Looking out there at all the different models of MINI leaves me wondering, what is the right MINI to own? Something fun yet fuel efficient or step up into a MINI model with more back seat space to haul the occasional passengers around. When I purchased my MINI, there weren't choices so this is all overwhelming when I step into the dealership.

Also, what kind of trade-in value can I expect on a 2006 Cooper hardtop automatic 1st gen. It has 117k on it and some rust. Is it better to see if a car enthusiasts will purchase it, or trade it in?

 

expect very little for trade since it is above 100k miles...

Better off selling private party

if you want the back seat for hauling people round snag a clubman or a countryman!

 

Thanks that's what I figured. Most of the late model mini's aren't selling for much on-line. I should look up Blue Book value.

 

+1 on the Clubman. As for your car, you've kept it too long, I fear. I'd suggest trying to sell it privately, as much of a pain in the butt as that is....

 

Look at the KBB private sale and trade in values. If you have a Sonic Automotive dealership in your area they are usually tops in values given.
Remember when you trade in you will also save the tax difference so figure
that in on the private sale. If they give you 3k trade in thats 3k you wont be taxed on

 

I live in NH , likely won't need to pay taxes, certainly not if it's considered income tax.

 

Always better to sell to a private party rather than trade. The difference could be thousands of dollars.

 

Depends on the value of the vehicle. First you have the hassle of showing the car to strangers and then the taxes you lose by not trading it in. Difference in trading it it in and selling it is 2-3k if its a 20k vehicle and your tax rate is 8% its 1600 in taxes your not paying so now your saving 0-1400. Trade in values will vary alot because you have new progressive dealerships and old school ones. Old school ones will try and give you a rock bottom price with the intension of stealing your trade and making a ton of cash on it and then you have the progressive dealerships that will give you max value because they want to earn your business for a lifetime not just the one deal and they base there pricing on volume. For instance few years ago I was looking to trade in my 04 350z, I took it to 8 dealerships here locally and the trade values offered were between 8500-12500. I was looking at a new car and looked at basically the same car at every dealership. The dealership that offered me the highest trade also had the best price on the new car by almost 2500. Was a no brainer

 

+1 on both of these. If you are going to be hauling backseat folks regularly, or using the back seat frequently to get things in or out, the CM cannot be beat, and the extra head room is fantastic. Those 4 doors make a world of difference in terms of convenience for entering/exiting the vehicle.

BUT, you will sacrifice the traditional Mini handling compared to the Clubbie.

The way we looked at getting the CM was that we had a practical need for the 4 doors and additional room, so we set out to find the vehicle that would be a blast to drive, given the practicality requirement. Nothing came close to the CM.