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It's my understanding that Sept cars will be 2003's. Can anybody confirm that? My car is supposed to be delivered in Aug. Wonder how that will affect value a year or two down the road? Should I wait and get a 2003 model?
It seems from this forum that Americans are much more concerned about Model year than we are! You dont really hear people here saying that their car is a "2001" or whatever.
I've not heard of any significant changes to be made any time soon to the MINI - they'd be mad to - its a brand new car, just launched, no changes necessary!!
There a few reasons why we care about the Model Year of the car.
One obvious one is because it affects the resale/book value of the car when you try to sell it or trade it in. If you can buy a 2003 model with a Sept. built date as opposed to a 2002 model with an August built date, then why not wait an extra month if you can.
In addition to the book value issue, you'll normally get the new refinements in the new model year. I heard (but cannot confirm that) bigger cup holders and armrest are added to 03 model.
MINIJewel said to expect a 3 percent price hike (I wont hold her to that), and I've heard armrests are in the works, Cold Package to be complete, cup-holders adjusted, more available colors (S model), and other minor adjustments.
But hey... if you wait till 2004, maybe they'll be even better. And imagine the resale value!
I want a first year MINI. I intend to keep my MINI till it's final demise, and I'll be proud to have a 1st year production (in the USA, of course).
sixfoot6
Dark Silver "S" - White Top - Alloy Wheels - Sports Package - Premium Package - status: In Search of Twisties
... in the short term, number of miles and what features matter more than model year. The 2002 and 2003 model years are not going to be that different.
... in the long term, earlier model years may be worth more. Take for example the BMW 2002, where 1973 and earlier models are more desireable than 1974 - 1976 models. 1974 marked the year that square tail lights replaced round ones, to look better with the aluminum baby-buggy bumpers which replaced the beautiful chrome ones.
R1:
Yup, we love them cup holders... they do come in handy especially when u have kids
Miniac:
Regarding resale value, your examples are the exceptions to the rule. Without going to a lengthy explanation, generally it just doesn't work that way. I sure hope that the Minis will become an exception to the rule.
Count me as an American who doesn't give a flip for cupholders - Cars are for driving, not eating and drinking in. I take care of bodily functions at home or in a restaurant I also don't like center armrests, especially if they intrude into space reserved for my gear shifting elbow. The only reason I'd wait for a 2003 is if they were planning some major effort to address the niggles many folks seem to be experiencing... I'll likely place an order this summer and hope for the best.
You are kidding right? From what I've picked up, the UK is obsessed with -- not 'model year' -- but with which letter registration a car has. (which the same thing really)
You do remember the annual rush of customers out to buy new cars when the a reg letter comes out in late summer? (Although it's not as bad as it used be because of the new numbering scheme and the twice yearly release of new registration numbers). And here on the MINI2 forums last summer, many of you UK folk fretted that you were buying "Y" reg cars when a new numbering scheme was about to be launched in September 2001 making some of the brand new MINIs instantly 'old'.
__________
Anyway, back to the issue at hand, I would not give up the opportunity to have a MINI sooner on the gamble that 4 years later it might be worth $800 more if you wait another 4 months for a 2003 model.
+ 2002 MINI Cooper S - Dark Silver / White roof, Sport, Premium, Lapis blue leather
+ 1965 Mini Traveller - Tartan Red / White roof, 1275, Cooper S discs, fully restored/renewed
Well, I for one hope this is true. I'd like the armrests, and cup holders can be handy occasionally, and it just so happens I wasn't planning on getting a MINI for a few months anyway, which will easily put me into September or later build date. Would be a bit bummed if there is a price increase, but as long as it is not too big and I'm confident they've taken care of most (if not all) of the major niggles, I'll be happy to pay it.
PigLick
PS BruceK, I'd have to agree with you. I was completely puzzled a few weeks ago when someone posted complaining that the dealer had sold his reg number, and people started talking about the "value" of a reg number. Complete bewilderment on my part, and it's only after reading your post that I'm starting to understand it all.
I think this resale thing is a falacy encouraged by car dealers. It is true that an average 1999 car would cost more today than a 1998... but then an average 1999 also has less miles. If you have a choice of buying a 2002 or a 2003 TODAY, then when you sell your car it will have the same number of miles regardless of model year. You should compare a higher than average mileage 3 year old car with an average mileage 4 year old car. When you do that you will find the difference in resale values almost vanishes.
Also, local tax tax and insurance is often based on model year so buying the newer car will cost you more every year. By the time you get to sell it, the 2003 may have cost more to own than the 2002 even if they cost the same to buy. It definitely costs more if there are any price increases to get the new model year.
2007 DS/W MCS LSD, sport suspension, Enkei RPM2 wheels
2002 EB/W MCS Sport package, Rogue intake, Borla exhaust, 15% pulley & Madness sway bar
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replaced a 2001 BRG/White Cooper 
Re: Model Year 
R1 & Miniac 
I also don't like center armrests, especially if they intrude into space reserved for my gear shifting elbow. The only reason I'd wait for a 2003 is if they were planning some major effort to address the niggles many folks seem to be experiencing... I'll likely place an order this summer and hope for the best. 
