Official 2006 MINIUSA Pricing

Sections: MF Feature | Uncategorized Jul 22nd, 2005 90 Comments

We’ve got a load of 2006 pricing scoops for you today. Everything from base prices for the entire model range to info on the new 2006 options and even the highly anticipated factory JCW pricing.

First off it appears as if MINIUSA as held the line on price increases for the start of the 2006 model year on all models except the hardtop Cooper S (which only goes up $200) Let me be the first to say well done MINIUSA. Here are the official numbers for each model:

Cooper = $16,950
Cooper Convertible = $21,450
Cooper S = $20,600 (up $200)
Cooper S Convertible = $24,900

(not including $550 for destination)

That said a few options have increased in price:

Metallic paint goes up $30 to $450
Sport packages go from $1350 to $1400
Premium Packages go from $1350 to $1400
Body Colored Dash gets increased from $0 to $200

Then there’s the Checkmate Package (for 10/05 production). MINI has priced this at a reasonable $2,200 for what really are quite a number of options. No complaints there from us.

The English Leather Seats (Code LNPN) that we mentioned last week will be priced at a very reasonable $1700. Again, a little less that I expected.

With the weakness of the Dollar against the Pound and the Euro it must be hard for BMW AG and MINIUSA to justify not moving the pricing up even more. It’s nice to see that they’ve held their ground so well.

mini

Now for the news many of you have really been waiting for, factory JCW Package pricing. As we mentioned previously this package (code 3AL) will come with limited slip differential ($500), JCW Brake kit ($1056) and of course the JCW Engine Kit ($4775). Now add up those three and you get a surprisingly close idea of what the option costs. The factory JCW kit (including both options just mentioned) will retail for $6300.

MF Analysis: Yeah, a little more than many of us had hoped for. However it would seem MINI had to closely match the dealer installed JCW kits pricing so as to not immediately drop the value of those kits remaining in dealer inventory. They also have a good many customers who would be none too happy suddenly seeing something they paid $6,000+ for being offered for much less straight from the factory. So what MINIUSA has done is essentially cut out the labor costs previously tied to the JCW kit option. While I’m sure a number of you might not be happy with the price, I think it’s actually rather fair all things considered.

We’ll have further info on US specific 2006 model year options and pricing on Monday.

Written By: Gabe

90 Comments

petsounds Jul 22nd, 2005 Link

I imagine they’re holding the line in order to create as much interest as possible for the last production year of this generation. You can bet the 2007 MINIs will be significantly more, for many reasons.

Speaking of those nice English seats, I wish they would also come out with a premium leatherette seat. The leatherette they use is not very high quality and doesn’t breathe particularly well, compared to the leatherettte which used to be found in the A4 (and “premium” vegetarian shoes you can find).

Avitor Jul 22nd, 2005 Link

Will there ba any increase on the Cold Weather Package?

Minimotorin Jul 22nd, 2005 Link

Gabe, will the checkmate pkg price include the cost of the metalic paint?

KevinR Jul 22nd, 2005 Link

Just out of curiosity, is there any particular reason why the hardtop S was singled out for a price increase?

TooLShack Jul 22nd, 2005 Link

Very sad to hear how much they want for JCW.

Im1hapa Jul 22nd, 2005 Link

I was looking at the MINIUSA website, and it looks like the price of the base Cooper S hardtop is actually $20,950, which would mean the price increase is actually around $500. I feel lucky. I ordered my MCS in late April of this year, and looking at the sticker, the base price was $20,400. So in actuality, in a round about sort of way it looks as if the ‘06 MCS hardtop has actually gone up in price by over $1,000! Boy, I’m glad I bought when I did!!

eVal Jul 22nd, 2005 Link

Very sneaky, saying the prices aren’t going up (or only a little for the S) but raising the price on just about everything else, even making previously no cost options like the dash cost $$. For most people it really is effectively an overall price increase. Bet as of 06 production it goes up more as it did in 05.

I wonder if they are waiting for factory JCW production to introduce the auto version?

minimotorin Jul 22nd, 2005 Link

The base price plus delivery fee equals the 20,950 (20,400 + 550). So only one price increase for the 06.

Gabe Jul 22nd, 2005 Link

I was looking at the MINIUSA website, and it looks like the price of the base Cooper S hardtop is actually $20,950, which would mean the price increase is actually around $500.

You may want to look again. The base price without destination charge is 20,400 for 2005. For 2006 it is going to 20,600 or 21,150 with destination charge.

Brendan Jul 22nd, 2005 Link

Any word from miniusa when we’ll be able to configure these new options on the official web page?

lulu Jul 22nd, 2005 Link

Please excuse me, if this is a stupid question. I have an ‘06 ‘on order’, gave the deposit to the dealer with the specs based on the ‘05 model. I am told I will get it in Sept (on east coast) so when do ‘06 orders officially go in at the dealer?

