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Prices Paid: Buying & Leasing Experiences MINI Cooper Prices Paid and Buying Experience
1111 messages, Last post on Oct 10, 2008 at 8:06 AM
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Replying to: jaxs1 (Mar 22, 2007 6:32 am) |
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The new trunk is a little larger, but the real deal is that the rear seats fold down nicely, so it's really a mini-hatchback. As for reliability, the old engine weas made in Brazil. The new one is made in Europe Proper. Same with the manual gearbox - massive improvement. Tons of tweaks. The original felt a bit half-finished, like the original Miata did. Great and all, but dated from day one. This feels BMW polished and refined. Nothing you can really put your finger on instantly, but tons of small things that add up to a better car. Now if I could only get a chromed roof... 
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Replying to: plekto (Mar 22, 2007 11:17 pm) The new engine is much more sophisticated, but the jury is out on wether its more reliable. Its simply too soon to tell. I personally lament that although a lot has been gained with refinement, a lot has also been lost in what made the Mini so much fun in the first place--the engine doesn't growl, pop, and whine like it did before--these are many of the sensations that got a bunch of us hooked on the Mini in the first place. As for engine reliability, I suspect the base cooper engine will be just fine, but I'm a bit leery about the twin scroll turbo on the S. I would not buy a 2007 if you're after reliability. There have been some serious problems already with the 2007's. I'd wait until 2008 it it were me. It took BMW a few years to get the bugs worked out of the previous Mini; I'd be hesistant to buy anything built before 2004, and I'd be hesitant to buy anything with regard to the new model until 2008 at the earliest. BMW's track record simply hasn't been that good with the new Mini. Personally, I prefer the 2006 to the 2007. I bought a 2006 to hedge my bets; I loved the car and wasn't so sure about the 2007. I bought the 2006 with the thought that if I ended up liking the 2007 better I'd trade in for it, but there's no way I'm doing that now that I've seen/driven the 2007. I'll keep my 2006 forever (just added the JCW package to it recently). It's a more visceral drivers car, but less refined and comfortable. I would agree though that the gearbox is better in the 2007. Side by side the 2006 is significantly better looking (there had to be some compromises on the 2007 to take into account the new Euro pedestrian laws), but you have to know what you're looking for. The majority of people will prefer the 2007, as its definitely the better everyday driver; but the 2006 is the more fun car to drive. Depends on what your priorities are. You mention room. One thing to consider is the Mini Clubman--its the extended wheelbase version of the Mini Cooper, which should be available this fall. It'll have an additional 18 inches of length, which will aid both boot space and rear legroom. I may be in the market for one of these myself someday.
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Replying to: cct1 (Mar 23, 2007 12:07 pm) The current model has no real carrying space unless you fold down the rear seats. If you consider it a 2-seater and can live with that, it will be an OK car for cargo. Even the Clubman will have marginal, smallish (as opposed to useless) rear seat room for adults. It won't exactly have the back seat of an Avalon or even a Civic sedan for that matter.
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Replying to: jaxs1 (Mar 23, 2007 6:49 pm) So, yesterday I ordered a 2007 Cooper S, Mellow Yellow with sport, nav, convenience, and premium. I cannot wait to get it - but it will be about 8 weeks! I am excited about being a mini owner - actually more excited than I have been about any car I have ever had! On another note, I can't say enough about the people at Tom Bush BMW/ MINI in Jacksonville. If you are going to contact via internet - talk to Steve Aten. You will have the most pleasant, low pressure, and honest experience you have ever had buying a car. If you are going to the dealership, either talk to Steve, or talk to Nick at MINI - he is passionate about these cars, and, although we were already working with Steve, he had nothing but great things to say about Nick. In fact, Nick was more than happy to answer all my questions and be available to help, even though it was not his sale! I will post again when I get the MINI in a few weeks - until then, thank you all so very much! |
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| The dealer I am working with is coming down 500.00 plus 2.9% financing, on a 2006 mini convert manual with msrp of 25850. Can I do better in upstate NY? | |
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When dealing for the car above the salesman said the maintenance was 3 yr, 36000 miles on a 2006. Are the 2007's 4 year 48000 miles?
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Replying to: irisheyes44 (Mar 24, 2007 4:56 pm) |
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How easy would it be for a old dog to learn a new trick, driving a mini manual? Have found the car but its manual and I have only driven automatic all my life. I am turning 50 and want to try something new and fun. How about?
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Replying to: irisheyes44 (Mar 25, 2007 4:43 pm) The S is not quite as forgiving, but its relatively easy to shift as manuals go too. If you're buying the car for fun, I'd recommend throwing caution to the wind and get the S. You'll pick it up in no time, and its definitely worth it, especially for what you're getting the car for. A little practice, and you'll be shifting with no problems. Oh, and I'm assuming you're right handed--its a bit tougher for a lefty to learn a manual--not impossible, but its a bit tougher. |
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