Hi all! I'm hoping to get some pointers on where I can look for my USED dream Mini. So far I have looked on EBay, Cars.com, and autotrader.com. Let me explain what I'm trying to find, and I may be just wishful thinking WITHOUT purchasing brand new.

First, honestly I do not want ot take that depreciation hit. I just can't take that few thousand dollar hit as soon as I drive off the lot...as good as Mini resale may be.

Here is my absolute DREAM Mini:

2005-2006
Dark Silver
Black Leather (two tone insert doesn't hurt!)
Black mirrors
Black roof
Aero Kit
Sun Roof
Automatic Transmission (paddle shifters)
Convenience Package
Cold Weather Package
Navigation
Patina interior finish
Anthracite Headliner
"Cooper S" branded head rests

That would do it. I haven't been able to find my exact car ANYWHERE. Maybe because it's still early for '05s and '06s to show up? Or do I just need to suck it up and buy new? I figure brand new the car would be close to $30,000. Not too sure what to think about that considering some '05s similar to what I am looking for are in lower to mid 20s already.

I'm torn guys....any comments?

 

Welcome! You just may be better off ordering a new, custom-spec'd MINI than trying to find a used one, because used ones are almost the same price as new ones! Good luck!

 

that car would cost you 28500 here in Los Angeles used... better off getting it new.

 

theres an 04 just like that at Classic, but its a 6 sped..... its 21k

 

Buy new, out of 1 billion combinations odds are slim of finding it and I know my car 05 w/ 20k miles still has appreciated since the original purchase

 

A lot depends on how many of those options you list are really necessary. If there are a few that would be nice but not necessary you may have better luck. Also, if you are looking for an '05-'06 I agree with the majority, order new and get just what you want.

 

I too looked to get a "used" Mini thinking I'd save money. I has also always followed the logic that "new" was not money well spent. It is true for most cars, but then, when I started shopping around, I found there weren't that many "used" Minis, espeically ones that had what I was looking for. And, they were not that much cheaper than a "new" Mini. It ended up this time around making more since to get "new" for me. Driving a car fresh off a show room floor was something I never dreamed would happen to me.

 

Man, this is a tall order!

First of all, there are not going to be very many '05 or '06 used MINIs to be had. Aside from that hurdle, the biggest road-block on your configuration is, by far, the NAV. The aero kit and the automatic are probably second and third.

In other words, if you were to look for cars without the NAV and aero kit, you'd have a better chance at finding it. And if you can consider a manual, chances of finding the car get even better. Of course, the total selection of used '05 and '06 MINIs is extremely low to begin with.

It is very difficult to "spec" a used car and then find it - especially in the world of MINI where the cars are so individualized. If you are convinced that you want a used one, then you should be prepared and willing to wait an indefinite period of time (maybe even a couple of years) to get EXACTLY what you want.

Otherwise, if it is a car you plan to keep for more than 5 years, depreciation shouldn't be a major concern anyhow. Conversely, if you only keep your vehicles for 3 years or less why not consider leasing?

Unfortunately, I don't really have much better advice on finding the used MINI you want - but I don't think that passively scanning the Internet postings are going to be your best bet. I think you need to actively put WTB postings as many places as you can find to do so.

Good Luck!

 

MINI should introduce a certified pre-owned national database/resale program IMO!
The often reported high resale value only applies when someone actually buys it you know!!

 

Wow.. that's quite a wish-list you got there Duck360198

A friend of mine is also looking for used MINI too. I'll have to agree with all of the above comments so far. I'm not sure you'll find your combination on the market anytime soon. You'll probably have to go new and select the options you want... unless you're flexible.

I got lucky when I purchased my MINI from Carmax. I did a lot of research on the net and went in looking for a newer-used MCS, but drove out with the MCC I couldn't be happier

Good luck either way

 

well if you can wait 3 years i just ordered one similar to that on a 3 year lease. the only items i don't have are the aero kit, antracite headline and cooper s head rests.

i know that's not much help, but i have to agree with the others. the dark silver seems relatively rare. i hardly ever see them around here and i see loads of minis around here.