Gabe Jul 22nd, 2005 Link

Very sneaky, saying the prices aren’t going up (or only a little for the S) but raising the price on just about everything else, even making previously no cost options like the dash cost $$

Which would you rather have… MINI increasing the base price of the cars effectively taking them slowly out of reach for some. Or increase prices on a few options for those that want a little extra – effectively keeping base prices low. Seems to me that their solution is quite fair considering the current economic pressures they’re under.

DaveZ Jul 22nd, 2005 Link

Gabe – After looking at the miniusa website, the base price on the MCS is $20,400, that would make the 2006 MCS $1,050 more. ????

DaveZ Jul 22nd, 2005 Link

I need to type faster.

Marc Jul 22nd, 2005 Link

WOW the JCW kit sounds like a steal considering it includes the brakes AND LSD. So maybe a trade in is in order…

Im1hapa Jul 22nd, 2005 Link

Oops…mah bad! Sorry for the mis-info and poor reading skills! = )

Pocket Rocket Jul 22nd, 2005 Link

Throw us some Hi-Res bones Gabe..

I want to see this stuff every day as my wallpaper! Love the top pic!

Craig

eVal Jul 22nd, 2005 Link

“Which would you rather have…”

I just said it was a sneaky way to present price increases; it seems to be the majority of options/pkgs not just a few.

Also, just raising the price on the MCS hardtop, which is likely the bestseller (at least seems most in demand in the US) well, frankly would appear to be gouging…

Jono Jul 22nd, 2005 Link

Oh yeah, because 500 bucks is really gouging… no offense or anything but 500 bucks is not a whole lot in the big picture…. why it’s just 2.5% (based on a nice round 20k price)

Additionally, the JCW direct from the factory is super cool… Whereas the kit might cost about 5k, some dealers are adding on as much as 2k to do the intstall. As well the install price varies DRAMATICALLY from dealer to dealer, at least here in California. I’ve took my MCS to Long Beach Mini and they took care of me for $2500 less, in regards to the whole package of add ons that I had done, when compared to the next lowest priced dealer in either the San Francisco or LA area…

cheers all and remember… Motor On…

Gabe Jul 22nd, 2005 Link

Oh yeah, because 500 bucks is really gouging… no offense or anything but 500 bucks is not a whole lot in the big picture…. why it’s just 2.5% (based on a nice round 20k price)

The increase for the 2006 MCS is actually $200 not $500 (as noted above).

Mini2Go Jul 22nd, 2005 Link

Also, just raising the price on the MCS hardtop, which is likely the bestseller (at least seems most in demand in the US) well, frankly would appear to be gouging…

$200 is gouging? Given the current exchange rates, as Gabe alluded to earlier, it seems to be – at most – a market correction.

…And there is still time to order an ‘05 if you don’t want to pay the additional $200 for an ‘06 MCS. ;)

And $50 for the pakcages is exactly the same increase as in previous years. Yet, interestingly, the individual options did not increase, just the packages. — Which means it isn’t so sneaky after all. :0

Chris Jul 22nd, 2005 Link

Well, I wouldn’t buy the Works kit at that price, but I love the English Leather – I hope it feels as nice as it looks. With that, my Cooper S would price out at a quite reasonable $25k.

So unless BMW announces a 2 series for 2006 at the Frankfurt show, I maybe get a fall Mini. :)

KevinR Jul 22nd, 2005 Link

My 2004 MCS went out the door at $22,999 with metallic paint, leather and Premium package. A similarly equipped 2006 would cost me $24,600. To me, a $1,600 increase over two years is a bit steep.

It looks like the cheapest factory works cars will be just under $30k:

2006 MINI Cooper S $21,450 mandatory sport package $1,400 JCW package $6,300

Total $29,150

Gabe Jul 22nd, 2005 Link

2006 MINI Cooper S $21,450 mandatory sport package $1,400 JCW package $6,300

Total $29,150

Actually that would be: 28,300 for a factory JCW MCS. The pricing for the MCS was switched withe MCc originally.

drew Jul 22nd, 2005 Link

geez guys… such complainers! i have spent nearly 40k on my 2005 mcsa by adding in all of the packages, jcw intake, exhaust, brakes, wheels and suspension. these cars aren’t free! if anything i think we all need to remember that the mini is probably the greatest sports car bargain of all time. a stock mcs outperforms ferraris through the cones and the quality of the detail throughout outshine many cars costing twice as much. try to remember that inflation and a weak dollar aren’t mini-proof and enjoy ; )

cheers – drew

RB Jul 22nd, 2005 Link

HERE, HERE!!! I agree.

