Hello Mini-lovers,

I am in an odd situation. I need to get a car (hoping to get a mini!) that I am likely to only have for one year. As in one year I will be moving where cars are pointless and will have to sell or return my car. So I am trying to figure out the best Mini to purchase for greatest return on investment. I realize that any car is a bad monetary investment, just trying to figure out how to do this with minimal financial damage. I am also hoping to have minimal additional costs (beyond gas and insurance) on the Mini, so something either under warranty or with incredible reliability would be a smart decision. I have looked at lease swapping opportunities and have not been able to find anything in my area...unfortunately.

So what do you think? Should I buy a New or Used Mini? If used, how used? 2010, 2007, 2005...? Automatic or Manual? Automatic increases the cost but will this investment be returned? Also I have heard that Minis are one of the cars that best hold their value, general opinions? Other things to think about?

Lets assume that upfront costs are not an issue, and that I have no real preference on model or features (I do!). I am just curious to hear your advice and experience.

Now I know that "just" will be digging under someone's skin. Here is hoping I return to Mini's one day.

Thanks for your response to my first post, and hopefully the beginning a Mini-filled future.

 

I think with any new car you are going to take a hit on the depreciation. So if taking over someone's lease isn't an option you will probably want to buy used.

Other option is to lease one for yourself and try to get someone to take it over after the year.

 

Get used, get manual... Fail-o-matics are problem prone

 

Pretty broad, inaccurate statement. The S models all had decent automatics and the CVT in the non-S did/does suck. The midlands 5 speed is not that great and some R56 clutch seem to wear pretty quickly on select cars (defective on some JCWs).

 

I understand that there are a few people out there that didn't have problems with the transmission, but every tranny issue I've heard was for the automatic, whether R53 or R56... Also all the Coopers that I see in junkyards are ALL automatic transmission, whether "S" or not

 

If you are only going to have it for one year, the least amount of financial damage would be to buy the oldest one you can find that is in good running order.

 

Yea that's a great idea... It'll prolly be more reliable to a point

 

Well, you must tell where you are moving to where cars are pointless. My guess: Palmer Station Antarctica. Am I right????

 

Then you haven't heard correctly.

 

Thanks Guys, appreciate the ideas. I have a few follow-up questions though.

Anyone know how easy it is to find someone to take over lease? Also, is this really more economical? I get the impression (and have done some very rough calculations) that it is not a much better deal.

My only worry with this is that I'll find a lemon... at least with relatively new 2009 or newer the warranty may still be there, or I can find a dealer to extend the warranty.
Dangerous question, but perhaps there is a particular year of Mini's that have experienced few defects...

Not quite Antartica, but some might say just as desolate - Manhattan. I could keep the Mini... but I doubt I'll have or want to deal with parking. Nor would I need the car at that point.

On the Manual v. Automatic Transmission debate. Good to know that some people have experienced some additional tranny costs, although not everyone agrees. Any thought to whether selling back a automatic is easier than a manual. I see a few more used manuals on the mini market than I do automatic...

Thanks for the help here guys.

 

My personal opinion is to get a 2005 or 2006. If you go "S" either transmission is fine. If you opt for non- "S" (less things to potentially go wrong) stick with the manual. Also, spend the extra upfront and get a clean, low mileage car. Perhaps even one with a warranty. Even on a good car, the things that will naturally need repair as the car ages (LCA bushings, supercharger, clutch, O2 sensors, etc) will definitely offset the price premium if you have to make the repairs, but won't be keeping the car long enough to wear them out again. Since you are already paying more to get a MINI versus a lesser car, consider choices such as transmission type more from a preferance than resale perspective. If you really want an auto, get an "S" for certain. I'd rather replace a supercharger (and you won't need to if you don't get a clunker with high miles) than junk the car because the CVT costs more to replace than the value of the car.

Again, I stress all these points apply only to the 2005 and 2006 model years. Later cars might be a better choice, but I have little knowledge on them. A low mileage early "S" might do you well, too.

 

Your point about buying a car under warranty makes a bunch of sense. I would think that you could find a 2009 or 2010 car that is under warranty, and will remain under warranty when you sell it in a year. This assumes that you have budget for this new of a car. With the way that gas prices are, consider that a Justa will get you 5-7 mpg better than an S, but either one will get you around 30 without a problem. I got 38 in my 09 justa, and currently get 30 in my MCS.
The cvt automatics (2002-2005?) are the ones to avoid like the plague. They switched to a different auto in 2005, and again with the 2007 update. I would not blatantly avoid automatics.
There also seems to be quite a few MINIs in Chicagoland on Ebay, it may be worth a look there as well.

Have fun,
Mike

 

Daufuski Island off of SC near Hilton Head?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daufusk...Transportation

 

Low mile drivers get a great value by purchasing high mileage cars. Over time, the mileage catches up. I got what I paid for the wife's car two years later since it went from high miles to average with her 3k mile a year usage.

 

See if you can do a 12 month lease. Then you won't have to worry about a lose.

 

Psssshhhh ok let's see who has transmission issue first.... I got an 87k head start also! LOL

 

I would imagine the odds of getting a lemon are about the same no matter what you get. The only benefit of a late model is warranty coverage.

But, with a late model, you know you are assuming the cost of relatively high depreciation (versus very little depreciation on an older car that may be close to being fully depreciated). The risk of repairs due to a lemon is much less certain.

It sounds to me like you are really trying to minimize risk much more than the financial loss you'll take. So I'd +1 what Porthos recommended - find a dealer willing to do a one year lease. That way you only pay for the cost of your use of the vehicle and risk is minimized.

 

you're on!