 

Buy new dude. There are 1.6 Million possible combinations at the factory. You are more likely to get struck by lighting than finding an used MINI to your exacting specifications. These cars hold their resale value incredible well. To illustrate my point:

In October '03 I bought a brand new '04 MCS for $21,300. I kept the car for 17K miles and sold it privately in February '05 (1 year ago) for $22,000 cold hard cash! Yep you heard that right buddy, I made money on the car, $700 to be exact. The car was bone stock, had no sunroof, it was a basic MCS with just a few options here and there.

I am on my third MINI and love it. By not buying new and ordering from the factory, you are taking away at least 50% of the ownership experience. Buying an used MINI is not worth it IMO. Because the cars are as pricey as new ones and you can't always get exactly what you want.

Buy new. You won't regret it!

 

There are tons and tons of used Minis out there, even just on Craigslist alone (check out the SF Bay area, Los Angeles, etc, when I look I search in many cities not just the local CL). Very good deals can be had, we got a great price on a perfect loaded one with nav even back in Oct 04 on an 03 MCS, the thing is that you do have to be open about options and things. We were lucky in that we found a car with everything we wanted and in a color combo we loved and made the effort to get it from accross country, had fun doing it too We could never take the time to do that now so its all about your circumstances, timeline, and flexibility.

Aside from the sale price buying used can save on taxes, registration and what not so it can be very worth it, your biggest stumbling block though is that there are not many paddle shifter MCSs on the market yet, so that can make it take a lot longer. Still can't hurt to look and spec out a new one in the meantime. You can always get your deposit back before you buy a car on order so you can have that going while you also continue to look for a used one.

Best of luck

PS: I see many many Dark Silver ones 'round these parts and see them come up used too, so your chances are as good as any.

 

Ummm, "good luck" is all I can think of...but other than that, go new... and if it's because you can't afford it, well maybe you aren't quite ready for your dream car. ..You know my dream car was to have all my goodies, plus the JCW package...but i can't see spending all that money up front (not to mention my wife would have a cow )..so my plan is to add parts later and turn it into my dream car

 

I know a few weeks ago CarMax had a lot of MINIs listed. You can take a look there and see if they have what you are looking for. I also see them all the time on various other dealers' used car lots. I would imagine they came in there are trades. I doubt you'll find an 06 but you might might find an 05. Otherwise I think the advice here to order new exactly what you want is probably sound.

 

Thanks for the responses guys. For the items I listed, I would say the following are items that I can live without:

Aero Kit
Anthracite Headliner
Cold Weather Package (in Las Vegas...HAHAHHAHA)
Special headrests

I would like to have everything else.

SInce the general consensus is to spec out a new Mini, I must ask this question. I have grown up always being told it's better to buy than to lease. More recently, I've been told that one should not lease a car if it maintains its value relatively well. Also, I must admit that I'm concerned about the 2007 Mini. Will that have an adverse effect on the current style Minis? Money isn't the issue really. I mean I can't go out and buy a $30,000 car like it's nothing, but I think I would rather have someone else take the hit on depreciation than myself.

Maybe I'll go spec out one that has everything I want and see where I'm at.

 

Now THAT is phenomenal. But how in the heck did you get a new MCS for $21,000?!?!? I have not seen any at the dealers with that price (S Coopers anyway) or anywhere on the internet.

 

Duck, the only way to get a new MCS for well under $25K is by placing a factory order and get the fewest options possible. Most dealers seem to order fully loaded cars with every single option from the spec sheet, hence their very high sticker price.

My '05 MCS came out to $22,850 MSRP (window sticker). Here is how I ordered the car:

'05 Cooper S
6 speed manual
Chili Red/White roof
Panther black leatherette sport seats
Covenience Package (Universal garage door opener, auto dimming rearview mirror, rain sensing wipers and automatic headlights)
Anthracite interior trim (Not headliner)
Multifunction steering wheel with Cruise Control
Chrome Line Exterior (Chrome from grille, mirror caps and chrome hatchback handle above license plate)
Front and rear fog lights (Full 6 toggle switch)
On board trip computer (OBC)
Harmon Kardon Sound System
16" V-spoke wheels with Dunlop SP5000 195/55/R16 Runflats
Halogen headlights
Manual A/C controls
MINI iPod Adaptor
Union Jack roof flag decal (Made in Vinyl)

I ordered the car on January 17, 2005 and took delivery March 20th, 2005. Roughly 8 weeks from order to delivery.

