Hi Folks! Looking into a new Mini. Have had a couple VR-6 GTi's and the 2.0T doesn't appeal to me. Was going to order a new 2007 Mini S, but was offered a serious deal on a 2006 S.

Decisions.

Anyway, looking forward to the car and this forum!

Norm

 

06 will be better prob. none of the bugs you will get with the 07

 

Welcome !

What's the specs on the '06 ? Is this one also new, or is it used ? How many miles ?

I think you'll find most NAMers prefer the R53 to the R56, but it's your decision, of course ! Either way, you'll be buying a grrrrrrrrreat car !!

BTW, Normal people drive normal cars. When you do buy a MINI, you'll have to change your name to "Mr Kewl" or something like that.

 

I was thinking the same. I would like to do some suspension tweeks and, even though the after market moves fast, there is a lot of sorted out stuff already available for an 06!

The dealer I'm talking seems real "motivated" to move the remaining three six speed 06's he has.

 

I might go with "Mr. Abnormal". Been called that for a long time anyway.

 

Welcome to NAM. Go for the R56, you know you want to

 

DO NOT LISTEN TO HIM!!!!!

Just kidding.......an '06 R53 is a proven-good car and will always be a classic. R56 also promises to be amazing but it's band new we've seen none here yet in the US. If it were me I'd go with an R53 if looks like a good deal.

 

Get the 06 less bugs and a lot better looking car.

 

I'm gonna go to the dealer this afternoon and begin the arm wrestling session. He has three six speed and eight automatic cars. I'm guessing he needs to move them before the 2007 flood begins.

 

Here's hoping that works to your advantage...you will not be disappointed!!

 

Bugs, SCHMUGS!

Don't worry about the bugs. That's what the warranty is for! Live a little, and get the newest, best MINI you can. Besides, if you're into "tuning" your cars, then I would be willing to bet that the new '07 turbocharged engine will be MUCH EASIER to get big horsepower numbers from, versus the '02 thru '06 superchaged engine.

I expect the aftermarket to be flooded with big turbocharger upgrade kits soon.

That's not to say that I don't like my car, just the opposite, actually. But if I were in your shoes, it seems to me you'd want to start with the newest, hottest car available.

So my vote is go with the '07 MCS.

 

Welcome to NAM. The only advise I can give is no matter which one you get '06 or '07 get exactly what you want. You can always add performace items, just some thing are just what you want not really need..

- KP

 

Looks like I'm gonna go with the '06 here's what it has:

Cooper S

Dark Silver/Black Roof-Mirrors
Black Leatherette

Six speed
Anthracite headliner
Anthracite Dash
Dynamic Stability Control
Multi-function Steering Wheel
17" Crown spoke (Mini Lite Style) Wheels
Sunroof
Rear Fog Lamp
Front Fog Lamp

Got it for MSRP

I got them to throw in the alarm system, I-Pod adapter kit, and carpet floor mats if I buy it tomorrow.

24 hour countdown began at 5:00 pm PST.

Tick, tick, tick, tick........

 

Welcome to NAM, Mr. N! Great deal on the '06!! Be sure to take plenty of pix!

 

Not as true as you might hope. The twin scroll turbo has very little lag (the reason bmw choose to use it) but it falls on it's face at higher rpms. The #'s speak for themselves: 191 ftp of torque at 1600 rpms. that thing is designed to make all its power at super low rpms. The power drops off after 5000 and once people start messing with the boost it will do it even worse.

Subaru used the twin scroll in their euro spec legacy a few years back. worked great cause it felt like a v8 from a I4T. But when tuners got their hands on it they made good torque #'s but you dont see ANYONE racing those things.

Dont get me wrong, I am deffinatly going to drive one as soon as mini of charleston gets one, but I wouldnt buy the first production run.

wait two or three years for some good r&d and I bet they will be insane! till then, r53 rains supreme.

 

Welcome to NAM. Once you have a MINI, you'll never look back. Good luck on the decision

 

Welcome to NAM! I'm thinking about an '07 as well, but I feel that SCs are better than TCs for the sole reason that you have power immediately. With TCs you have to wait for the turbo to spool up to really kick it through. Also, forget BOVs, CAIs, and all that crap with TCs, they will destroy your hp as well as make you run rich or lean, depending on the EM done.

My vote? Although I want an '07 badly, I don't think the TC will be perfected for a little while. Expect a few bugs in it. Go with the '06, sure it's more difficult to get high hp and torque numbers, but you've got power right off the line with that SC instead of waiting for spool up.

Plus SCs require much less maintenance than TCs.

 

I think you will be happy with that 06. It sounds like a nice car & the extras the dealer is throwing in are very nice. You've driven it & you like it, buy it.

The 07 may be a very nice car, but the jury is still out until they're here & we can drive one. Not much turbo lag may be fine for some & be hated by others. Guess we'll find out in Feb.

 

Done deal. It's in the garage. I'm one of you now.

 

You had me at Dark Silver and Black. I'm sure you'll love every minute with it.

 

YAY!!!!!! It's great, isn't it?!?!?!

 

Okay, the addiction begins. I spent about three hours online last night investigating what aftermarket stuff I need (NEED!, not want). I think I'm gonna start on suspension modifications first, then exhaust, intake, blower pulleys. Then you'll see me down on a corner with a sign "Spare some change for Mini stuff?".

24 hours and I'm a goner already.

 

Nicely done. I note you've already got the NEEEED (rather than want) down to a tee already. Trust me, it'll get worse before it gets better.

 

Thanks man! I'm sure I'll be seeking the "guidance and counseling" of the esteemed members of this forum.