So, I've been thinking about trading up The Chap for an 07 MCS (probably PW/B) for no reason other than that I've worked out several scenarios with the payment estimator on the MINI site in which I'll have a new car (with warranty- yippo!) and my monthly payment will be significantly less than it is now through a small local bank (even dispite my excellent credit score- boo).

of course, most of this depends on the trade-in value. So, I wanted to know how it worked out for those of you who have traded in your car for your MINI. How much did you get for it? Did they try and "funny stuff"? Dealers to go to (Knauz is closest), things to be aware of, etc?

Both Black Book and KBB estimate my trade in value anywhere from 12k-15, 700k ish, KBB being on the higher end of the scale.

 

might help to know the year and milage.

 

I had a similar "come to Jesus" moment when I decided to sell my '04 MCS and trade up to an '08 (when they are finally released!). After talking with the dealer, I decided it was more advantageous to sell it privately. KBB was a good start, but you have to be willing to "deal." My recommendation would be to sell it privately at a price somewhere between KBB private party value and trade-in. If you're already willing to take the hit on trade-in, it can't hurt to try a private sale for slightly more.

Mine sold in about 45 days.

 

you might also want to consider the sales tax savings when you do a
trade-in. you only pay sales tax on the difference between the new
car and trade-in. sometimes that might be worth/not worth your
private sale. private sale could become a real pita unless you already
have a potential buyer friend/family.

 

Good point. As I live in Oregon (read no sales tax), the tax issue was not a problem for me. It would be worthwhile determining any tax consequences beforehand.

 

ahhh... no sales tax is a good thing.

did you know cook county could go up as high as 11% next year?
(highest in the country). i heard it on the news a week or so ago...
im sure it wont happen...so i hope.

 

I have an 03 MCS (w/ sport and premium) with 53,900 miles. There are a few additional extras- not sure if they'll make a difference one way or another- but an ipod adaptor, internal radar detector, and spankin new performance tires.

Of course, its super clean- no dings, some minor chips on the hood...and...AND... it passed emissions today (boy oh boy were the guys in the shop up in arms over my MINI...The Chap is a looker, I'll give them that!).

As far as dealing goes, my approach is pretty much " Hey, I'd like to buy this car as long as the payment are between X and X... if you can do it, great! If you can't hang, no dice!". I own my own business (screen printing! who needs shirts and hoodies?! ) So, I'd like to think I've learned how to drive a hard bargin if needed.

I'm opting for trade-in versus private...I went that route in February when I got The Chap and I really just don't feel like waiting around, waiting on banks...and aye aye aye!

 

cook county sales tax is outta control... i understand tax is necessary and i am completely for it as long as its allocated properly and isn't creeping up year after year. There is SO much misappropriation of funds across the governmental board its disgusting...but that's another thread!!!

 

So no one else has anymore tales?

I've put in requests for contact from all the area dealers including International in Milwaukee (anyone heard good/bad about them?) explaining to them that I've lost my voice (true!) and will have to contact me via email.

So far, Maria from Patrick has seemed very helpful and pleasant- she even gave me a quick call just to check in. She comes pretty highly recommended round these parts, no?

Second is Dan from Knauz, but after a few emails regarding their current inventory he seemed to have lost interest and stopped responding (not cool by me). I've had my car serviced there and I wasn't crazy about their service, so this kind of solidified it for me. Beyond that, no one else has contacted me.

 

I sold my former vehicular beastie to a friend. Trading it in, I would have lost about $5G. No thanks!

 

Pretty sure everyone in Wisconsin bought through International. I haven't traded in through them, but they're all right as far as the sales department goes. I didn't have any issues when I bought my MINI.

Only one MA since I picked up my MINI in January is still there--lucky for me it's my MA. I harass him (Garland) every so often when my car's in for service. I think he's good people.

 

It seems to follow simple logic. You go the EASY way (trade in) you get less. You put more effort and sell privately, you get more. More work usually = more $. Not always, but usually.

 

Although not a Mini, when I traded in my GTO, I had gone to Carmax first to get it valued from them. They'll buy cars outright from you. Having that estimate with me when I went to Bill Jacobs helped me determine that the tax savings from trading it in (and the extra $500 that Bill Jacobs gave me over Carmax) was worth giving it to Bill Jacobs.

 

How do/ did you like buying from Bill Jacobs?

 

My experience was good and without any drama. They had the car I wanted (used/certified), so I didn't bother with Knauz or Patrick. I delt with Rachel, and one of the other MA's tossed me the keys to his personal Mini one day when she wasn't there. They seem to work well as a team, and I wouldn't hesitate buying from them again.

 

What color was that GTO anyway? (I may know the new owner)

 

I saw it sitting at Bill Jacobs just a week ago, so I think they still have it. They've already knocked $2000 off what they were trying to get for it... LOL But it's a 2004 Torrid Red six speed with a hidden trailer hitch. If by some chance someone did buy it a few days ago, let them know the car is already dynotuned for a set of Longtube headers and a CAI.

 

cool man! that's always nice to hear instead of a sob story (too easy to come by these days..sheesh).

so far international in milwaukee has THE (rear fog- woo!) car i want...so its really just a matter of them playing ball or not.

maria from patrick has also been pretty awesome and helpful as well!

 

Good luck I'm curious to see whether you'll end up buying from International or not!

 

yeah, its a heat between them and patrick. maria just contacted me again with a pw mcs that has everything but navigation (i can read a map!), but it won't be here for another 4 weeks. i will certainly wait if it pans out.

but i am also very impressed with international, so its either or at this point!

 

If your thinking of trading in your car, take a look at my post I am looking for a Mini in Chicago...https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=117525

 

after all that, i took a test drive in a DS/B MCS and it reaffirmed my love of The Chap.

i'm just not down with the interiors of the new coops. or the soft clutch.

 

Don't blame you.

 

So has anyone traded their Mini? Just curious, prices seem to be all over the board. I bought a 2005 MC with leather, sport, winter pkg, Union Jack on top, and NAV, 43K miles but very clean, no dings or scratches (just a small break in the front bumper), one owner w/car-fax report for $13K. I have to wonder what the guy who traded it in got for it.