Jono Jul 22nd, 2005 Link

Drew, I’m right along with you. I’ve plunked down a fair share of change for my MCS too… I’ve nearing the 40k point for my car too… AND I FREAKING LOVE IT!!! There’s nothing I’d change about it… so to all those who like to complain about $200 and $50 there…deal.

cheers

TooLShack Jul 22nd, 2005 Link

I hope that they improve the quality of the painted interiors if they are gonna charge 200 for it, I find it a bit too easy to scratch the paint off.

eVal Jul 22nd, 2005 Link

Wow, I’m not going to speak to every post responding to my opinion (and yes, like you I am allowed to have one) but as someone else pointed out over on NAM, the real model year increase is $700 as it went up midyear in January.

And I find it funny that people don’t think $200 pre tax is much, but try to take that out of their wallets in other circumstances and see how the attitude would be different :) Anyway, I didn’t say it was much people, just that it seemed like gouging – since gouging is simply charging more for something just because it is in higher demand I said it appeared to be just that.

Again,all I said it was sneaky the way it was presented, take it or leave it like anyone’s .02. Heck, I’m not complaining, I have my car already.

I feel bad for the people who want the previously free body colored dash, that increase would have been tough to anticipate.

drew Jul 22nd, 2005 Link

no hard feelings eval ; ) i hear ya!

cheers – drew

Gregory Jul 22nd, 2005 Link

Looks like all of us with an 05 JCW MCS need to make sure we have the brake kit to ensure we have similar resale compared with the newer factory Works cars…

KevinR Jul 22nd, 2005 Link

I’ll go ahead and correct the first part of my post.

12/2003 – 2004 MCS with metallic paint, Premium package and leather: $22,999

12/2005 – 2006 MCW with metallic paint, Premium package and leather: $24,300

Obviously everyone has an opinion, but $1,301 in price increases over 2 model years seems excessive to me.

I had originally thought about trading my car for an ‘06 model with the factory Works parts. However, if I simply kept the same level of equipment I currently have and added the packages required for the Works treatment, I’d be looking at $32,000. Factor in that there are some other options I wish I had, and you start looking at one very expensive MINI. Too expensive for me.

Unless I win the lottery, I probably won’t be buying an ‘06. It’s a good thing I’m very happy with the one I have.

gmini Jul 22nd, 2005 Link

reading y’all’s posts i wonder if MINIUSA wantst keep the factory moving at all – -or are they planning on finally offering discounts…

I understand the dollar to be quite the weakling these days, might that have just a bit to do with the ups in cost?

Jeffro Jul 22nd, 2005 Link

Having worked in the auto industry, I can say that the factory is probably paying less than $500 for the JCW parts. Most of the MINI competitors ($20k compact cars) offer their high performance variants for ~$2-3k price premium. Needless to say, I am very disappointed in the $6300 price for the JCW option. Guess they’re trying to protect the previous buyers and make some cash too. I should hurry up and order a ‘05.

Cheers, Jeffro

nrkist Jul 22nd, 2005 Link

So what MINIUSA has done is essentially cut out the labor costs previously tied to the JCW kit option. While I’m sure a number of you might not be happy with the price, I think it’s actually rather fair all things considered.

You would think so, Gabe. Why do you seem compelled to be such a coporate BMW/Mini apologist?

Kevin Jul 22nd, 2005 Link

In the 2006 Options for the US Market piece, it was stated that the MC will be available with the current 15″ Holey wheels, the 5-Star Rockets from the MC Convertible or the new 15″ wheels shown on the Mini One Seven. Who knows which will be the standard wheel and which will be optional? Are they going to cost more? Thanks

Dave Jul 22nd, 2005 Link

Regarding Gabe being a BMW/MINI apologist. I agree, he certainly is one, but he has to be in order to get the info he gets when he gets it, and some of the perks (test driving Minis for a week, a free ride in a JCW at King’s Point).

I like the site for the facts that it provides, but I write off most every opinion Gabe has on the car because it is tainted.

Gabe’s harshest words for MINI is, “Well, let’s just wait and see.” I have yet to see any real critical thinking on his part regarding BMW/MINI.

Having said all that, I love the site because he does get the scoops faster than anyone else. But that does cost in objectivity.

Greg W Jul 23rd, 2005 Link

Those leather seats look nice – do they come in red leather with say white or black body colour? JCW pricing – remember you also get the factory warranty backing with this kit and that adds up to a whole heap when needed. And yes the Long Beach MINI guys – I recommend contacting Charles the Parts Manager for a good deal to all MINI club owners – he can sniff a deal.

