Hello, I dont have a mini yet, i'm going to have to buy it used...a '02 MCS.

I'm comparing this with an '02 VW GTI. and I cant possibly decide which way to go...

the facts:

$16,000
2002 MCS
67,000kms

OR

$11,500
Volkswagen Golf GTI
118,000kms

I would obviously prefer the MCS, based on stying, unique-ness, mpg and "fun" factor, but weighing on my decision heavily is the fact that SOME warn the service/repair fee's are going to be much higher on the MINI than the GTI. I'm 23 and not exactly rolling in money yet, so i dont want to doom myself financially... any thoughts?

thank so much.

 

I didn't find that. Not sure about comparing service costs with the GTI, but I also have a number a GM cars. A brake job on my MCS (last week) came out to a couple hundred less than on my Buick.

MINI Oil changes are a bit more expensive because MINI uses synthetic oil. However, you don't need to change the oil as often so to me, it's a wash as to which is more expensive.

Having said that, somebody on Vortex might tell you differently. This is a MINI forum, afterall.

 

agreed! i have a similar post on the Vortex, and i'm much more impressed with the feedback i'm getting here, says alot about the kind of people that own MINIs LOL

I'm finding more and more, reliability is in favour of the MCS anyways, with less common electrical gremlins', and if i'm goign to be honest with myself... i'd rather drive a Mini (i should have known when i set me desktop background so a MCS...not a GTI).

wish me luck!

 

Setting the desktop to a MINI? You don't luck. . . you need a Cooper. Now!
Trust me. . . you won't regret it!

 

I just picked my 04 S up 2 months ago.
heres a list of what it came with
15% sc pully, 2" lowered, enkie rims w/new rubber, CAI,Borla,Wires,short throw shifter,Zenon headlites, sport package
42K miles 70K extended warranty
all this for only $16,500!!!!

 

Where did you find such a steal? with warranty? from a dealership? or private sale with transferrable waranty??

My deal though sweet, sounds a little less sweet after hearing yours.

and where do you live? i live in Toronto...

 

midway nissan in Phoenix AZ
even got low jack included!
it was just before xmas and i acted like i could take it or leave it, even though I was chompin at the bit inside LOL

 

I have scoured, and no such deals at the local MINI stealerships in Toronto or surrounding area, i'm looking at $25,000 for what you got, no mods.... lol

 

OUCH!!!
well anyway, its still a better car then the VW. plus look at the miles. 110K!!! thats a lot. your talking almost double from the cooper.
plus I can guarantee youll love owning the cooper compared to the VW.
its a FUN car!!!

 

Used cars are much less expensive in the US. Come to think of it, so are new cars.

If you have a CAA (AAA in the US) membership, you should be able to check the blackbook values of the car you are looking at. If you are buying a MINI from a car dealership, it is typically $2k to $4K above the blackbook value. The Blackbook value lists two numbers. The average trade in value and the average buy value for that car. The numbers are ballpark only as it does not take into account a lot of optional equipment, taxes or mods. Mods tend to decrease the value of a used car in general.

The earlier year MINIs (2001/2002) had some early issues which should have been taken car of by the original owner under warranty already so the car you are looking at should be in decent shape.

 

Mods devalue a car?
thats a first to me. ive been buying building and selling cars on my own for 8 years now and have been building them for over 20.
When you sell or trade a car in it is raised in value with add ons, unless some kid half assed the car together, beat the hell out of it and realized he didnt know what he was doing then sold it.

 

why not check out a reputable shop on ebay in the US. even with a one way ticket you would still save thousands. And you get a great road trip in a new mini!

 

Before you consider purchasing a Mini in the US and import it in Canada, be aware of all that is needed to certifiy it in Canada. There is a thread in the Canada section that should give you good pointers.

 

I got my MINI, and I havnt stopped grinning like an idiot, I also got a tip o'the hat from another MINI driver in my neighborhood, a sort of "welcome to the club".

( I also crack a condescending grin when I see 13 VW GTI's in a row on 401 highway. Knowing I have made the right decision!)


THANKS SO MUCH EVERYONE!

 

I looked at both and drove both when I was researching a fun car to purchase. I found an 03 mini used, it only had 36k miles & several door dings but I looked past that.

I really enjoy my 03S and 20K miles later it is still running strong. I have not had to replace anything other than general upkeep, which I have been able to do myself.