been ironed out and before all the cost-saving activities have been implemented.
In '06, the current Mini will have had 5 years worth of cost saving activity making the car cheaper wherever possible, to offset the oncost of the features that it has gained over that time! - not meaning that the car is going to be bad, just that quality will be on the line

[21Blue]

I think 2005 will be a vinatge year for the Mini.....
if you like it that much and know you are happy with them, then do yourself a favour and buy one now..

[Cooper76]

Quote: Originally Posted by Pritch

If you are after the best build quality / reliability, the the best of any car should be about a year after launch of a new model / platform (not facelift) - this is when all the start-up problems will have been ironed out and before all the cost-saving activities have been implemented.
In '06, the current Mini will have had 5 years worth of cost saving activity making the car cheaper wherever possible, to offset the oncost of the features that it has gained over that time! - not meaning that the car is going to be bad, just that quality will be on the line

I realize the logic here, but I am not sure that this is the truth. BMW is especially known for continually improving the quality of its cars year-in and year-out of the model's lifespan, whether or not a lot of cost-cutting is going on. Just look at any of the last two or three versions of the 3er and 5er and you will see that as the model got older, it got higher performance marks in quality/reliability. That is a main gripe of people not wanting to see the current model of whatever BMW go out as it will invariably mean losing all the years of Munich fine-tuning it to perfection in place of all the new quirks and squeaks of the new model that is replacing it. This surely is the case with the e46 vs. the e90 right now.

[TrojanMan]

BMW has made great strides in recent years in improving the quality of all of their automobiles, no matter if they are in the first year of production or the last. The latest 7-series had some issues when it first was released, but that had more to do with the fact that it was a rolling super-computer rather then a car.

My dad picked up a new 545 with the first couple months of production. Mechanically it has been perfect, and the only problem was when a CD got stuck in the player. As a side note, he loves the iDrive system. Its daunting at first, but if you take two hours to learn it, it becomes quite intuitive and proves to be somewhat useful.

I would say that BMW (and most car companies) are always striving to improve their cars, and without a doubt the last year model of a car is superior to its first. But I've found this has more to do with adding features and improving performance rather then improvements in performance.

[der Fahrer]

You also have to realize that while the 2007 will be the first year of production for the new model, it's being built on the prior 5 or 6 years of experience that MINI has had building the new Coopers. In other words, it's not like they're starting from a completely blank slate here. They know what the problems were in the early years and I'm sure they are working to prevent the same things from happening again.

[Tone]

Nothing to say. Just want to keep an eye on the thread

[willymcd]

I don't think the '07 will be anything great and it is a whole new engine, i would give it a good two years in consumer hands before considering it. the rear suspention is going to cheapend up, who know how much the peformance handeling will be effected?? i like the supercharged engine, and it seems to be durible enough, pumping out as much horse power as the new bmw engine will. i've never been a fan of turbo cars, who knows how well the twinscroll turbocharger will work. anyways, i wouldn't wait for the '07 or would i be the one who buys the first one of the lot. it is better to get a mini now, and if the '07 one turns out to be great just sell your old mini and get the new one, its not like used minis are hard to sell. hopefully they keep the limited production going too, so our cars continue to retain their value.