Comments on: Buying a 2007 MCS: The Order

By: Gabe

Gabe — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 11:35:36 +0000

First off - congrats! I spoke with Marcus Syring (main exterior designer of the R56 and interior designer of the R50) over the weekend and found out that this color spec is exactly what he would order if he was buying a MINI today!

The nice thing about the new MINI is that it basically comes with the JCW brakes. They are identical to the JCW brakes in every way except color. Therefore I'd highly recommend not getting the JCW brakes on the R56.

By: Seto

Seto — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 08:39:36 +0000

Gabe I ordered my new mini about the same time as you. I was so excited to read you went with the creme white color line. I ordered the same seats as you and was uncertain about the color line but I took a leap of faith. I also got the anthracite headliner and the nav. We have almost the same interior. I have one question for you. My husband wants the JCW brake kit. I can’t find any info on it and its about $2000 installed. What are your thoughts on it?

By: MotoringFile » Archive » Dissecting the R56’s Character Flaws

MotoringFile » Archive » Dissecting the R56’s Character Flaws — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 14:22:51 +0000

[...] of these issues would keep me from buying the new MINI. In fact I can verify they haven’t has my order went in a couple weeks ago. However spending a bit more time in the car gave me a chance to wrap my [...]

By: MotoringFile » Archive » Buying a 2007 MCS: The Accessories

MotoringFile » Archive » Buying a 2007 MCS: The Accessories — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 13:40:45 +0000

[...] Buying a 2007 MCS: The Order ] MotoringFile.com [...]

By: Gabe

Gabe — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 02:02:49 +0000

Yes I’m very aware of the change. In fact Todd broke the story on MF last summer. But no worries – already tested it. The issue doesn’t relate to most aftermartket wheels like OZs.

By: miniviper

miniviper — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 01:58:40 +0000

Gabe, you might have issues trying to fit wheels to your 07 that previously fit your 05. From Sept. 06 on MINI switched to new lugbolts and hubs. See MC2 issue no. 8 pg. 69 for some enlightenment. Might be helpful to post this somewhere for everyone to see so they don’t buy used or possibly new wheels that don’t fit. MINIVIPER

By: Gabe

Gabe — Thu, 31 May 2007 02:27:51 +0000

Wasn’t suppose to go live until tomorrow.

By: Doug

Doug — Thu, 31 May 2007 02:24:50 +0000

Gabe,

I noticed you pulled your follow-up accessories story. Are you going to repost?

By: Gabe

Gabe — Thu, 31 May 2007 02:06:16 +0000

Are you sure you can remove it and not have a problem? That button unfortunately doesnâ€™t work with my phone but Iâ€™m not sure if there is a way you can remove the armrest and not conflict with the wire running through the armrest.

Positive - I've already taken a close look at an R56 with t installed. The armrest is easily removed and you can then take out the wire and either (A) snipe and cap it or (B) just stuff it in the center console.

By: MINIBro

MINIBro — Thu, 31 May 2007 01:33:17 +0000

Hey Gabe! Great selection of options for your car. The center armrest thing. While I agree with you it does house a button that works with certain phones to allow you to switch from the car phone system back to the handset. Are you sure you can remove it and not have a problem? That button unfortunately doesn’t work with my phone but I’m not sure if there is a way you can remove the armrest and not conflict with the wire running through the armrest. You may want to check that out!

By: Gabe

Gabe — Wed, 30 May 2007 23:34:34 +0000

I just canâ€™t wrap my head around $32k for non-JCW MCS.

Well it's technically $31k. And yes, it'll have JCW kit - bringing the total to around $33k. But I understand what you're saying and would have agreed a couple years ago. As I said in a previous story about my choice, there are some incredible option out there for this momey on the (slightly) used market. But at the end of the day a want a MINI. I've already got a 3 Series in the garage and I don't need anything more extreme. This fits both my wants and needs perfectly for the money.

By: CM

CM — Wed, 30 May 2007 23:26:04 +0000

Don't get me wrong, I love the car and his spec. It's still high on my list for my next car.

I just can't wrap my head around $32k for non-JCW MCS.

Not much of a Jetta fan, but it does have a nicer, more premium interior, more power, awesome seats and steering wheel, bigger wheels and tires, etc...

But of course it's not a Mini...

By: Greg

Greg — Tue, 29 May 2007 14:46:36 +0000

Is the premium sound just 4 more speakers or is there a boost in watts as well? I’m all about getting the best sound available as well. If you listen to tunes while driving why not?

By: OttoMannS

OttoMannS — Tue, 29 May 2007 14:32:05 +0000

$1,900 buys me a nice German made Shilling leather sofa for my living room.

By: Doug

Doug — Tue, 29 May 2007 04:50:23 +0000

Believe me, I undertstand brand value, image, premiumness, etc (I work for Maserati and Ferrari).. But this is out of handâ€¦

I think the problem is more about the price of new cars in general, than about MINI in particular. For example, a Jetta GLI is $32k with the Gabe's spec.

Also, the cars that supposedly meet or exceed the MINI performance at the cheaper price are, let's face it, Japanese rebadges. They don't have that premium feel that someone enamored with MINI is going to be happy with.

Gabe's spec is pretty lux but in a few years it'll be a $35k car, with the way the car market is rising in general. I'm pretty jealous of his ride.

Only one thing: if you're driving enough to use a NAV, aren't you driving enough to use the HK sound system? The extra 4 speakers for $500... it seems like a good deal to me. To each his own :)

By: Gabe

Gabe — Tue, 29 May 2007 02:29:44 +0000

Will you be selling the Garmin Nuvi 660 now?

Nope - it will now be a permanent fixture in the other car.

By: CM

CM — Tue, 29 May 2007 02:25:25 +0000

Sounds nice, but here's where you lose me.

$32k for a non- JCW, non-HK, non-sport suspension MCS.

Yes I know the Mini is more than "just a car."

But $32k? I've spent a lot of time with the car and I don't get it for that kind of money. Interior materials aren't that great, handling is nice, but now a lot of other cars can match or exceed it.

Believe me, I undertstand brand value, image, premiumness, etc (I work for Maserati and Ferrari)..

But this is out of hand...

By: MotoringFile » Archive » White Roof Radio #160

MotoringFile » Archive » White Roof Radio #160 — Mon, 28 May 2007 23:17:43 +0000

[...] do spend some time talking about Gabe’s spec and the parting out of his R53. He is going to be selling his leather dash too, but you have to be [...]

By: CooperS-lightningblue

CooperS-lightningblue — Mon, 28 May 2007 16:09:41 +0000

Congrats on the ordering gabe! I think it is going to be a very nice MINI and Iâ€™m looking forward to see it on MINI United!

By: Eliot

Eliot — Mon, 28 May 2007 15:41:59 +0000

Nice Spec Gabe. Interior very similar to mine. Will you be selling the Garmin Nuvi 660 now? I might be interested.