Interested in Ordering a 2006 MINI Hardtop?

Sections: Sales Aug 22nd, 2006 42 Comments

If you want to get one of the last R50 or R53 MINI before the faster, lighter and more effecient (not to mention divisive) R56 comes online, you may want to get down to the dealer ASAP. We’ve been told some dealers are essentially sold out of custom ordered production and others are just a few weeks away. So if you’re wanting a 2006 MINI and haven’t gotten your order in, now is the time.

With all this said, if you’re fine with a pre-specced MINI, you have more time. MINI USA will be importing R50 and R53 2006 model year MINIs with pre-specced options meant to fill the gaps between the time the 2006 ceases production in October and the time the R56 gets here in Late January. These cars should be available until December and January depending on your location and how fast MINIs sit on dealer lots.

Written By: Gabe

Timothy

Gabe, could you fill some blanks here? Does this mean that Oxford will be producing only pre-spec’ed MINIs for some months (much like the first batch of 2002s)?

Also, does this mean some of the “old” MINIs will fall into the traditional 2007 model year, because they’re produced later, and be called 2007s?
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabe

There was a post a few months back that may help: 2006 Model Year Ordering Details

But to answer your questions:

Does this mean that Oxford will be producing only pre-specÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢ed MINIs for some months (much like the first batch of 2002s)?

Yes.

does this mean some of the ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œoldÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‚Â MINIs will fall into the traditional 2007 model year, because theyÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢re produced later, and be called 2007s?

No.
David Rogoff

Yikes – I didn’t realize it was so close. I just ordered my custom ’06 MCS about a week ago. It’s in my dealer’s (Crevier Mini/Santa Ana, CA) September allotment with a late-October delivery (I hope).

I’m not thrilled with the ’07 exterior and can’t stand the radio-in-the-speedometer, and didn’t want to wait until Feb/March.

Will there be a long switchover time in which the dealers won’t get any cars?

David
Avitor

Lapis Blue leather is already sold out. If you don’t get August production you won’t get it.
Mark

I’ll wait – local dealer says that once the ’07s are out, expect resale and trade-in value on the ’06s and older to drop significantly.
allenski

I couldn’t wait for the ’07, since my ’06 September order is my first MINI. I’m just dying to start driving one. Just four weeks to go, and it should be here. I saw quite a number of ’06 on the lot at Crevier MINI in Santa Ana, CA; they always seem to have more pre-specced MINI’s than other dealers in Southern California.
revwillie

IÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢ll wait – local dealer says that once the ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢07s are out, expect resale and trade-in value on the ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢06s and older to drop significantly.

LOL. My dealer said the value of my checkmate MCS would probably increase. I’m not counting on it, though.
Mark Smith

This is not what I had heard from the higher ups at MINI. Who is your source of info???
JP

It’s too earlier to tell if the resale value of Gen I cars will drop significantly. There is still the question of supply and demand, and I would suspect for the first six months of the release of Gen II cars there should not be much of a dramatic drop since the new supply comared to the total number of cars will still be small. But if history tells us anything about BMW is that residuals remain high relative to most other brands. For example, older style 5 Series BMWs still command high prices. What’s more important is the condition of the car, mileage and color when trying to sell a used car. One additional point. Mini executives want to keep residuals and resale values high because if brings back happy repeat customers.
Mark

Not sure if your ? is for me? But the higher-ups at MINI do not/cannot control/set market price for used cars. As explained to me by the local dealer, he has an allocation of 50 – 100 cars for first round ’07 release and is already pre-booking order spots for many of those. 95% of these spots are going to current MINI owners. The dealer has limited demand for used MINIs, rarely moves more than one or two a week. Flooring used cars (stocking used inventory) costs the dealer interest charges on the dealers revolving credit line. To move excess inventory, you drop prices. Do that nation wide, and you force a drop in wholesale/trade-in/sell-it-yourself prices in the used MINI market place. Supply and demand will control used MINI prices, and in ’07 and ’08 supply of used MINIs will far exceed demand, thanks to MINI’s big push to advertise and sell to existing MNIN owners with the Mystery Box campaign. So used MINI prices will drop accordingly. Econ 101.
ssallykat

Whew!! Glad I got my order in for my 06 MCS JCW when I did! Just placed the order this past Saturday :)
SB

Yes … I am one of those people who chose to order a 2006 MINI over a 2007 MINI which is faster, lighter, more efficient, and has a butt ugly center stack! :-)
hugh

and has a butt ugly center stack! :-)

Gabe, is this what you meant by ‘divisive’?
jim

oh well, i’d rather have an 06 even if the resale does drop slightly… i don’t plan on selling it anytime soon anyway… I can’t imagine it will drop that much
Greg W

Why do USA buyers not want to buy used MINIs? Obviously if the car’s value drops then the car is made affordable to a whole new social market base. Not everyone can afford to buy a brand new car, so some wait a few years until the prices drop into their range. Traditionally, in our market, the car devalues as much as 30% as soon as you drive it out of the showroom.A dealer is not going to pay more for a used car than he pays for a new car, right? Maybe only in cases of GPs coming up for sale. In some cases where MINIs have been won as prizes in contests, and the winners try to flick them off for as much as they can get for them to cash up. The last of a production run is always the best model to buy as all the faults have been sorted (he says hopefully).
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabe

and has a butt ugly center stack! :-)

Gabe, is this what you meant by ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‹Å“divisiveÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢?

