Hello, My name is Melissa, I am in the market for my first mini. Unfortunately I cant afford a new one, so I've been looking at some "pre owned" minis online. I did a little research, and It appears that the '02 and '03 minis had a lot of little glitches that hadnt been worked out yet, but what I have seen so far is that the '04s seem to have been okay. The '03s and '04s are right around my price range right now.
Are there any real reasons why I should stay away from the '03s and '04s? I figured if anyone knew, this group would.
Also, on a side note, Im seeing a lot of minis with impact damage to the back right bumper, they all seem to be in the same spot. Is this something that is really common, or is it just a coincedence?
Thank you in advance!
Melissa

 

Hmm. back bumper spots, I think it is just a coincidence. Not too sure on the ins and outs of the 03-04 MINIs. You might want to try posting in the 1st gen Cooper section and get more replies.

 

Actually, there are a few forums and/or stickies (notes posted, not actual threads) on here that have links to some great articles. (I don't have enough time right now to track them down, but if I can do it when I get home, I'll re-post here.)

Over all, listening to both gear heads and vendors, I get the impression that the '04 - '06 are the best choices for used Minis, and I advocate MCS - Mini Cooper S - due to the better horsepower and get-up-and-go.

The bad news (if you're buying, that is) is that these cars only depreciate about $200 a year. Great news if you already own one! Anyway...I've owned an '04 and now an '07. Both were great works of art & science, and both had their significant qualities. Mine happened to be identical looking, but very different when actually looking into them. I loved both!

I think the differentiation comes in with the options & packages. Premium pkg, sports pkg, cold weather (i really really like this one!), sun roof, etc. I also advocate the sun roof - both for practical use and for resale value later. You do NOT need the navigation unless you really really really want the Mini logo on it.

If I find those links and you haven't already said you've found them, I'll re-post. In the meantime, good luck!

 

Oh yeah...and I haven't heard anything about accident-prone areas on the car. It really depends on where your blind spots are, and how well you drive. Those also depend on how tall/short you are, and again...how well you drive.

 

thank you! Im still learning the ins and outs of the forum, there are a lot of rooms in here! lol..

 

We were going too buy a used one too because we thought we couldn't afford a new one. Well it turns out that after months of research the used ones were as expensive or more so than your factory standard new MC- We found that you could get a new MC for 18,000-21,000 -and then that would get you the amazing gas milage of the new "08's, great standard options and the amazing warranty-be sure to check all the pros & cons before making your final decision.

 

When we looked at MINIs a year ago we noticed that the price of an '07 wasn't that much above the going rates for pre-owned MINIs at the dealership.

Best thing to do to decide is test drive both models.

That is odd, what you pointed out about the right rear bumpers being damaged in the same spot. Haven't noticed anything like that in my area, and I tend to scrutinize any MINI I come across in a parking lot. Probably a strange coincidence.

Have fun deciding.

CROC 411

 

I agree with x uh oh x price goes down very little in these cars. That was one reason why I went for a new one. Have you tried the build at MINIUSA to check if you can get to a manageable number? Finding a car that is in the a lot cheaper may be difficult. Good luck shopping!

 

This is the article I always recommend as a good starting point:

http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/

By the way, I bought a 2005 cabrio on eBay and have loved every minute of it.

 

How can we make that article a "stickie"? I think that's a great article and whenever I have folks asking me questions on used types, I send it to them.

 

I think I have posted that link about 30 times now.

 

We found the same thing.

Buying new 2007 was not much more than
a good low mileage used one.

One local dealer even wanted $17k for a 2002
absolute base model. Normally I would say a
sucker born every minute but I think they actually
ended up doing whatever dealers do with cars
they can't sell.

And no need to go into the whole thing but talk about LIARS.

One of these...."auction scams". "why dont you go test drive.
We have to call the bank and find out the price. I actually
don't even know the price. But we're willing to sell it for
whatever is owed on it"

later on.....
Funny, I drive by this lot every day, that car has been here
at least 6 months.

"Oh yeah. We've been saving up inventory for the auction"

 

thats what Im finding. That the dealers are asking 20k and up for cars that are blue booking for around 17 or 18. I went online and built one with the specs I want, and youre right, its only a few thousand more than what Im looking at for a used mini. The problem is that we just bought an '08 four door jeep and are making slightly hefty payments on it, and I just cant justify making two car payments that are equal to or more than my rent each month. Im trying to be as fiscally responsible as possible. :( and it sucks. lol

 

Wow that article is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you so much!! You're right, it should be a "sticky".

 

^ to highlight some of the info in it:

- CVT's have proven to be very problematic -- I would stay away from that transmission.
- If you're interested in better performance, it is worth looking at 05 and later models due to the changed gearing ratios.