[mjmarquez]

After 6 months of waiting, my time has finally come to order my much anticipated Cooper S. But, I have one decision to make that I need people's opinion on. If I order now I can have my Mini by July or August. But, if I decide to hold out for a 2004 model it would arrive by October or November.

Are there going to be any major differences in the 2004 model other than color choices? I've read about the suspension changes on new builds and a possible facelift in regards to the headlights in the forum. I have no clue as to whether or not I should hold out a couple more months.

I would appreciate any comments/advice/insight from the wonderful people on Mini2. This site has definitely helped me keep my sanity during my 6 month wait. Thanks in advance!

Mary Anne

[cooper4us]

Mary:

Back in January I had originally planned to order a new '03 MCS. However the waiting list at the time was just about 7 to 8 months. Then my motoring advisor suggested that, if I could hold for a couple of months longer, I could place my order for a 2004 model year MCS instead. Since I was in absolutely no hurry at the time to get the new car and the idea of getting a new '04 was very palatable, I immediately jumped on it.

My car is scheduled for a September build and an October delivery. However, the car was ordered based on the available 2003 model year options and pricing. At this point in time I have no idea what "Enhancements" my '04 MCS will bring along with any price increases. I don't even have a production number assigned to begin with. My dealer will make the order official with the Oxford factory sometime at the end of July and hopefully MINIUSA will release pricing and equipment information for the new model year by August. So in all and all, I am very excited at the prospect of getting a '04 and yet not knowing what extra goodies or updates my car will bring along over the current 2003's.

Another very powerful reason why I decided to wait for the 2004, is that I am confident that MINI will have resolved some of the very few but still lingering quality control issues by the time the 2004 model year production starts in September. So, if you ask me, I would say...wait for the '04 instead!.

If you are not in a hurry to get your new MINI now, then wait until October which is still shy of 5 months away.

Those are my $20 for the day

[chiph]

It's up to you -- there probably won't be any significant model changes with the 2004's right away -- what MINI has been doing is slipstreaming them in as they become ready for the production line.

So, if the idea of having a '04 appeals to you, wait. But I'd much rather have the 2 months *in* my MINI to motor around!

Chip H.

[xplode]

just to throw my two cents into the mix; i don't really know what quality issues some people keep talking about - i've had my '02 MC since july and i haven't had a problem. sure, some people still get unlucky but the percentage seems slim and i don't think the difference between a '03 and a '04 MY will be substantial in that regard. so don't wait for that reason.

if the headlight change is so massive that you can't live without it, i'm sure it could be retrofitted, but somehow i doubt it will be that big of a deal.

in other words, it's up to whether you value having an '04 MY simply because its newer.

it it was up to me - easy, i'd want to MOTOR those last few summer months of '03...

[GregF]

I agree with xplode. I had the same decision to make one year ago. I'd already waited since August 2001 and did not want to wait any longer. I'd been waiting for the Harmon Kardon stereo upgrade, but gave up. Sure, I wish I had a better sound system, but I can always go aftermarket. It still is not a priority. I got the car for my motoring pleasure. I have not been disappointed.

If you are looking to move on to an other car in a couple of years, maybe wait for the 2004 and you'll get a higher resale value.

[cooper4us]

Hmm let's see:

Defective coolant tank bootles in the MCS
Issues with the software calibration in the MCS (People complain about a "Hole" between 1st and 2nd.

Yeah, I want higher resale values, so the 2004 works much better for me.

[Prowse]

Won't you be at risk of getting one of the Citroen/Peugeot engines in 2004 though?

[Grimfool]

The way the dollar is falling against the British pound don't be surprised if there is a price hike on the 2004 models

[erichui]

i have no problem with my car except 1 thing......
coolant leaking..
its not that much of a big deal to me, as long as they fix it before the warranty ends.

[cooper4us]

A price hike is expected for the new year. From '02 to '03 the price increase was $125.

[80spitfire]

Since your probablly paying MSRP I'd go for the 2004 model. The reason being is better resale value. Why pay sticker to drive a car that's already a year old when you get it. I agree that small problems will be worked out on the 2004 model. But that's just my opinion. You'll have fun with your MINI no matter what you decide!

[mjmarquez]

Thank you for all your advice. It's nice to have different perspectives. Still a difficult decision, but at least it will be an informed one. Thanks again!!!

Mary Anne

[jmusicman]

I'm in the same exact situation myself... but I went ahead and decided to wait for the 2004MY. I don't think that MINI will change the headlight array at all....just rumor... And as was said before, any changes they make to the production line, they do them during the current model year....(that includes software fixes, and other faults too)

So that means there are really only two considerations:
1. Get the car earlier have fun NOW, and when you sell it (in 5-6 years?)you'll lose maybe two grand....
2. Be patient, save money when you sell the car in that same period of time.

It's really up to you, but unless you need a car now, the logical thing to do is to wait...

Good luck,
Jay

[stryder]

Quote:

Originally posted by jmusicman
And as was said before, any changes they make to the production line, they do them during the current model year....(that includes software fixes, and other faults too)

Some changes are based on model year. S' got the metal pedals for '03, and the sport steering wheel was introduced as an '03. It seems mostly fixes don't wait for the model year, but new features do, like the Sat radio option or the alarm system prewiring.

[Rainbow-Walker]

Hi all, tried a Mini Cooper (CVT) yesterday and loved it. Now working out whether to try for a July delivery, or wait for a September build to get a 2004 model... Decisions Decisions.....

I think I'm leaning towards a September build (Oct delivery ?).

If I wait, I'll wish I hadn't, and if I don't wait, I'll wish I had. No win situation I would say.

[CurtP]

Quote:

Originally posted by stryder
Some changes are based on model year. S' got the metal pedals for '03, and the sport steering wheel was introduced as an '03. It seems mostly fixes don't wait for the model year, but new features do, like the Sat radio option or the alarm system prewiring.

Not really -- those were changes to the running model year. Early '03's like mine didn't get the sport steering wheel or the metal clutch/brake/accelerator pedals (I only got the metal dead-pedal). Like was said earlier, MINI seems to make running changes during production.

I don't know what I would do though. I normally wouldn't buy the current model year if I was going to take delivery late in the year when it's close to the new model years release, ESPECIALLY if I was paying MSRP. However, my last new car was bought in March of 96, although it was a MY95. But I got a DEEP discount when I bought it which was lower than what the depreciated value was.

[JOSHUA]

Hi all

My mini cooper (see joshua - cooper ordered in gen section)
is due to be delivered on 7th Oct this yr and I though this was going to be an 53 reg. Does this mean I'm mistaken and that I'm going to get a nice 04 plate. Will this be automatic being a delivery date of Oct or do I need to request it from a dealer (i.e could they stich me up with an earlier model).

Sorry to be thick, but I'm not up to speed on reg no.s or when best time to buy is.

[bkwalker]

wait for the 2004... you will prob regret it otherwise!