Yes, my dealer was the same with 06s when I ordered my 07 MC last year.

 

You apparently weren't looking very hard.

NW MINI was giving discounts on '06 models before the release of the R56. Usually the $500-1000 range. They still have a couple new-old-stock '06 convertibles availible well under MSRP.

 

I guarantee you if we slip into a recession most automakers are going to see a slow down in sales. Mini will not be immune to this. They might not be as affected as other manufactures, but if the recession is as deep and long as I think it will be, you better believe it's going to hurt the bottom line for most auto manufactures.

And a waiting list for a Ferrari is a poor example of a down economy on auto sales. People buying Ferrari's don't have money problems, and are therefore generally not affected by recessions. The majority of people buying Mini Coopers don't have $200,000 - $400,000 sitting around to blow on a car.

Yes, I do think anyone who does not lose their job in the coming recession and is in the market for a new car, it will be a fantastic time to car shop. You will start seeing the supposed no-haggle brands like Scion, Saturn, and Mini offering deep discounts and insane interest rates. I'm seriously starting to feel as though I ordered my car too soon. Instead of only $500 off MSRP, I'm sure if I ordered in the midst of a deep recession I could get four times that amount off MSRP. Hmmm... I might just have to see how desparate the dealership will be to sell me my car when it arrives. I think I'm going to change the terms of the deal.