Dillon Jul 23rd, 2005 Link

…I agree with Gabe. When one looks at the big picture(inflation,dollar to euro,etc.),the ‘06 pricing isn’t that bad. Besides,the money I saved with the complete warantee(bought my mc in ‘03) has allow me to have my baby paid off by the end of ‘05. Therefore,I’ll have a nice,juicy down payment in the form of a ‘03(in mint condition). Thanks,Clark Howard…

Gabe Jul 23rd, 2005 Link

I like the site for the facts that it provides, but I write off most every opinion Gabe has on the car because it is tainted.

Wow – that’s pretty laughable. You may want to read a bit more of the site then, especially the archives.

You would think so, Gabe. Why do you seem compelled to be such a coporate BMW/Mini apologist?

Wow, aren’t you a bundle of sunshine. nrkist – why are you compelled to be the most negative person in the world about everything that requires an opinion?. Reading your posts, one would think you are on a crusade to attack the car and the company that sells it every chance you get. Why? Did something happen with your car? It’s fine to be critic of the company and car but to call me an apologist is honestly quite misguided. Frankly, if you knew me it would be kinda laughable.

Well anyway, back to more civilized conversaion…

Those leather seats look nice – do they come in red leather with say white or black body colour?

They only come in back with grey piping unfortunately.

I’m not going to speak to every post responding to my opinion (and yes, like you I am allowed to have one) but as someone else pointed out over on NAM, the real model year increase is $700 as it went up midyear in January.

When you bring that into the equation, it makes the whole price increase look a bit different. $700 in eight months is a bit tough to swallow. I would guess a lot of that has to be related to the beating they’re taking on exchange rates.

BTW – If you really want to feel good about what we pay for our MINI here in the US, just take a look at prices in the UK or in Europe.

Brian Jul 23rd, 2005 Link

Most of you guys are looking at the price of the JCW all wrong! When you factor the kit into the lease – it is much much cheaper. If the MCS with JCW was leased in NJ in 2006, the total payments after taxes will now be $520.73.

In 2005, this figure was somewhere in the neighborhood of $595.49 for the exact same car!

This is a saving of almost $2,700 over the cost of the lease. This is because the JCW package was only partially factored into the residual of the lease. Now that the entire car will be assembled in Oxford with the Works kit, the residual of the car is much higher, and therefore, the lease is much better.

If anybody is curious I calculated a 30k lease with a 60% residual at 36 months with an interest rate of 7.89 – which is very close to retail Mini leases in NJ and NY.

James Jul 23rd, 2005 Link

I thought charging more due to a higher demand was called Capitalism, not gouging.

KLF23 Jul 23rd, 2005 Link

Gabe, I think that the majority of long term readers would disagree with the MINI apologist comment. We know you’re no sell out.

To keep this partially on topic, the prices in the US are much cheaper than those here in AUS. Though while yours have been going up, ours have come down a few times. KLF23.

Alan Jul 23rd, 2005 Link

My July ‘04 05 MCS cost 25569, since I got several options that now will have extra cost (headliner, and body colored dash). The cost of an ‘06 would be 26,850 or an increase of 1281. That’s a 5% increase in like 14 months. The question is is that bad or good?

It certainly increases my residual value, and since I’m looking at an ‘07 in theory that helps. But I do think that its a bit more then inflation, and with interest rates going up, it makes it harder for people to buy. Of course with all the production BMW has in SC, and the theory that cars get cheaper to make as they go along (the improved reiliability has to add to the bottom line…) I’m not so sure this ooh they’ve done excellent holding the price down is such a great deal.

So some people will be forced to get a car with less options – especially those people who sit on the forums for months while they save up to buy their car, not you people who spend $40k because you’d probably buy a 50K car if you didn’t buy a MINI.

vaper Jul 23rd, 2005 Link

Is it known whether the other JCW options, i.e., the air box, suspension etc. will be only available as dealer installed options or will they too be factory installed?

Chris Jul 23rd, 2005 Link

One thing I’d still love to see is a factory aero kit, cause without the cost of painting, it would be quite reasonable.

Chris Jul 23rd, 2005 Link

Regarding selling out, there are plenty of people who wouldn’t be satisfied til the Mini is sold for $9000, then when BMW stops making Minis cause it’s not profitable, they’ll complain that BMW sold out.

Americans don’t care that their currency is turning into toilet paper – well here’s your reason, Minis are just gonna keep getting more expensive.

JFS Jul 23rd, 2005 Link

I was really looking forward to getting a ‘06 MCS/JCW, but for $30+K, I am not so sure anymore.

