So the other day I saw this Mini and it was love at first sight. My problem is, apparently the color of my dream Mini was discontinued in 2006. Since I drive a 2004 Saturn Ion with only 56000 miles on it now, I don't want to trade it in for a 2005 Mini with double the mileage. Would it be totally stupid to buy a 2013 and have a body shop try to match Electric Blue Metallic? Is there anything I need to be warned about when it comes to repainting? Never had to have a car repainted or touched up before.

My only other option is to wait around and hope and pray they'll release a similar color in 2014 or 2015. But I don't want to wait. I want my dream Mini NOW!!!

 

It would be highly not cost effective to respray a brand new car. To do it right, they have to remove all the trim, as well as the door sills, hatch channel, etc. Make a few calls, but I'm guessing you could get that high mileage '06 for not a great multiple of the cost of a quality paint job - on a car that is brand new. Good luck with the decision!

 

But the 2005, in addition to the high miles, won't have the features I want like bluetooth and an aux jack.

 

Do a used search on Autotrader. You'll probably find something more than reasonable and probably be able to trade in the Saturn as part of the deal.

 

I'd look for a Laser Blue, I think it's relatively close to Electric Blue and you can get a newer car with the options you are looking for.

 

Friend just purchased a used 2003 MCS in Indi Blue/white....had 17,000 miles on it and it was mint inside/out and mechanically

What about a low mileage pre-owned in your dream color ?

I have an 03' with aux jack, and many 05/06 have the BT on the steering wheel controls....

 

It's not a perfect alternative but you could get the new car vinyl wrapped or plastidipped. Not sure where you live but dipyourcar.com has many vendors all over who offer whole-car dipping services and they can make custom colors.

 

there a cheap and easy aux jack kit and bluetooth should be just as easy. any car audio place could get both these things done for cheap.

 

Try a search for a low mile mini in the color you want they are out there you just have to look.

 

You sure it wasn't just a sweet R50/R53? A lot of those can be fairly any color and still look amazing, when done correctly. And, yes I'm biased.... but that's why I bought what I bought. Same color + Different model year = not always the same results..... Just want to make sure your not creating a "perfect mini" by color alone.

 

Aux jack = easy $40 OEM solution
BT = not as easy or cheap, but parrot makes one that people seem to like
That said, it's also not a new car, if that's what you want.

 

Ooh yes do this - then together we can start a Laser Blue who Covet Electric Blue Owners Club.

But seriously, if cost is no object then by all means get a new one and have it painted whatever color makes you happy. There are some pretty sweet vinyl options out there though, like this one: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...pped-mini.html

 

I'd recommend getting it vinyl wrapped since it's often cheaper than a high quality paint job and it's reversible. But you definitely want to make sure you find the right Mini for you. The 1st and 2nd gen Minis drive quite differently and the 2nd gens are a little better equipped out the box. Test drive one of each so you can see which you like better, then get it wrapped to your taste. It would be nice to see an R56 in Electric Blue though.

 

Thanks for all the suggestions. I'll continue to stalk AutoTrader for a 2005 w/BT and low miles, but I would much rather have a new one. Test drove a 2012 the other day and that was pretty awesome. Maybe I'll get lucky and they'll rerelease EB for 2014, or at least a similar color. I looked at a 2011 in laser blue yesterday. Nice color, but didn't have the wow factor. I'll look more into the vinyl wrap option, but since it would be parked outside most of the time, it doesn't sound like that would work for me.

 

Thanks for all the suggestions. I'll continue to stalk AutoTrader for a 2005 w/BT and low miles, but I would much rather have a new one. Test drove a 2012 the other day and that was pretty awesome. Maybe I'll get lucky and they'll rerelease EB for 2014, or at least a similar color. I looked at a 2011 in laser blue yesterday. Nice color, but didn't have the wow factor. I'll look more into the vinyl wrap option, but since it would be parked outside most of the time, it doesn't sound like that would work for me.

 

Depending on care and climate a good Vinyl job should last 3-7 years. ~$2k

Plastidiped cars have not been around as long but they should last 3 years. ~$600-1k (DIY $300-400)

 

Have you seen a car in Kite Blue?

 

Is this close?

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/ctd/3826952574.html

EDIT: more

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/cto/3829001108.html

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/ctd/3824278244.html

 

Nope, those are all too dark. This is the color I'm looking for. http://modesto.craigslist.org/ctd/3789103828.html