Hi guys,
I'm looking into a 2011 JCW convertible. I will be trading a 2011 Subaru STI, there is just something about the Subaru that I do not love, and I really want a JCW! My problem is, there are not many JCW convertibles on the market, new or used. I want a 2011 or newer so I have most of the warrenty. Mini of Baltimore has 4 such cars, they all look great, but seem overpriced. Has anyone seen these cars, or know anything about this dealership. The dealership is 400 miles from me, I'm wiling to make the drive, but I would hate for it to be a waste of time if a deal can not be made. What is a fair deal for this car with the cold weather package and premium sound system? The miles on their used JCW range from 9,000 to 17,000, and they want $36,000 to $39,000. There is a dealership in Conn. selling a new JCW Conv. for $42,000, and I have a $750.00 discount from MINI good on a new car. This is only a $2,250 difference for used verse new. Seems crazy since the artical on Car Guru said these cars loose $9,000 their first year.
Thanks for your input.

 

Some thoughts:

a. Kelly Blue Book can give you a starting point for a realistic price. I ran 2011/JCW Conv/13k miles / excellent condition and got just under $33k for dealer retail.

b. Lose 9k right out of the gate? Sure, in trade-in value or what you might get selling yourself, perhaps. Dealer retail can be something else entirely...and typically is. There are threads on here about JCW value anyway. *We* know what they're worth, but JCW models are priced at a high premium to other MINIs, and that can get lost on car shoppers who just see a "cute MINI convertible" on a car lot a couple of years down the road.

c. Price a new build like you want, just for grins, on the MINIUSA site. I just did: JCW convertible, those two packages, nothing else: 38,300 MSRP.

d. Usually if you're buying long-distance, you'll make a deal, *then* drive; the deal being conditional on your acceptance of the car. You'd have asked for photos, carfax, service details etc. already as well so you can make a considered offer.

HTH. Just some data points.

 

Just sold my 2010 MCS and didn't lose $9,000 in the two years I owned it, and that was selling it myself on Craigslist. In fact I only lost about half that. One of the great things about MINIs is the high resale value they maintain, which is part of why I now own my 7th MINI. Good when it comes time to sell, bad if you are trying to buy a used one cheap. I agree with ljmattox in that you may want to build a new one the way you want it and order it.