MINIUSA PR:
Strong demand for MINI brand automobiles continued in June. MINI USA reported that June 2005 sales increased 25 percent, with 3,607 cars compared to 2,896 sold a year ago. Sales of MINI automobiles in the first six months of 2005 are up 23 percent with sales of 21,979 cars over the 17,812 cars reported in 2004.
Between the 2005 refresh, the MINI Convertible and Automatic MCS, it looks like MINI’s additions have really helped give it some added momentum in terms of US sales.?
<p>I guess that shows how much impact JD Power has on MINI-lovers…..</p>
<p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.gbmini.net/sales.shtml">Sales figures & chart here</a> … I thought it odd how low the MCc figures were this month (only 268, compared with 681 for MCSc).</p>
<p>Hmm…and they keep selling the MCS auto even though the transmission goes into limp mode!</p>
<p>Thanks for the link Ian. Interesting stuff!</p>
<p>Greg what do you mean the MCS auto trans goes limp? Sorry I’m looking at one and just wanted to know?</p>
<p>Check out this thread from MINI2.com
<a href="http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthread.php?t=89729" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthread.php?t=89729</a>
There was one problem at first with just the service engine light coming on, but now many have been going into limp mode including mine. I am supposed to get it back next week with new software that is supposed to fix it, but they aren’t sure yet. There is also a good thread at north american motoring: <a href="http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/showthread.php?t=45127" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/showthread.php?t=45127</a>
It may be better to hold off for a 2006 and maybe they will have the problems worked out by then.</p>
<p>[OT] My MCSa has thrown the SES light just twice, and once was after lots of on/off running during body work. It has never gone into “limp” mode.</p>
<p>I do not consider the issue to be very critical, or warrant suggesting “wait for 2006” – especially since the ’06 model is likely to be unchanged in this area.</p>
<p>I was told it was set off by the warm weather outside, so maybe yours just hasn’t done it because it hasn’t been that hot. I live in Texas and there are 7 right now at the dealer for the same problem. I guess I should say if you live in a hot climate then wait till summer is over, or to see if this software update fixes it before you buy one.</p>
<p>In my opinion – In terms of bang for the buck, the MCc is overpriced by at least $1500-2000.</p>
<p>chuck</p>
<p>I’m not too big on convertibles, but which other ones would you consider rather than the MCc in the same price range? </p>
<p>just interested by the way</p>
<p>Chuck, Let’s look at the covertibles at a lower price than the MINI</p>
<p>Solstice: 2 seats and stripped
PT Cruiser: Drive one, it’s…”CHEAP”
Beetle: Yawn! Have you tried to put luggage in this car??</p>
<p>I didn’t make the comment to stir up stuff as I know how passionate you all are. However I look in cars in terms of performance/price – hp, torque. The answer to your questions is that to me, the Solstice has promise. $20,000 – 100 lbs heavier than the MCc, but 62 more HP, 55 ft/lbs more torque, rear wheel drive and 50/50 weight distribution. And luggage carrying is not a concern, nor should it be for a roadster. And Frankly, the interior of the MC doesn’t feel all that superior to me. It’s not bad, but it’s not great. Remember, these are my opinions – your mileage may vary.</p>
<p>Chuck – I’m also pretty interested in the Soltice. Granted it’s not really my style but as an American, I can’t help but sort of root for this car. I’d so want to see something designed, engineered, and built in the US really hold it’s own in the refined fun to drive catagory. But I’m so used to GM bungling what should be great cars that my optimism is guarded.</p>
<p>Gabe, they already mildly bungled it in that the Solstice won’t be released until the Fall, if I’m not mistaken. Nothing helps sales more than releasing a roadster in September. Hopefully that’ss mean some incentives :)</p>
<p>Chuck, didn’t the MINI convertibles come out in the fall as well? I don’t think Pontiac will really have a hard time selling the Solstice. Last I heard, they had about 9000 pre-orders lined up. Not bad at all.</p>