I picked up a Car and Drive mag in the drug store this weekend. They had an article on the top cars under 20k, either new or used. The base MC was one of the tops, new.

 

I saw that too! but haven't had a chance to read the entire article.

Were they comparing it to the Mazda 3?

 

They also picked the Mazda3 as a best new or used under $20K, but they weren't really comparing it to the MINI.

That $20K MSRP price cap is tight for getting a MINI.

 

Yea, its tight, but with MFSW and DSC now standard, I could really pick my color on a base model and drive off and be happy. I give Mini credit when I bought my 07 R56 MC the base price was 18500. DSC and MFSW were options. Given they are now standard and included in the price, I'd say Mini has done well in holding costs down.

I always give my dealer grief that they should keep some none to lightly optioned cars for the budget minded. They only seem to option them way up.

 

The MC was the only new car on the list (maybe a base Mazda3), kind of a goofy article when you have car buffs comparing a new MC with a 97 Boxster and an old V12 Mercedes and stuff like that. They said they did one on NEW $25k cars a while back.

 

MSRP on my 09 was 19,450 so it can come in under 20k. Only option I wish I had was cloth seats but that still would have kept it under 20k I believe.