Yeah something like that :)

Why do USA buyers not want to buy used MINIs?

Because the resale value of used MINIs is so high (in some cases) that there is little reason to buy them over new, custom ordered MINIs.
http://www.h2.com.tw A.T.

Somebody know when is the deadline of ordering 06 Model in “Taiwan” market ? It’s uncertain of that to get related information.Pls tell us of you know !TKS!
DELI

Good Econ 101 lesson, Mark. I start at an earlier point…

Why is it that MINI owners expect to drive their cars for years and then be able to sell them for nearly what they originally paid? It is easy to look at it a different way…from that of the seller.

Why do you want to sell your MINI and buy a new one? Is it because of the wear and tear on the car–inside and out? Are you concerned that the high mileage will start showing itself with some major repair bills? What value do you place on again owning a car covered by warranty? Perhaps you are looking for some options that weren’t available in the ’02 or ’03 model year.

These differences lead a car buyer to place a lower value on the used car. Then that’s compounded by finance rates…generally a percent or two higher for a used car than a new car.

When there are very few cars available on the used car market, anxious buyers may overpay for the used cars. But when supply loosens up, watch out!

MINI drivers are spoiled by the initial resale values the past few years. I don’t believe prospective buyers will pay thousands more for used cars to avoid a combination speedo/radio. The seller’s market can’t maintain itself.

…btw, had the ’02 come out with a pure speedometer (nothing else on it) do you think we’d be complaining once the gas and temp gauges were added to it?
Mark

Delj:

I think you have hit the key point – MINI drivers have been spoiled by the initial resale values the past few years. I know I was, and very disappointed with the kind of trade-in value I was offered recently on my MINI, showing that this bubble has burst in many areas of the country. With the release of a new generation MINI, and more used cars on the market, I think we will see both beter used MINI prices for those wanting a MINI, but at a reasonable, competitive used car price, and maybe also a little more competiton from MINI for our business (incentives like other dealers, to get our business, perhaps?). Not bad things all around.

And for those of you that just can’t stand the MINI center console, I have one suggestion – MINI duct tape!!!! And I am sure some inventive individual will come up with a snap-on series of mods that cover that Fisher Price wing and personalize it. Maybe Gabe can run a contest :-)
Mark

….. I mean, face it folks, who in their right mind bases their decision to buy or not buy their main mode of transportation on the aesthetics of the design of the dash speedometer!!! If that was the norm, every U.S and most Europeon car manufactures would be out of business, as they would not be able to sell a car to anyone. Toooooooo funny.
iNomis

Gabe, you and DB mentioned on Woofcast #88 that you thought there would be the possibility of getting new MINIs for less than MSRP. Could you elaborate on that idea here since we are all talking used vs. new pricing now?
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabe

Gabe, you and DB mentioned on Woofcast #88 that you thought there would be the possibility of getting new MINIs for less than MSRP. Could you elaborate on that idea here since we are all talking used vs. new pricing now?

I don’t think under MSRP pricing will be a reality for the 2007 for the foreseeable future. Unless there’s a special circumstance.
Mark

I agree with Gabe, and personally like the current pricing at MSRP and add-on pkg model. Keeps the dealers honest (mostly*). In the future, late 2007 or into 2008, depending on demand and sales, we might possibly see some incentives from MINI if sales slow and dealers started stocking inventory, like special interest rates, or discounted option pkgs during a promotional time period, but that would be it (and how I think it should stay).

*yes, I know some CA dealers tack on a premium above MSRP.
Mark (Ohio)

Even with all the ’07 buzz I’m still very happy with my decision to get into an ’06. Mine was production week 30, I was able to get blue lapis. It has everything I wanted. It’s expected to be available for pickup next Monday!

I agree with the butt ugly reference to the new center stack. Regarding the comment about how such things are not important, well you can buy whatever you want and we can too. For most that I know, a Mini’s not their main mode of transportation, so when choosing a second or third (in my case) car, I can be as picky as I wish.

Regards, -Mark-
Frank

Sure, resale values of Mark I cars will most likely come down, but I suspect not to the point of depreciation experienced by most mainstream cars from American and Asian manufacturers.

I still expect to get around 55%-60% off MSRP when I sell (IF I decide to do it by then)my ’05 MCS in late 2009 or early 2010.

VW’s have very good resale values. In despite their poor reliability reputation, Veedubs still fetch fairly decent resale values after 4-6 years of service. I don’t see why this will not be the case with the ’02-’06 MINIs.

On another point, I don’t think many people will be automatically lured into the Turbocharged engine of the R56 generation. I pressume that there is a core of MINI enthusiasts out there that will still prefer the bulletproof Chrysler supercharged engine (Proven reliability, very tuneable, fairly simple mechanics, etc)over the seemingly more high-tech, but also more complex PSA turbo engines.

