It's time for me to get a new vehicle, since as much as I love my 2009 Clubman, I've put over $5K in her this year and decided I need a new car that's more reliable, Most recently the AC quit (compressor) and she's giving me a hard time putting her in reverse. I test drove a Mazda 3, Hyundai Kona - there's no comparison. I'm looking for another Mini (this will be my third, so I am addicted).
I'm looking for a lower mileage used 2016-2018 Cooper. I like the look of the "traditional" Mini, but am open to considering a Clubman again. I am a low mileage driver, basically go back and forth to work a couple days a week and take a couple 500-600 road trips per year.
Would appreciate input as to what I should be looking for, I've got a great mechanic that I trust that I'm going to have checked out the car before I purchase. Is it better to buy from a dealership/Car Guru/or private seller. So if you all could "steer" me in the right direction, I'd be most appreciative. Do certain years have more "issues" than others. My Clubman had been a very reliable car until about the 87K mark, I have taken good care of it with regular oil changes and performing recommended service per owners manual.
Thanks in advance.

 

If you are buying a later model with low miles you will likely still be under warranty. That way you can have any issues sorted. So basically I'd be concerned to make sure no prior accident damages. Buying from MINI dealer would usually be the most expensive way to go. I bought mine used from an Audi dealer that was choking on the car sitting in inventory for too long. At the time it was a great deal, low miles car in great shape. They did try to sell me $6000 of various warranties, which made me feel sad how stupid the Finance guy was trying to think I'd fall for that.

You really just have to compare private seller vs. dealer for pricing.

 

What are you car requirements?

 

Derick86 - I am looking for a 2016 -2018. I'm pretty open with my requirements - thinking about 'just a Cooper', a Clubman or despite the fact that the backseat is non-existent, even a convertible The only deal breaker would be if car didn't have a cold weather package and a moonroof. Other than that I'm pretty flexible. I am trying to avoid the dealership, they've got a couple of 2017's and a 2016 Countryman w/16K for $17K clean Carfax all of them have been sitting there for a couple of months. The 2017 are just a Mini, the other is a convertible the just a has been marked down to 18K, the convertible is 18,500 all have less than 20K miles on them Both of the 2017 are manual, which isn't an issue - although I'm just a bit concerned if clutch vehicle holds up as well as an auto. I'm not a "clutch rider" and feel like a manual Mini might be fun.

Minnie the Moocher Ideally, I'd like to find a Mini at a non-Mini dealership - when I wasn't seriously looking in June (and when I test drove a Mazda 3) they had a 2018 Countryman with 30K that kept dropping in price - the sales guy (who was intent on getting me to get the Mazda on the spot) said that the Countryman was on "hold". I drive by there daily and the car was still on the lot at the beginning of August.

Last night driving home after work more problems with the Clubby fortunately when I was almost home)- dashboard lit up like a Christmas tree with red check engine light, red car on the lift light (I've got to go out and see what message that has) along with the brake light. So who knows what's going on - I do need brakes for the front, but the because the check engine light is red, I don't feel comfortable making the 30 mile drive to the mechanic.

Thank goodness for towing insurance.