I've noticed a few certified pre owned MINIs where the dealer has taken possession of the title despite the car never leaving the lot. A perfect example is the 2021 MINI Cooper S that I looked at last year. The Carfax states that the dealer took possession of the title while in inventory. I'm assuming they did this to grab incentives that MINI was offering, but the price of the car really didn't change. It's been on their lot since Sept of 2020.

Has anyone else bought a car like this, or am I better off buying a new Paddy Hopkirk edition that hasn't been titled and still qualifies for incentives?

 

I don’t think it matters as long as they CPO the car (the original manufacturer warranty would have begin when the dealer takes possession) and also be sure it was NOT used as a service loaner.

That said, the Paddy Hopkirk edition gets my vote, great looking car.

 

I would agree with JackMac about the MINI being a CPO and warranty.

I believe this can also happen if the dealership uses the MINI(s) as an “event” car (they register and perform modifications to bring it to shows/meetups) or when there designated as service loaners. Maybe it’s for insurance and state registration purposes?

- The local MINI dealerships around my area will usually put in the description if was a service loaner or may have a “specials” area on their website with these models.

My vote too would be for the Paddy Hopkirk Edition... but I do own one

Rich