I am now considering a ‘06 Mazda MX-5 (170-hp, 140-lb-ft; RWD; 2473lbs)

Wraith Jul 23rd, 2005 Link

ok, just my .02, but the MX-5 and MINI are two totally different cars. the MX-5 is a great little car, but it has nothing even close to approaching the character of the MINI. and a stock MINI will still out handle a stock MX-5 ;)

KevinR Jul 23rd, 2005 Link

I have to disagree with the comments about Gabe. Although I’ve never met him personally, I think he’s pretty objective when it comes down to reporting. The fact that he is an enthusiast for the marque shouldn’t be confused with being an apologist.

I’ve never bought a new BMW, but I’ve owned several used ones. To me, BMW has made excellent, but overpriced automobiles. So, I buy them used, when they reach the point that I think they are worth the price. It appears that MINI is headed down the same path for me.

Dave Jul 23rd, 2005 Link

Gabe,

I have been reading the site for over a year, and went back and checked some of the archives.

If it was any other car, would you have such an “aww shucks” attitude on replacing so many windshields?

There was also some very tepid criticism for running MCO offline by BMW/MINI.

That was about it. I can only imagine if you had a Scion (and you did not have scionfile.com) and you went through 3 windshields, you would be pissed off and would probably call the car a steaming pile.

Like I said, I don’t have a problem with you whitewashing everything MINI does, much like the way radio broadcasters for sports teams pretend to report “objectively.” Just don’t pretend that your experiences with BMW/MINI would be the average person’s (who does not run a gushing website).

Could you point me to some significant criticism of the car/company by you on the site? I have yet to see it, but you wrote off what I said as laughable.

vaper Jul 23rd, 2005 Link

Hold on a second. Isn’t this an article regarding ‘06 pricing? Perhaps you’d be happier if Gabe wrote that the price of (whatever) was going up “200 F’ing dollars”. Yeah that’s it we need venom and anger in the reporting of this unbearablly tragic news. Grow up.

Dave Jul 23rd, 2005 Link

Wow Vaper,

Did I say venom and anger?

You seem to be the one spewing it. I have used no profanity or vitriol in my comments.

I have seen over and over, Gabe rushing to the defense of the company when a comment is critical of the “company” however.

Perhaps, you need to grow up, and learn some critical thinking.

Ian Jul 23rd, 2005 Link

Dave … Just don’t pretend that your experiences with BMW/MINI would be the average person’s (who does not run a gushing website) … this is nonsense. You need to define “the average person”. What about GBMINI.net; I am just as enthusiastic as Gabe and I have no “inside links” to MINI/BMW.

You are implying that Gabes opinion is tainted by his inside links – I simply don’t believe it. Now if you want to claim that Gabes opinions are “tainted” by his love of MINI, I will agree – so are mine, and so are most of the enthusiasts reading this site.

Dave Jul 23rd, 2005 Link

Ian,

Let me ask you this.

If Gabe came out and said something like

“I question the build quality on my MC because of the windshield issues” or when the new interior comes out, he would say something like, “I think the new interior is a mistake” (assuming he feels that way)

that he would get some of the perks from MINI that he does?

Like I have said, and it seems to have been overlooked by some; I think the scoops he gets are great, and I look forward to them, because they turn out to be correct, but in my opinion, he has to sarifice to get them.

Gabe challenged me to go back in the archives. I have, and I still don’t see anything to change my mind.

But I will still check the site every day. :)

ukpylot Jul 23rd, 2005 Link

Getting a little back on topic – someone in the office had a interesting thought. Anyone who buys an 06 S in the new colours are going to have a pretty unique vehicle since the ‘07 S will look different. It will be like a one year limited edition production run..

Seth L Jul 23rd, 2005 Link

Thanks for the information Gabe.

That does make the Checkmate package much more appealing. Hmm.

Robert Jul 23rd, 2005 Link

I wonder why the majority of posters who complain about the ‘06 price increase will mention just about any reason it is wrong to raise the price but never address the currency issue? The USD has been in the toilet for quite a while now, esp. when compared to the UK Pound and the EU Euro. European car makers have to look far ahead to gauge not just where the market is, but where it will be over the next year.

Case in point: Maserati Quattroporte. A pricey car which sells for circa. 100,000 USD. Maserati had agreed to the price well before first deliveries were made. In the interim, the dollar continued to weaken. During the first year of delivery Maserati was eating its shirt and taking losses on every Quattroporte sold b/c the dollar was so weak. Of course Maser adjusted the price after the first year and Maser customers don’t whine about price increases. On a lower margin item like the MINI, this is a huge issue for the manufacturer and the (usually) more income restrained MINI buyer.

Back in 2002, MINIUSA actually underpriced the cars (esp. compared to Europe) because it was thought that a small hatchback wouldn’t sell in the US big truck/SUV mentality market and the fact that hatchbacks have never been great sellers in the States. So even while cutting margins to gain market entry, the dollar keeps falling. In the meantime, MINIs sell like hotcakes while BMW/MINI go back to the drawing boards (read 2007 MINI) to figure out how to make the car more of a profit center.

