So I test drove a MINI Cooper S the other day. Kind of cause I was looking for a car. I am a huge VW person, owned 17 in my life, so I really wanted this Jetta Wagon TDI or a used Golf R. Then I drove the MINI. They do handle amazing, and good fuel economy for the power.

So here are the two I am looking at.

Horizon Blue on black with a manual. Lots of tech but 2011 with 39k miles and NOT a certified car for $19k.

The other is Green on black with a manual 2012. All the same tech as the other WITH navi, sunroof, heated seats, 10k miles but most of all comes with an extended warranty and maintenance contract till 2018 and 100k miles. All this for $24k

I like the color of the first one but the lower miles, more tech, and coverage of the green one is just making me think. Is it worth the 5k more they want for that piece of mind?

Mind you these are the prices they are asking, I haven't negotiated with either of them on price yet. Thanks.

 

I think the 2012 MCS is your best option. The miles and warranty are a major plus.

 

That is the way I am leaning. I am going to go and see it later today.

 

My65Bug, I to am a hard core Vee-Dub fan but just traded my TDI for the 2013 S in black. But Alas I also still have my 91 Cabriolet so that gets me Ze German fix. That being said Zero regrets, I absolutely love the way the Mini drives and handles. It makes driving stupid fun everytime. Personally I love the BRGII paint codeon the minis, it would have been my first choice if I could find one built with the right options. Go w/ the 12 for the extra options and peace of mind till 100K.

Also Beat the dealer down at least $1500. I have family in the car business for the last 30 years guarantee they gave prior owner 19-20K in trade value. FTW

 

Is it a dealer "certified" car? Go with the extended if you think you are going to drive it for awhile. They are worth the money, I think. Less miles, a year newer and warranties. Make the best deal you can with it, of course!

 

The 2012. Not only because of the extended warranty, but the BRG as a color is pretty sweet.

 

Well the car is a certified and is certified on MINI.com as well. That is how I found it. I am going to go see it shortly. Like I said I would take the car but at 24k it seems a bit too much. If I could get it around 22k then I would be happy and do it.

 

I bought a 2012 MCS automatic with lots of options about 8 months ago. It had 16k miles on it, perfect condition (though no extended warranty). Paid $24k out the door, so I think you're getting a good deal. If buying from a dealer, don't expect to get much off. In my case, I got them to come down $500.

 

Agree!! Considering cost for repairs and simple maintenance, in the long run will save you $$. You can always extend your warranty and/or maintenance plans as well (as said, if you're going to keep it for a while). Motor on!

 

It would really come down to how big a deal the $5,000 is to you. To me I would go with the 2012 with the 100K warranty no question! I would think you may get down to $23K but I doubt much better. There just aren't a lot of used MINI's available.

Good Luck with whatever you do!

 

A no brainer. Go with the BRG. A couple of repairs under warranty would cover the extra 5K easily. And, change the oil every 5-7K even if it's on your own dime.

 

I would like to thank everyone for their input. I went to see the car, and while it was nice the dealership was run by a group of individuals I would never want to do business with. I really don't want to go into details, but the car was broken when I got there, people were rude, and I finally just left in disgust.

 

A mistreated MINI??!! Hang them up from the nearest yardarm!!!

 

Between the two, like posted above - I would go with the 2012.
But if you can wait and look for a similar 2012 in the color you want, you won't regret settling now.

 

Go with the 2012. The warranty is well worth the extra $.

 

You can get a third party warranty for a lot less than $5k.

 

I am going to keep searching for one. Like I said I never got to drive the 2012 and the MINI dealership it is at is just not going to get my business. So the search is on.

 

Go with the brg...I picked up a pw 07 MCS and the ext wtty was a deal sealer for me.

 

Am a big TDI vw fan as well love the torque. Wondering if Mini would come out with a clean diesel?I know BMW has these in their car line up.