First of all, I just want to say that this site is probably the best owners board I have ever encountered for any car.

I have been looking for about a month or so for a 2005 and newer MCS hardtop with auto trans and premium and less than like 30k miles. I kid you not that I have seen prices from like 20-26k for this set up for a 2006 with like 30k miles.
I realize that Minis have the best resale, but look at this - guy must be smoking crack:
http://www.wellsautos.com/main-02.cf...612082010a.jpg

So my question is why don't I just buy new? I took a crack at building one pretty much how I would like - cold weather, convenience and premium with the automatic. I did the black paint ($500) and the hood stripes, the Xenons, DSC, chrome gauges and ended up at $28,750 (quote attached).

So, my question is: am I missing something here?? Are there other options that I should be considering? I'm ok not getting the 17" wheels or the sport package. The leather was tempting for another 1k, but why the heck are there used ones > $30k?

Thanks for any advice.

 

No telling, but w/ such good resale values, lots of folks face the same question and many go ahead and buy new unless they are looking for something specific to an earlier MINI.

 

i have to think that some of the "irrational enthusiasm" might wear down. I think that dealers are able to sell to frenzied buyers that haven't done much research and don't want to consider waiting. I have seen a number of dealers that have decent inventory, though.

Please, no one laugh when I ask this, but is anyone getting at all under MSRP?

Also, do you think that I overlooked any options that I should have gotten?

 

Maybe the resale is holding so well because many don't like the new interior or exterior styling. I know if my 06 died, no disrespect for the 07+, but I'd buy another 1st gen.

 

I think "irrational enthusiasm" is a bit severe. After all, the re-sale values have held since the MINI's re-introduction in 2001. Given the current gas prices, I would expect high MPG rated vehicles to continue to have strong demand.

MSRP is pretty much the norm. A couple of NAMers have posted of up to $500 off of MSRP, but ask the California contingent and they're happy to just not pay above MSRP. I paid MSRP myself. But do not despair, you can usually get some floor mats and other throw-ins to soothe some of the sting.

As far as your build, I'd also go for the rear-foglamp and the antracite head-liner. You may want to think about saving some $$ to have a clear bra installed.

Great color combo, by the way. She looks pretty sleek.

 

Right now I don't think you are going to find a dealer who will sell for less than MSRP. If you are savvy and have a dealer who is willing to work with you it is possible to get a deal on dealer installed accessories but that's about it.

Regarding the frenzied buyers... though its true that the average buyer does not research like NAM members I don't think their lack of knowledge is the reason that MINIs sell for strictly MSRP. It's just the law of supply and demand. Whether one buys off the lot or orders its almost always MSRP.

 

believe me i know your pain. i looked online for a used mini for almost a year after i was bitten by the bug. you may know it as the test drive. i found either people were selling basement bare bones models (didn't even have MFSW) for like 24K or they were loaded to the gills and wanted over 32K. after doing many many builds and thinking long and hard about stuff i really didn't need and just wanted (Bluetooth/ipod and therefore convenience package) i was able to get the build in for under 27k. i think some of the asking price of used is instant gratification. i'm still looking at over a month wait for mine.

 

When I bought my '06 new, looked around for a lightly used one and faced the same thing. A good used one only a year or two old was not that much less than a new one. Resales have actually been going up on used Minis sense about Jan. when the fuel prices started climbing ( see Forbes ). All the good mpg cars heve seen an increase in resale value but the Mini being much more than just another small car has seen the most (not including Hybrids)... Great for us and you because which ever way you go, you will benefit and have a BLAST at the same time!

 

The only "good deals" that I've seen or heard of that offer under MSRP has been through Military Car Sales here in Europe...posting this for any qualifying military folks, DOD civilians or DOD contractors stationed outside the U.S. who might be in the market or soon will be...

You'll save approx $2,000 under MSRP for a US-Spec Cooper S, with no tax if the vehicle remains in Europe for 6 months (YMMV depending upon which state you return to in the U.S.) Options are priced the same as on the MiniUSA site. You'll pay approx $285 for the Title and destination fee...a lot less than our state-side counterparts.

