I'm just curious as to what you guys think......would you buy any of the following, or just hold off until you find the perfect 2006 Cooper S?

2002 MCS with 7440 miles $21000
2003 MCS with 20000 miles $21900

or like i mentioned, just buy a brand new one? Both of these MCS's have been at these dealers for over 70 days, and they are not MINI dealers, I am not sure if the cars are there for apparent issues, or if they are there because I live in a town where people only drive FORDS or CHEVYS.

 

Well some may say don't go for the 2002 because the first year of MINIs had tons of problems. But what are the options on the cars? Maybe one is loaded with goodies for a good price and low mileage.

 

The day we sold our 2000 Dodge Stratus at CarMAX Indy they had two 2003 MINI Coopers in stock. One had 40,000 miles and they wanted $19,000 for it. The other had 21,000 miles and they wanted $20,550. I told them, "For that price I can get a brand new one! " Drove down the road to D&R and with the help of Ricard and Ken, ordered a new 2006 Mini Cooper I have full warrenty and only had to pay $200 more! Yes I have to wait untill week 45 for production and then arrival in Mid/Late December but...

If you have to go used then fine. But if you have to pay that much... Get a new one!

 

My 02 has been fine other than self inflicted wounds by the owner (me)

 

Another draw back is that used car dealers have ZERO knowlege of the MINI Cooper. Don't know the small quirks of the car. CarMAX had no idea why the hood pull is on the left side! Had to tell them it is because the car is made in ENGLAND!

 

well I definetly haven't decided yet, and these prices are just asking prices, not the price that I would pay for the car. I spoke with Classic Mini and they have new MCS for $23550 with all the options that I want (except gauges). That would include options such as sunroof, heated seats, etc.

does anyone know, are the Xenon lights standard on all COOPERS? or an added accessory. If it is added, how do I know if the used ones have this or not, can you tell me how to check this?

 

Sport pack gets you the Xenons on both the MC and the MCS. Also available separately. Now if you are in Canida.. They all get Xenons

 

Dr Diff, thanks for clearing that up, I think when I priced out the MINI from their website I added Xenon lights because I wasn't as concerned with adding the sports package. The only things I am really concerned with is a sunroof and Xenon lights. There are going to be new wheels on the car, so I am not concerned about 17" S-lites or DSC. thanks for the advice!

 

Easiest way youou can spot xenon is by looking for the washers. If you look at the chrome surounding the headlights and see a small half round looking piece on side of the lense that is xenon, if the chrome is all one piece no xenons

 

I have seen non Xenon headlights with the washers. True all Xenon lights will have washers. Xenon headlights have for lack of a better word "Strainers" in front of the bulb. While traditional headlights don't have the "Strainer"

Here is a pix that shows the "Strainer"...

 

Get a new one. I've read a lot of threads prior to ordering my 05mcs 2 months ago. Reliability is still not great for the mini cooper but HAS improved greatly for 05 (and I assume 06 since they haven't changed) PLUS it will have a warranty AND your services are already included in the list price. I wouldn't get a used one (this info is from nam threads not my first hand experience). However, I do suggets that you get DSC. I just came back from driving school and they had me run courses with and without DSC. Big difference. My car is a much better driver than I am.

drewffff

 

At those prices you mentioned, why WOULDN'T you consider just getting a new MCS??? They start at around 19.5k!

Plus, you'll benefit from:
1.) It's a NEW CAR
2.) It has a new car WARRANTY
3.) New and improved '05 gearing (quicker acceleration)
4.) Re-read reasons 1 and 2 again! :smile:

THINK ABOUT IT!

LOGIC DEMANDS you just get a new one, if you're willing to pony up 22k for a used '02! For less money, get a better, new one!

 

You know that nobody has ABUSED your MINI! Yes MINIs should be properly maintained by factory maintenance for the first 36,000 miles... but still

NEW is NEW!

Now if they were asking say 40% original purchase price for that 2002... Still

NEW is NEW!

 

well thanks for the information. I am going to get new. I am going to go up to Classic MINI a week from Saturday - since I get married this weekend I am looking forward to test driving a new one vs the 2002/2003 model. Thanks guys once again!!!