Yes, the MINI is a pricey small car. Has it had teething problems? Yes. It isn’t perfect. But the car is overbuilt, especially in it’s market segment.

It appears to me that MINIUSA have done a good job holding the price line given the car’s initial price point, inflation, and the weak currency situation.

In the end, the US is a free market economy. There are plenty of other fine choices of automobile if you don’t like where MINI is going on price.

Let’s move (motor) on now.

Joe Jul 23rd, 2005 Link

Great info on the pricing. Thanks Gabe!

TooLShack Jul 23rd, 2005 Link

Good post Robert!

Seth L Jul 23rd, 2005 Link

Off topic, but are there white or silver bonnet stripes/roof in the pictures of the checkmate package mini in this post?

I know they will not be available in white in the US.

marcr Jul 23rd, 2005 Link

Currency is not really an issue – the dollar has been strengthening for the last 6 months

The Dollar was worth approx 54.5 pence a year ago, today it is worth 57.5 pence – i.e. MINI gets a nice 5-6% boost year over year with no price increase

Jack Wolfe Jul 23rd, 2005 Link

This site needs to be about the car not Gabe.

jack

rwd Jul 23rd, 2005 Link

I really appreciate the information that is provided here and how well it is presented (the writing is very clear and clean.) It must be a lot of hard work to keep this board updated. Thanks Gabe!!!

Robert Jul 23rd, 2005 Link

Marcr,

“Currency is not really an issue”.

I beg to differ. For any multinational corporation, currency fluctuation is a HUGE issue. Are you saying that BMW/MINI is not a multinational corporation?

So the dollar has gained back 3 pence over the last year. And the Euro? Yes the dollar has gained back a couple of cents. But overall, the USD stinks. Can’t deny that fact. Try taking a vacation in Europe with your USD. What about the fact that the car was “under” priced for the U.S. market to begin with? Do you think that the MINI brand in the United States is a cash cow for BMW/MINI? That’s what a 7 Series is for.

Currency is an issue. And yes, this site should be about the car and not Gabe.

Trying to motor on…

BrantV Jul 23rd, 2005 Link

“Obviously everyone has an opinion, but $1,301 in price increases over 2 model years seems excessive to me.”

That’s less than 2.8% gain per year, which is quite favorable against inflation.

On the JCW kit, although I’d prefer not to be forced to add in the brakes (even though I’d want them), this is a very welcomed addition, in that it makes available the same savings on installation as having JCG install it themselves. Something we can’t currently do here.

Cheers, Brant

Luke Jul 23rd, 2005 Link

Everyone should check out how much a MINI costs in the UK and then they’d realise what a bargain they are. My ‘05 w/ sport pk, cold weather pk, leather, mfsw, obc, and anthracite headliner was 1000 pounds cheaper than what the base ‘S’ costs in the UK.

minimotorin Jul 23rd, 2005 Link

Gabe, Gabe, GABE! Thanks for the info, but you missed my question baaackkk at like the 3rd post. The $2200 checkmate pkg, does that include the cost of the metalic paint (the new blue color shown in the pics)?

Gabe Jul 23rd, 2005 Link

Oh boy… a take a day off for some track time and look at all these wonderful comments ;-) Seriously though – thanks for the support guys.

Here’s a couple of questions answered:

The $2200 checkmate pkg, does that include the cost of the metalic paint (the new blue color shown in the pics)?

No. Actually the Checkmate Option will be available on a number of colors including one non-metallic. I’ll have the full run down early next week.

Robert – damn fine post my friend. I couldn’t say it any better.

Is it known whether the other JCW options, i.e., the air box, suspension etc. will be only available as dealer installed options or will they too be factory installed?

At this point it appears to be just the engine and the brake kit (+LSD)

Now onto Dave’s comments:

Like I said, I don’t have a problem with you whitewashing everything MINI does, much like the way radio broadcasters for sports teams pretend to report “objectively.” Just don’t pretend that your experiences with BMW/MINI would be the average person’s (who does not run a gushing website).

Last thing I’m going to say on this. Dave, I respect your opinion and your eagerness to question what little authority I have, seriously. However do you really think I’m a normal guy? Do you think any one of us frequenting auto websites are what most people would consider normal? We’re enthusaits and we have enthusasim for our cars.

I also happen to be what you might call an optimist. I find life a little more enjoyable with that frame of mind. Therefore I’m also optimistic about my car. Yeah I went through four windshields. Yeah i was pissed. Yeah I felt there was something not quite right about the early windshields. However every single one of those cracks was caused by a large rock. How angry could I really be? The angle of the MINI’s glass isn’t exactly what one would call sleek. Things will hit it often and hard. So what should I have done? I had full coverage from my insurance and it was fixed in an hour each time. Not really much to be angry about.