One difficulty is that you might not get a chance to test-drive a Mini at the dealer because most are sold to customers by direct-order. On the plus-side however...delivery usually takes less than a week to arrive in Germany after rolling off the assembly line in the UK.

For those who may be interested. Here's a website that explains the details...
http://www.bavarianmotorcars.org/

A stock Cooper S without options will cost you $19,850 (up slightly from last year's $19,500 that is posted on the website above) plus Title and delivery. A stock Cooper is approx $16,500. Not a bad deal if you're in the market and qualify.

Edit: Approx prices for the stock Verts...
MINI Cooper Convertible: $20,400
MINI Cooper S Convertible: $23,600
Mini "Clubmen" are also available at a similar discount, but are not listed on the site yet.

Consider sending me a PM if you have any questions or start a new thread (and point me to it) so that this very specific subject doesn't hi-jack the OP's thread.

 

I would buy used if you aren't too picky with specific options. It will save you a few bucks and it is usually a better financial decision.

 

Well, that ad is a little optimistic, but not too insane considering the mileage on the car.

I agree with the earlier poster about not buying an 07+. If I lost the Mini I have, there is no way to replace it without some seriously costly modifications. I have yet to see a used Mini that came close to what I have. So if I lost my Mini, I would no longer be a Mini owner. That simple.

 

thanks to everyone - you guys are seeing exactly what I experienced - crazy high prices on way too loaded ones, or excessively high prices for cars with too many miles.

I guess that this site is probably holds the best promise for a used one, and I guess I will call some local dealers to see if the have any new ones that might fit the bill...

What is the headliner, anyway?

 

19K miles on a 2006 is on the low side really. I have a 2006, and am at about 25,000 miles.

 

any clue what's a fair price for that 2006? I think that he has dropped it to $23,900.

 

Hi Dave,
I like Edmund's for true Market Value TMV appraisals of cars.
Check in out. I think that if you walk in to a dealer with the Edmund's appraisal and you will show the clown that you are a serious buyer.
Good Luck!
I test drove over 10 minis prior to my 01/05/08 purchase of a '03 Dark Gray 'S.
January is the time to buy. It was at a Ford Dealership in Kent, Ohio in the snow. I knew a lot more about the car than they did.
All the best,
Steve
Ps: My car in an '07 is about $10,000.00 more that I paid.
PS2, I had to have a Panorama top. I am happy that In doesn't have the Xeon lights.

 

I must be doing pretty good! 16k on my 2006, March build.

 

I noticed the same thing about the resale values on many of the used car sites on the internet and also the cars on the dealer lots. Since I just sold my 2003 Acura CL Type-S with only 33K miles on it for $13,000 (new MSRP of $31,000), I can see the used MINI market as great thing for us. my advice: BUY NEW

 

It appears that with the high price of gas, all prices (new & used) will probably stay up. I was at the MINI dealership last week for some maintenance on my '03 MC. A guy came in and said he was ready to put down some money and place his order. I was chatting with him and discovered that he had not even taken one for a spin, and didn't even intend to. He didn't want to wait any longer since he had decided he wanted one and so it was simply time to pull the trigger. If there are people out there buying cars they haven't even driven, what dealer is going to come down.

 

Yes very true... and many people get married with less time spent thinking about and test driving their possible future spouse!!
My wife saw her 2003 Mazda Miata on the car carrier being delivered to the dealer and said :: ""what car is that ?? I wnat that car!!" never drove it. SOLD !!!

 

I recently purchased a used 2005 MC convertable with 25K miles for $19000. I believe a new one is not much more but I wanted a mini and thought the car looked great. Thats all I needed to convince myself.

 

njminifan - how long ago did you purchase this, and can you tell me where you found it?

 

Davegood - I purchased my Mini about three weeks ago. I happen to drive by it sitting in a parking lot with a for sale sign on it. I test drove it the next day and made an offer. It has the cold weather package, chrome package and JCW aero kit. The seller actually had a second Mini. It's a 2006 silver MCS that he sold for $23,000. Just take your time and keep looking. You'll find something.