New MINI owner, up-and-coming! '06 DS/DS MCS
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1st Gear
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 11
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New MINI owner, up-and-coming! '06 DS/DS MCS
Hi everybody!
Last week, the water pump on my '94 Mazda Protege went for the 2nd time in 3 years. 3 years ago I purchased this car for $1,600, and it has been worth every penny. Now though, it's gotten to the point that to replace everything else that's wrong with it (A/C, leaking radiator, big crack in the front window, speedometer, C/V joints, etc) would cost me about 4x what the car is worth.
Anyways, I've been pining about owning a MINI since the time I saw The Italian Job (/flame on), prior to that I didn't even know what a MINI Cooper was. I haven't really been able to afford one until now, but now seems the opportune time. The Protege is the only car I've ever owned, and I've never purchased a "new" car before.
So I look around, and was initially attracted to an '05 PS MC I saw at CarmMax (love no-haggle prices), but after doing some research realized I'd be doing myself a huge diservice if I didn't go with an S, as I like to drive fast. Nay, I love to drive fast. I finally settled on another MC I saw on the CarMax website, located up in NC. It's an '06 MCS with 6.4k miles on it. Dark silver all around, sports package, sun-roof and gray/black leather interior. $24k. I paid the $150 to have it shipped down to FL, but haven't made the purchase yet.
I'm curious as to whether or not I should go for the extended warranty CarMax offers (called MaxCare)? The car has the remainder of 3.5 years or abother 43k miles on it, under the manufacturer's warranty. For an extra $1700, I can extend that to 2013 or 97k miles. Thoughts, feelings, opinions? I'm mixed on warranties...I know they're a huge profit machine, but I also know that if you end up using it, it's worth it.
I plan on modding my MINI. I didn't do much to my Protege, but I've got the money now to start playing around and am very much looking forward to doing so and sharing the experience with everyone else here.
~jeff~
EDIT:
A picture of my baby from CarMax's site:
Last week, the water pump on my '94 Mazda Protege went for the 2nd time in 3 years. 3 years ago I purchased this car for $1,600, and it has been worth every penny. Now though, it's gotten to the point that to replace everything else that's wrong with it (A/C, leaking radiator, big crack in the front window, speedometer, C/V joints, etc) would cost me about 4x what the car is worth.
Anyways, I've been pining about owning a MINI since the time I saw The Italian Job (/flame on), prior to that I didn't even know what a MINI Cooper was. I haven't really been able to afford one until now, but now seems the opportune time. The Protege is the only car I've ever owned, and I've never purchased a "new" car before.
So I look around, and was initially attracted to an '05 PS MC I saw at CarmMax (love no-haggle prices), but after doing some research realized I'd be doing myself a huge diservice if I didn't go with an S, as I like to drive fast. Nay, I love to drive fast. I finally settled on another MC I saw on the CarMax website, located up in NC. It's an '06 MCS with 6.4k miles on it. Dark silver all around, sports package, sun-roof and gray/black leather interior. $24k. I paid the $150 to have it shipped down to FL, but haven't made the purchase yet.
I'm curious as to whether or not I should go for the extended warranty CarMax offers (called MaxCare)? The car has the remainder of 3.5 years or abother 43k miles on it, under the manufacturer's warranty. For an extra $1700, I can extend that to 2013 or 97k miles. Thoughts, feelings, opinions? I'm mixed on warranties...I know they're a huge profit machine, but I also know that if you end up using it, it's worth it.
I plan on modding my MINI. I didn't do much to my Protege, but I've got the money now to start playing around and am very much looking forward to doing so and sharing the experience with everyone else here.
~jeff~
EDIT:
A picture of my baby from CarMax's site:
Last edited by jeffcaplan; Jan 23, 2007 at 07:02 AM. Reason: add a pic
2nd Gear
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 149
Likes: 0
From: Oakland Twp., MI
Sorry to be an ********* but what about a new 2006? Factory warranty plus you'll pay about the same as the pre-owned. Maybe even find one with an option or 2 you'd really like.
To answer your question...$1700 seems like a lot of money...
RR
To answer your question...$1700 seems like a lot of money...
RR
Welcome, and congrats !!
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1st Gear
Joined: Jan 2007
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Reason being would be financing. While I'm making quite a bit of money right now, I'm still pretty young and my credit isn't great. I'm not able to get pre-approved indirect financing from any banks or credit unions or directly from a BMW/MINI dealership. Surprisingly, CarMax approved me rather quickly, with no proof of income (weird?) and at not such a horrible APR.
And honestly, this car has pretty much every option I want, with the exception of the center arm rest (I think I like some of the other after-markets better anyways) & maybe black/black leather interior instead of gray/black leather interior (though I'm not against the gray/black). Otherwise, this is pretty much exactly what I would build for myself.
The warranty isn't exactly $1700...I think it's more like $1650...not such a huge difference. It'll increase my monthly by about $35 to get it, which isn't a big deal. I just don't like spending money on things I might not need.
~jeff~
And honestly, this car has pretty much every option I want, with the exception of the center arm rest (I think I like some of the other after-markets better anyways) & maybe black/black leather interior instead of gray/black leather interior (though I'm not against the gray/black). Otherwise, this is pretty much exactly what I would build for myself.
The warranty isn't exactly $1700...I think it's more like $1650...not such a huge difference. It'll increase my monthly by about $35 to get it, which isn't a big deal. I just don't like spending money on things I might not need.
~jeff~
2nd Gear
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 149
Likes: 0
From: Oakland Twp., MI
You should do what you think is best for you. With that being said I have an additional comment. No extended warranty. A new car loan is always cheaper. Join a credit union and pay 6% for 60 months vs. maybe 7.5%.
Enjoy the car no matter what.
RR
Enjoy the car no matter what.
RR
3rd Gear
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 231
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From: Savannah GA USA
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1st Gear
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 25
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From: Riverside, CA
fI have had my 06 MCSa from Carmax about 2 weeks now. loved Carmax and I went for the extended warranty. Have had extended warrant in a couple of other cars and I won the bet each time, including replacing a transmission (it was like winning the lottery!) I got it since I drive a bunch for work, so I figure some stuff will go wrong and I may get the money out of the extened warranty.
By the way, I loved working with Carmax - it was easy and a decent price for a great car!
Motor On!
By the way, I loved working with Carmax - it was easy and a decent price for a great car!
Motor On!
7th Gear
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,559
Likes: 0
From: Orange County NY
Extended warranty companies are real strict on any kind of modding and a waste of money.
Just my opinion and it all depends on the person and or car. I would take the money spend on the warranty and put it in the bank
Have you driven a Mini yet? If not your in for a treat. Good luck with the purchase.
Just my opinion and it all depends on the person and or car. I would take the money spend on the warranty and put it in the bank
Have you driven a Mini yet? If not your in for a treat. Good luck with the purchase.
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