Hello,

This is my first post. I have been a big fan of Mini, but finally decided to pull the trigger. I am currently in the market for a used MCS and have some questions for you who had similar experience.

I was mainly looking at 2005-2006 ones because of various improvements, but they are a bit more than what I would like to spend unless I look at ones with higher mileage ones.

1. What would be the realistic market value of 2005-2006 with around 50k miles?

2. Would I be giving up a lot by purchasing 2002-2004 ones instead of 2005-2006?

3. Should I stay away from ones with high mileage (over 75K miles) whether it's 2002-2004 or 2005-2006?

Thanks for your help.

If these questions have been asked already, my apologies.

Please suggest a few keywords that I can use to do search. I did this already using various keywords such as "used" "2004" "2005" and etc., but pulled too many reports that were often unrelated.

 

IMHO:

1. Maybe around $20-21,000
2. Yes. You give up a better transmission with better gearing and lots of bug fixes.
3. Not necessarily, depends how well the car was taken care of. If you CAN find what you want with lower mileage, obviously go for it.

 

Welcome to the camp!
You should try autotrader.com, type in a search radius of, say, 50 miles around your zip code, and see what's in your area.
And contrary to what you may have heard, there are a number of older MINIs that have had zero problems. Mine (Aug. of 2002),Nabeshin,and The Ancient Mariner all come to mind. My car (which is for sale) has less than 38,000 miles, and were it not for the poopy economy, I'd keep forever, and mod the Hell out of it.
Good luck, and let us know what you find.

 

Good luck with the search, Welcome from North Carolina.

 

I paid $18,200 (private sale) for my '05 with 38k on the clock, but I also drove 300 miles to obtain it at that price.

Having done much searching myself fairly recently, I would say expect to pay anywhere from 18k to 22k for ~50k 05/06 depending on options, modifications, condition, dealer/private sale, etc. If you keep at it consistently, the right one will pop up soon enough - there's plenty out there, and each one is just a bit different from the next.

 

We're thinking about getting rid of our 2005 CR/B S. It only has 29k miles on it, and lots of nice options. If you're close to San Diego and are interested, PM me.

 

I am a bit confused about this. Don't brand new 2009 MCSs start around $22K? So, why would 3-4 years old MCSs be priced at $22k?

 

The reason the older MINI's can still cost that much is they do an insanely good job of holding value. Dont ask me why, but that is just how it seems to work with these cars. Realistically, a lot of MINI's are also sold optioned out, and when you start adding options it isnt uncommon for prices to get over 30k new.

 

Well i paid 12500k fo my 2004MC non s automatic with 13,800 miles

Good Deal right?

 

I just bought an '06 MCS w/cruise, multifunction steering wheel, heated seats, 6 speed, leather and 17" run flats, some carbon accents and 10,500 miles $19,500. I've been talking about getting a Mini for about 35 years so it's about time! Good luck in your search!

Hondo

 

I have an '04. IMO, the greatest difference from 04-05 is the gear ratio change. Most serious problems were taken care of by '04. You might find that the premium you would pay for an 05-06 is more than you want. If you find a good low-miles 04 that has proof of being well-cared for, at a good price, IMO, you should consider it also. Continue to research. I hope you find a car you can fall in love with. And remember that CR/CR is the best color combo!!

 

hey guys,

also in the market for a mini, I am looking at a 04 MCS 24k miles for 155k. is this a

decent price?

I can't believe the used tax for DMV which is another 8.25%! forgot to factory that in

in when I negotiate...

anyways, how do you guys deal with if the car is not totally paid off?

 

I paid $21k for my 05 with 26k miles on it, so that makes sense.

 

Try Vehix..same deal with zip code...even EBAY..still you may need to drive or even FLY to get your 'perfect' MINI!!

 

Thanks for your explanation on the pricing. So, are options reflected in the used car pricing, i.e., used ones with more options are more expensive than used ones without?

 

Mine listed for $ 28,950 ( 04 S ) lots of options . Purchased it for $ 15K with 60,000 miles in Nov. I'm sure you will find one !! I'm new to NAM as well . There is a wealth of info from all these fine people . If you get a used one, you'll get a good feel for the car through your hands, butt and feet ( wheather it has been rawhided or abused ) . The Mini is great ride and there is alot of help when something goes wrong. Try the soopercooperinfo site along with NAM ..between the two ( for me ) there is more info than I have time to read ! Good luck and remember " Let's Motor " !!

 

Actually im planning on buying one as well i found a couple around my area (nyc) and alot in Nj, the two im looking at are

05 MCS 74,576 miles for 13980

04 MCS 60,107 miles for 13485

In a couple of days im going to go with my friend whos a mechanic to check it out

hopefully everything goes well or something cuz a mini has been my dream car lol

i would just advise to extensive research all of i've been doing is Research, research and research

 

You can also check out Craigslist.
And don't be afraid to look at older models with low mileage. (hint hint)