There was also some very tepid criticism for running MCO offline by BMW/MINI.

I’m not sure what you’re getting at here but I had been working with Mark (along with others) to help him with a new name for six months (who do you think designed the NAM logo). I posted everytime there was any news in that little saga and anytime Mark needed something to be said. There were many times I would have liked to have posted everything I knew but out of respect for Mark and the ongoing legal talks, I didn’t. If I wasn’t as critical as you would have liked so be it. That’s why MF has comments.

Dave – if you want to continue to have this conversation I would much rather do it over email then drag this post further off-topic.

This site needs to be about the car not Gabe.

Well said Jack.

ukpylot Jul 23rd, 2005 Link

What I like about this site is the news and/or rumours about what is coming our way. No offence to Gabe or anyone else here but if I want opinions I’ll engage my brain and come up with my own. Try it, its a pretty good feeling. Who cares what Gabe’s opinions are based on, he runs the best MINI info site out there, keeps us sated with information; more than that, I’ll come up with myself.

Kevin Jul 23rd, 2005 Link

I guess I’ll ask again:

In the 2006 Options writeup, Gabe said that the MC will be available with the current 15″ Holey wheels, the 15″ 5-Star Rockets from the MC Convertible or the new 15″ Delta Spoke wheels shown on the MINI One Seven.

Do we know which will be the standard wheel and which will be optional? Will the optional wheels cost more or will the buyer be able to choose which they prefer, like on the current MC Convertible? Thanks

nrkist Jul 24th, 2005 Link

Wow, aren’t you a bundle of sunshine. nrkist – why are you compelled to be the most negative person in the world about everything that requires an opinion?. Reading your posts, one would think you are on a crusade to attack the car and the company that sells it every chance you get. Why?

Clearly, it’s a cry for help. I’m deeply depressed and starved for human interaction of any kind.

I kid, of course. Seriously, though… I’m just trying to inject a minor amount of balance into the relentlessly “optimistic” flow of content on this site. I love the information you provide here, and I am completely fanatic about my Works S. I just dislike the pro-BMW spin you apply so liberally in every article. I’ve never been big on sugar-coated information or cereal. Guess that makes me un-American.

chuck Jul 24th, 2005 Link

I have a 06 MCSc on order,would like to know if the new space blue is going to be offered and if there any other new options.I dont have my build date yet so I still have time to change some things. I like your site very much, Jason at Northwest Mini told me about it Thanks for all the good information

Omar Jul 24th, 2005 Link

So does the addition of the JCW package as a factory option mean that you will no longer be able to get a JCW kit installed at a dealer if you chose to later on?

cct1 Jul 24th, 2005 Link

Ok, a few questions (which may be answered next week anyway). Is the colored dash part of the checkmate package, or is that (now) a $200 extra?

Is it possible to get the checkmate package without the stripes/checkers I think I read somewhere else stripeless was going to be offered, but how about a checkerless checkmate)? I’m thinking about doing the SB/Silver (Black would probably be better, but that’s a no go on an MCS), putting on some aftermarket “traditional” silver bonnet stripes, but no way I’m getting this car with those damned checkers on the side (Unless they’re vinyl graphics, and can be easily removed).

And finally, to anyone who has seen Space Blue in the flesh…Is there a color that’s comparable to it on any other car? I’m going to have to see it in person at some point, but it looks significantly different from one picture to the next (as well as from one computer monitor to the next).

As for Gabe’s usually positive spin on the Mini–as it’s been pointed out, this is a mini enthusiast site; the overwhelming majority of people who frequent this site are mini enthusiasts–it’s not just Gabe who’s “tainted”, but virtually everyone else (including myself) who posts here frequently. That’s not to say that I haven’t read posts/stories that are critical here, but heck, almost everyone here is a mini fan/addict (and anyone who has this strange, incurable, obsession knows exactly what I’m talking about), so gratuitous mini bashing isn’t going to be the number one priority (There are other sites that do that quite well), and yes, things are going to be more toward the positive. That doesn’t make this site any less useful (at least for me); I have yet to find a site that posts the latest as quickly and succinctly as this one.

dgszweda Jul 24th, 2005 Link

Everyone has to remember that Mini does two price increases every year. One for the model year and one for the calendar year. So expect a few more increases on January 1st.

gmini Jul 24th, 2005 Link

Just went down the delaware river with an MA who swore up and down that there would be no price increase whatsoever on the S. only in the packages. Add that to the MA in Hartford that argued adamantly the indefinite US availability of the factory installed JCW, and I wonder what’s going on????

