Having tough time on deciding on used or new..
No I could save thousands with a used "S".
I guess I worry how beat these cars get with
the handling and fun factor of them..
Few questions and how much does Dynamic stability
control add to this car and in what way without it.

Second how much is posi traction add to thses cars.

And I hear the cost of run flats and they do not last long.
How much would be missing in handling if car had none run flats
tires installed.

I live in NJ and if anyone has a "S" for sale at end of month
in RED, White or Gray and has 20K or less on it and would
like to talk about selling it...

Thank You Joe in NJ

 

get an 05 or 06, they fixed alot of the "bugs" in these cars, also it depends on if you want a supercharged or turbocharged one. 07 -08's are turbo

my car has DSC but i find it more of a pita when i need to pull out fast and i've never driven one with ASC so i duno.

LSD is a good option to have

if you get good enough tires, they will be a million times better than run flats

hope this helps

 

Joe in NJ: A search will reveal a LOT, but I'll summarize:

- Used isn't bad, provided it's taken care of, standard used car rules apply (have it inspected, check its' history (most that are in warranty have seen the dealer for maintenance), etc.
- DSC (dynamic stability control) was generally part of the Sport package, giving also a slightly stiffer suspension and 17" wheels/tires. ASC (anti skid control, or traction control) is standard without DSC. There are a lot of threads on the benefits/detriments.
- LSD (limited slip differential) is great, provides power to both front tires, but is not essential. Was a $500 standalone option in 05 and 06.
- Runflats ride stiff, somewhat wooden, but provide runflat capability. Check the wheel/tire forum for more information. Many have replaced RFs with nonRF tires and achieved a smoother ride and more traction, but the handling "feel" is somewhat softer (it's not night and day though, kinda subtle).

Do a little cruising around the Forum and you'll learn a bunch, highly recommended before committing to a purchase. We're a helpful bunch...

 

I would buy new. Any car that says you can change your oil every 15K miles is not worth risking how the human that owns the car interprets that.

 

I bought a used '05 in NJ with DSC and LSD. The DSC is something that is occasionally a pita when accelerating out of a corner, but its probably also something that will save my life someday I least expect it.

The LSD is supposed to be a real benefit when doing auto-X. I think you'd need to drive both on the same road to compare how important it is to you. I really like the way my mini pulls around a turn.

there are lots of MINIs that are garage queens and don't get flogged. I'm sure you'll get a read on the seller's "driving enthusiasm level" when you talk to them. The cars at the dealership may be a riskier proposition.

best of luck!

Rip in NJ

 

Exactly. It seems like one in four MINIs in my neck of the woods is driven by an old lady with blue hair. I have to assume they aren't pushing the car very hard.

Dean.

 

Around me it seems most are just drivers cars.
Most of the MINI owners who are not part of the local club may as well be driving any import car. They have it because it looks cool, not for what it can do.
While sad, these cars could be great used car buys.

 

I just bought a used 05' MCS and it's very nice. I figure it this way. Just like buying a house, you assume the issues it may have and fix them. I was dead set against buying used, in fact this is my first used car since 1981, but after doing all the research and reading on this site, I found that the 2005 mini was pretty darn hot!

I found one that really grabbed my attention and pulled the trigger so to speak. Looks like I'll replace a few things on the car, and most important, get the oil changed. After spending time on this site, I knew what oil filter I wanted to use, the type of oil, the list goes on and on. I payed below blue book for it and all is well.

Now the macho mods will begin in ernest! Just don't tell m wife!

 

I just bought an 02' and as long as you know it wasnt beaten on i think your good, buying a new car always loses you money when you drive it off the lot, but you do have some good things to go with that, if you dont feel that is worth it then just buy used, just do your homework, but thats easy if you just explore this site some!

 

I would like to thank all of you for your fast response..
And I really am leading towards a used one..
I am closing on selling a house and doing a lot of work
leading up to closing..
But will have to take my time and not rush into a purchase
as my normal way when I see and want something..
I will look over this forum and may ask a few of you
some questions at times to see if I am thinking correctly..
I am looking forward to this forum and all who are involved..
Thank You Again......Joe in NJ

 

Of course you could buy a brand new engine with the depreciation you suffer upon buying new so if you are doing math.....it is worth the "risk" to buy used

Additionally I will point out to the OP that the demographics of this community have shifted over the years. Most original 02, 03 and 04 owners were older middle age guys, there was a time that you couldn't hardly find a kid that could afford this car...find yourself a one owner car, whose owner is over 40, who owned cars when people actually did thier own oil changes, who know how to maintain a car and you cant go wrong