I wasn't sure the best place to ask this so I also posted in the 2nd generation forum.



My 2011 hardtop lease is up in May after 3 quick years. I was planning on ordering a 2014 - silly me I didn't realize what changes had taken place and a whole new MINI is out this year.

So just looking online at the local dealers yesterday there are a few 2013 hardtops left that might work. Or I can order a 2014 and likely get it in time.

I'm not sure whether they are going to be offering much off the sticker price on the 2013s - other than some lease deals that expire at the end of March there might not be a big incentive to get a 2013.

So considering possibly having to deal with issues with first year of a car if I order a 2014 and maybe not loving the front end as much as the older model -- it seems the 2014 would be the same price (based on miniusa configurator).

If I'm leasing getting a 2013 vs 2014 isn't a big deal as far as it being an older version I don't think. But I'm just struggling over whether it makes sense to "settle" for a 2013 off the lot or order exactly the options I'd want and get a 2014 if the price is pretty much the same.

Anyway, sorry to ramble but am I missing something - is this a no-brainer that I should order 2014? Or is 2013 a good option if I'm really happy with that styling and not into having the newest thing out there.

Thanks in advance for any opinions.

 

You've stated the right questions to ask yourself. If you like the styling of the 2013 MINI along with its quirkiness, and aren't concerned about new features/changes, then you'll save yourself some money going with a 2013 on the lot. However, if you overwhelmingly prefer the new platform, new features, changes, and higher quality, then the 2014 is the way to go. I'm new to the MINI S Hardtop, but there is no way I would buy a 2013 to save a few dollars. The new MINI S is just so much improved all around. But I would totally understand someone going with a '13 model because they prefer its styling, standard features and greater discount. JMO.

 

Thanks for the reply. I do like the look of the 2013 better. And not worrying about first year bugs will be a plus possibly.

I just hope they do discount the 2013s that are left and not try to act like there's a lot of demand and limited supply so the price is not very negotiable.

 

My dealer is pushing hard on the 2013s to clear inventory. They even told the sales people not to mention the 2014s unless the customer already is interested on one. As soon as the 2014s hit the lot next week. there will be deals to be had for sure on the 2013s. But if you are set on the features of styling of the 2014, you are going to be hard pressed to get any deals. Personally, I like the style of the 2013 better. But I would choose the interior and engine on the 2014 in a second. You mention 1st year bugs on the 2014. I think people are still waiting for them to work those out on the Gen 2s lol

 

Haha, I know what you mean about working out the bugs...never completely worked out somehow.

I do like the 2013 style better and won't miss any engine advances so I think I'll try to get a deal on a 2013. They just don't seem to ever come off MSRP at this dealership and there are only 9 left on their lot.

 

Of course one downside to leftover stock is that you won't be able to customize your MINI. But if that is a non-issue for you, you'll be fine with a 2013.

 

Are you leasing again? If so, I'd go for the 2014. Full warranty, full maintenance, turn it in after 3 years, don't really see a big downside and you'll get to enjoy a completely new car design.

 

chrunck - the 2013 is new too so it would also have the full warranty and maintenance. And I do like the 2013 design better so I guess I have my answer. If I was buying I'd feel like it's stupid to buy a 2013 today but since I'd be leasing again I don't think that matters.

So I think I have my answer -- if any 2013s are left by the time this sales person gets back to me. That's been a real frustration dealing with not getting return calls or emails.
Not sure if it would be hurting my cause to try to get another sales person at the same dealership. Have done one lease deal with the current one so I'd like to think there's a benefit to working with her again but she's not that great with responding and then when she does not good at completely answering questions.

 

I was referring to the almost guaranteed issues with buying the first model year of a new design. If I was buying, I'd get the 2013 for sure since long term reliability is (mostly) known. The jury is still out on the 2014 reliability, so it's more of a gamble, but leasing puts most of the risk on the dealer since you get to hand it back after a few years. For me, I'd be more interested in trying a new car with new features and gadgets on a lease.

 

Oh, ok, gotcha. Sorry I didn't read it like that at first.

So how long would you wait to get a return email or call from a client advisor or whatever they're called these days before trying a different one at the same dealership? It would be awkward but I guess that happens if someone isn't hungry enough to get back to clients.

Maybe these cars just sell themselves - if it was me I'd be reaching out to people who had a lease ending to really try to set up another lease/buy. And if that client did reach out to me I'd certainly reach back by at least the next day. Especially with month end coming up quickly.