I posted this in the General MINI talk topic but there haven't been any replies. I need some opinions quickly because I need to decide on these in the next 24 hours!

I live in Germany and am looking for a car ASAP. I've always liked the MINI Cooper's and was thinking about buying one of these two. Do you think either one is a good deal? Which is the better deal? Is the Cooper S worth the price upgrade? Can a regular MINI cruise at 100mph comfortably?These are the two ---->

2004 Mini Cooper 45000 miles first owner

- only 72000 km, 45000 miles, first owner
- 5 speed stick shift, european specs
- 1.6 liter engine with 116 hp
- air condition, power windows
- two sets of tires summer and winter
- summer tires on alloy wheels
- car is light grey with black roof
- new engine tune up
- full dealer maintained with records
- guarantee to pass inspection

very clean no smoking car in perfect condition from original german owner, almost like new.

Price: 9700$





OR.............

2005 Mini Cooper, only 52000 miles

1 Owner,A/C ,Electric heated seats,Electric windows,Sunroof,partial leather black,ABS,Immobilizer.
German spec.
Inspaction garanteed!

Price: 11,300$

 

i'd say black one. i'm partial to the color and looks to be a bit better spec'd. better resale with that sunroof

 

Will the black one's sunroof be one of the huge panoramic ones?

 

The black one looks nicer but the low miles is appealing on the silver one, not to mention a much better price. The sunroof is a nice option on the black one though.

 

Either one looks like a solid, low mileage Justa. Can you test drive them before you make your final call? Personally, I would go with the lower mileage car unless you really wanted a sunroof or leather.

 

I test drove the silver one last night. It's in almost like-new condition. 2nd set of tires, new brakes in the rear, recent oil change (always used synthetic).

Going to look @ the black one today but don't think I can test drive it because the dealer where it's for sale is closed.

I need to tell the owner of the silver one if I want it by 1000 Sunday morning (I'm 6 hrs ahead of EST by the way).

Will the black one's sunroof be one of the huge panoramic ones? Anyone know?

 

Yes, the sunroof is huge. The front panel moves back over the rear pane, which doesn't open. Both of my MINI's have them, and I think it makes the interior seem larger than it is, especially if you are tall. It does add some weight, and of course, things can go wrong with them. Two other bits of advice: Don't be rushed into making a decision. The black one is priced higher partially because it is a dealer car. When you add in those two extra sets of tires, you are getting more for your $$ with the silver car. On the other hand, the dealership will give you some warranty that the private seller won't.

If you're 6 hours ahead of us here on the East Coast, your time is now 2AM. Get some shuteye!

 

The huge sunroof is a big bonus for me. I am 6'4" and fit inside the silver one with no sunroof just fine. Although the driver's seat was literally touching the back seat when I drove.

I am kind of forced to be rushed. My last car (a hoopty) blew up on the Autobahn a few days ago and I need a car ASAP. The MINI's have always interested me, and it'll fit in my garage with my Triumph Tiger motorcycle without a problem. Most cars would never fit in my garage with the Triumph.

I'm working night shift over here, and yes, it's 0121 right now.

 

Yes, you'll fit in a MINI at 6'4", but you may feel less closed in with that sunroof above you. When I said don't rush into things, I just meant to say it would be OK to wait til Monday so you can test drive the Black Cooper. Unless the seller of the Silver Cooper has buyers lined up behind you, that car will likely still be available on Monday...

Now, get back to work!!

 

I'll try the best I can to hold off on committing to the silver one before driving the black one. I imagine both will drive excellent and like-new. I thought the silver one did.

 

Personally I'd go for the black 05. The mileage is close enough between the two that it's not really a deal breaker for me. The 05 is optioned out much better with the sunroof and armrest. not to mention the heated leather seats that are a must in cold weather

 

Please let us know which one you decided on. Good luck either way!

 

This situation is KILLING me here! This is what I'm thinking might happen. I'll be able to go and look at the outside of the black one today (Sunday) but not drive it until Monday. I'll need to commit to the silver one by mid-day Sunday or the next guy in line to look at it will buy it. Ugh...

Either way though I will keep you posted as to what I decide to do. I'll soon be a full fledged MINI owner and an active member on this website.

 

Have you asked the private seller if he'll accept a refundable deposit from you to hold your place in line til after you test drive the other one?

 

I like the black one better.

 

Being in a crunch sucks.
What is your heart telling you to do?
Normally there's something that clicks that says buy this one.
Since they are both nice looking and low in miles I'd go with that feeling if
you have it.
I've got the sun roof and rarely use it so I'm not sure if that'd be a deal breaker for me.
Good luck and let us know your decision.

 

Take the silver, black is a bit*h to keep looking clean...

 

I would go for the black 05 over the 04.

Doesn't the 05 have the more reliable Getrag gearbox on the non-S?

 

I love it...Minis fighting over an owner

We have an '04 and it has been great...then again, there is something to be said for low miles. But don't let the pressure of needing to make a deal get to you. IMO - Either would be great.

 

I like the options of the black one better obviously. I like both colors though. The silver one was SOOO clean. Not a single scratch, dent, etc. I met it's only owner. Garage kept.

The black one is at a dealer. I won't get the chance to meet it's original owner. I don't know if I'll be able to find out much about it's history or service records.

I'm torn 100%. I should know more after I take a look at the black one in about 5 hours.

 

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[QUOTE]
Having some sense of a used car's history and how the previous owner(s) took care of it or not, would influence my choice if all else was equal toward the silver one.

 

I'd take the silver one. Fewer high tech gadgets to go bad on you.

 

I take the Black one! You might pay a bit more but you'll enjoy the sunroof, leather and the updated interior. Yes, black is harder to keep clean but nothing shines like it though.

 

I was just reading a lot of MINI owners don't like their sunroof. Why is this?

 

Some have had alignment issues. Also, the sun shade does not completely block out the sun, so it can still get hot inside or lead to unwanted reflections.