The MK1 MINIs are already “classics” and these cars offer a certain degree of charm that in despite of the good job done by BMW with the new generation, will somehow be lost in the R56 due to the more “mainstream” design touches versus the quirkiness of the original 2002-2006 cars.

Time will tell.
Dave

I’m still waiting for the day when dealers have real stock of MINIs in inventory, and (gasp) actually have to start selling the cars.

It certainly will change the relationship a bit in the sales department when “Motoring Advisors” do more negotiation over price and the price has to be run by the Sales (Motoring) Manager.
http://www.ccfduluth.org Jack

I am ordering my Saturday in Atlanta I hope I make it in time, my dealer said I had unitl Sept 15th

Jack
rj

Jack, I would think that the Sept 15 date could slip, one way or another. Your dealer has just so many MINIs allocated to his store; if he gets a run of customers ordering 06 MY MINIs, he might run out of cars sooner rather than later. Just my 2 cents and speculation…
Mark

For those looking to order ’06s, and find their Dealer’s allocation gone, many of the bigger volume dealers haven been given an inventory to stock, leading up to the model change – and you can pick MINIs off their lot, or have your dealer check in your region for available MINI inventory, and transferred one in, if it meets your specs. For example, MINI of Dallas currently has nineteen ’06s on the lot, ready to go.

http://miniofdallas.com/New-Inventory.aspx
Matt

it says the new R56 is faster than the 05-06?? Is this fact or projections??
DELI

Mark (Ohio)…

Nobody would question your right to not like or not buy a car with a butt ugly center stack. That’s one thing that makes the MINI such a great car. There are so many ways to personalize them…everyone has different preferences, and there are so many ways to configure and modify them.

I don’t like the new speedo. But I don’t think it is going to dampen sales of the 2007.

If it does, I’ll celebrate.

OK, guys (and gals)…I have a 2003 DS/Bl MCS, 56K miles. All packages, euro shelf, whalen shift knob. Best of all, it has a great looking center stack!!!! Do I hear $27,000?

lol…
Mark (Texas)

Hey, Mark (Ohio), called my vavorite Dealer MA – he offered $15,000.

Don’t feel bad, he only offered me $14,000 for my ’04 non-S with 25K miles.

I can see it now at MINI meets. All us pre-’07s will be walking around looking at the other MINI’s, and when we come on one looking good that is not an ’07, the first comment will be ” Hey, great stack!”

LOL
http://www.ijwebsites.com/ Rob F

I don’t know alot about cars so i understand what you guys means about the center stack — can you explain it to me?
http://www.ccfduluth.org Jack

Well I did it finally ordered a 06 MCS Red english leather all the packages tinted windows 17 mini lites etc. I went back in forth on the Red or Dark Silver and could not get away from that Old Classic look that I fell in love with back in 1984 in London so off I go. this has been a long time coming and I am glad I waited until the last minute I hope they retain the value. now I can stop reading this site in envy as now I have joined the group more then in my heart
mpike

What about the convertible? What changes will be made with it? If I order in April will there be any changes?
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabe

What about the convertible? What changes will be made with it? If I order in April will there be any changes?

Answer can be found here: Next Generation MINI Production Timeline
Mark (Texas)

Hi Rob F: The center stack in the mini is the console holding the stereo, air conditioner controls, and speedometer, that goes from floor to windshield in the center of the MINI’s dash. A lot of people do not like the look of the design of the new center stack coming out in the ’07 MINIs, where the Speedo has been enlarged, stereo controls built into the speedo, and funky Fisher-Price looking plastic wing accents on the face of the air conditioner controls.
DELI

Rob F:

The center stack is the inside control panel that’s located on the dash between the front seats (in front of the stickshift. It runs from the speedometer at the top to the ashtray and small cupholder at the bottom. It also holds the, radio, ac/heating, window, doorlocks, foglight controls and others.

On the 2007 MINIs the large speedometer was redesigned…it is still a large circle, but the bottom 1/3 the large round area is now the radio/cd with its controls.

Many think this change is not for the better, that it clutters up one of the most distinctive features of the car.
bavarian racing green

…for what it’s worth, i just ordered a MCS from Autohaus of Clayton/MINI of St. Louis on 8/26 and as a repeat customer it was straight MSRP…

…of course they add the $499 finish charge that they charged me last time, but the inspection found three things that happened in oversea transit that needed fixing, so i think it’s worth it…

…my order sheet has a ‘discount’ (of $500) for repeat customer, and the service manager said for first time buyers in midwest a $500 overcharge is still policy…

…oh, well…

…long live the supercharger…

…anyone want a ’03 BRG MC with 36000 miles…

…it still has the two spoke wheel and single center reverse light…

…tempting isn’t it…
AeroJammin

What about the convertible? What changes will be made with it? If I order in April will there be any changes? Answer can be found here: Next Generation MINI Production Timeline Does this mean that custom orders for the convertible will be possible until a few months before the R57 comes out in 2009 or will no convertible be available for 2007-2008?
How’boutNow?

Is it too late to config a 2006?
http://bravo5.org/ blalor

Is it too late to config a 2006?

Possibly. I’ve got an ’06 on the boat right now. The only way to know for sure is to start calling dealers!

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