Gabe Jul 24th, 2005 Link

Just went down the delaware river with an MA who swore up and down that there would be no price increase whatsoever on the S

I’m guessing that this MA may change his mind tomorrow morning ;-)

Seriously though I’ve rarely been more sure of any info I’ve ever reported here on MotoringFile. All I can say is that what is written above will be happening for 2006.

CarNut Jul 25th, 2005 Link

On the pricing of factory JCW engine package, I suspect the pricing is at least in part a result of the sourcing. The price Gabe quoted is about what I expected and I don’t see how it could be much less.

Complete engines are built by Tritec in Brazil and shipped to Oxford for assembly into the car. JCW parts, at least the heads, injectors and supercharger will have to be added after the fact. Unless MINI has made some arrangement for Tritec to add the JCW parts at the engine plant or to ship partially completed engines, they have to either contract with someone (JCW?) to remove parts from completed engines and add the JCW parts or add a facility at the Oxford plant to do it themselves. Either way it is an additional step in the build process and it adds labor cost to the process.

This is more efficient than dealer installs, but it isn’t as simple as just putting different parts on during assembly. Even if it is done at the Tritec plant, the JCW parts have to be shipped to Brazil.

Maybe there is some savings by making use of the parts taken off, but I’m not sure how these parts could be used or returned to the manufacturing process. The exhaust system is about the only piece of the package that can just be substituted on the manufactuing line in Oxford.

The whole package price of $6300, including brakes and LSD, is still about 10% less than some dealers are currently charging for the engine kit alone.

The Blue Canary Jul 25th, 2005 Link

I have a question about the bonnet stripe. Will you be able to get it in white? I think it looks slick, but BRG/W is the way I want to go.

Jac Cottrell Jul 25th, 2005 Link

THank you for the hot news on the price increases gabe! I think we are going to go quickly and get our 05 order in, the package & dash adjustments would really affect us!

great site, great news, great job!!!

-jac

Rednwhitecooper Jul 27th, 2005 Link

Gabe, I still havent seen any comments on when we will be able to configure one of these babys on MINIUSA.com. Any idea on a timeframe for that?

mike Jul 27th, 2005 Link

for all of you complaining about the price increases, here’s something to chew on… i went into the dealership earlier today to spec my 06. My 06 will be $34,100. i just spec’d the same car on the MINIUSA congfigurator and the 05 was $33,300. but wait… then you add installation for JCW and other accessories and now am up to over $36k.

just some food for thought.

Bruce Aug 5th, 2005 Link

Any ideas on when MINIUSA will update their “Build Your Own” web site to the 2006 model year?

Mike DiStefano Aug 8th, 2005 Link

I just ordered the ‘06 MINI and I was wondering if it is going to be possible to now have both the ipod connector and the bluetooth in the car.

Also, I really wanted navigation in the car but I was not willing to sacrifice the awesome large speedometer. Does anyone have the navigation here and what are your thoughts on it?

Kurt Aug 9th, 2005 Link

Gabe, I’m a little confused about the “Enlish Leather” seat option. I read that it’s only black w/ grey piping – OK by me. But what exactly is the difference – the style of the seat looks somewhat different, but can you provide a bit more detail? Also, is the quality of the leather better/different than that currently offered.

thanks,

gadgeTT Aug 11th, 2005 Link

Mike,

My ‘06 MCS is on-order with the Nav system and to my understanding, the integrated Bluetooth system is not yet avialable. Therefore, we have to get the dealer-installed non-integrated unit (separate controller and not the steering wheel controls) or order a different 3rd-party unit like the one from http://www.newministuff.com which is the one I’m leaning toward for about 1/2-price of the Mini dealer one.

I’m also planning on adding in integrated XM, too. woohoo!

-Scott

Chris Aug 15th, 2005 Link

The dealer had a sample of the English leather, there are two leather materials and a gray piping. It feels like crap (hard, smooth, very thin), though I’m sure it feels better on the seat. Doesn’t feel like a premium material at all, just different colors (slightly two toned) and design.

MotoringFile » Archive » MINI UK Announce Factory JCW Option Nov 22nd, 2006 Link

[...] [ 2006 MINIUSA Pricing/JCW Option Info ] MotoringFile [...]

MotoringFile » Archive » MINIUSA Officially Announces 2006 Updates Nov 22nd, 2006 Link

[...] MINIUSA has finally released it’s official 2006 press release to the public this morning. This news release comes a couple weeks after we leaked all of the official 2006 details so there really aren’t any surprises here. Nevertheless, it’s a nice summary of all the changes we’ve been talking about at MotoringFile for the past couple of weeks: [...]

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