That's it. Nicest car for the money. My '04 MCS was configured pretty much the same way but with fewer options than my '05 MCS as some of the options in my current car were not available in my '04 MCS.

Yes it is possible to order a "cheap" MCS and still have a beautiful, fun to drive car that turns heads.

My '05 MCS currently has 9,500 miles and the car has been rock solid so far. Not a single problem with it or an unscheduled trip back to the dealer for anything.

According to Kelley Blue Book Values (www.kbb.com) my '05 MCS current trade value (Excellent condition, which the car is) is $21,850 and private party value is $24,155!!. Not bad at all for a car that is practically 1 year old! The car has actually APPRECIATED not depreciated! Incredible but true. See it for yourself.

This is why buying a new MINI is a much better way to go!

 

Just checked the KBB values for my 2002 Cooper CVT: (Took delivery brand new on September 7th, 2002):

Trade In: $13,150
Private Party: $15,310

Paid for the car $18,500 3 and a half years ago. The car currently has a notch over 35K miles. $3K depreciation in just 3 and a half years??? Not bad, eh! Most cars depreciate much more than that the minute you drive them off the lot.

The MINI is a very special car and its incredible resale values are a testament to the quality and incredible features this vehicle has to offers. This is not a Honda, Toyota or GM car, that's for sure.

 

Here's a used one I just ran across that comes close (except for the color). You could save a bunch :

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/car/136988090.html

Here's another MCSa but with no Nav

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/car/136644565.html

I'm tellin ya, there are a lot of used Minis out there, Coopers and MCSs (of course most MCS have the man. tranny as there are a lot older then 05) - its worth looking anyway

 

Wow, this one comes darn close to your dream used MCS:

http://www.craigslist.org/pen/car/138514027.html

This one is close but the guy must be smoking something with that price :rol:

http://www.craigslist.org/pen/car/138615743.html

Anyway, guess my point is made that they are out there, lots and lots of used Minis now.

Cheers

 

Used is alway better if you compromise on colors or creature options. Pick those options you want; especially performance like LSD; be flexible on color or trim. You can save anywhere between 10% and 15% off what the dealer wants new... I know, I did. Use carfax and cars.com. Michael

 

Typically, used car buyers are more concerned about price and condition vs. options, etc., otherwise, they'd buy new.

Sounds like you have new MINI dreams with a used MINI budget...

Doesn't hurt to try. You might find your car, or one very close to it. Keep looking. More used MINIs are coming on market every day.

To save the depreciation hit you should be prepared to be patient and wait.

Sincerely,

RockC.

 

Typically, used car buyers are more concerned about price and condition vs. options, etc., otherwise, they'd buy new.

Sounds like you have new MINI dreams with a used MINI budget...

Heck, I'd buy used if the right car turns up before I can swing a new MINI purchase.

Anyhow, doesn't hurt to try. You might find your car, or one very close to it. Keep looking. More used MINIs are coming on market every day.

To save the depreciation hit you should be prepared to be patient and wait.

However, you might want to re-consider your list and assign priorities, values, weights to the items. Decide what you can possibly live without, and what you absolutely must have.

A little flexibility is key, I think, for you could pass up a very good car for a good price looking for the perfect car. I mean, you are a used car buyer (or shopper) and you are forced to chose from other's selections/choices.

Watch/monitor the web used car sites, the car ads in your local (or region's) newspapers. Also, check out www.craigslist.com for used MINIs in your area.

Or even outside of your area. Determine how far you are prepared to extend your search. The wider you can go, the more likely you'll meet with success, and sooner.

Sincerely,

RockC.

 

I found my 2003 MC on Craigslist and it was exactly what I was looking for right down to the color combination and options. Plus, it had only 3300 miles when I bought it (back in November) so it was like getting a brand new car for $4000 less then what it would have cost new. Keep looking, you'll find something.