R56 Looking into buying a 2009, need some advice!
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2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 88
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Looking into buying a 2009, need some advice!
Hey guys,
I'll start off by giving you a little history about myself… I've owned two R50s one manual and one automatic, both are gone and now I'm looking into buying a 2009. I'm fairly knowledgeable when it comes to the quirks of the first generation, however I am not so familiar with the second generation, and that's where you guys come in!
The car I'm looking at buying is a 2009 base mini fully equipped, with style convenience and comfort package. The car has roughly 48,000 miles and is still under warranty for the next little bit. What should I look out for? are there any problems that I need to know about?
Any info from you guys would be greatly appreciated!
Let me know
Marco
I'll start off by giving you a little history about myself… I've owned two R50s one manual and one automatic, both are gone and now I'm looking into buying a 2009. I'm fairly knowledgeable when it comes to the quirks of the first generation, however I am not so familiar with the second generation, and that's where you guys come in!
The car I'm looking at buying is a 2009 base mini fully equipped, with style convenience and comfort package. The car has roughly 48,000 miles and is still under warranty for the next little bit. What should I look out for? are there any problems that I need to know about?
Any info from you guys would be greatly appreciated!
Let me know
Marco
1st Gear
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 48
Likes: 2
I new to Minis and recently bought an 09. I found this thread pretty informative.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...07-2009-a.html
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...07-2009-a.html
I briefly owned an 09 base cooper (traded it for an S). I enjoyed the nimbleness of the car, and did not have any problems. From reading on this forum for about a year, it seems that the 'justa' coopers have few problems compared to the S. I think that you could get some insight into the car by befriending a dealer. By using the key fob, the dealer can look at the warranty, maintenance, and repair history of the car. There are plenty of people who have enjoyed their cars for over 100k miles.
Look at it as a used car first, check for damage, corrosion, or repairs. If the condition is like a 2009 Jetta with 48k miles, then look at it as a MINI. Colors, options, and features are going to make the final choice.
Personally, I really like the sport seats (hump between your knees), and having 16" wheels made the car handle better than the 15" that it came with. Plus, you get to have a spare, which is reassuring sometimes.
BTW, I paid 15,500 from a private buyer, just so you have a comparison. Happy hunting, and have fun.
Mike
Look at it as a used car first, check for damage, corrosion, or repairs. If the condition is like a 2009 Jetta with 48k miles, then look at it as a MINI. Colors, options, and features are going to make the final choice.
Personally, I really like the sport seats (hump between your knees), and having 16" wheels made the car handle better than the 15" that it came with. Plus, you get to have a spare, which is reassuring sometimes.
BTW, I paid 15,500 from a private buyer, just so you have a comparison. Happy hunting, and have fun.
Mike
1st Gear
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 48
Likes: 2
I briefly owned an 09 base cooper (traded it for an S). I enjoyed the nimbleness of the car, and did not have any problems. From reading on this forum for about a year, it seems that the 'justa' coopers have few problems compared to the S. I think that you could get some insight into the car by befriending a dealer. By using the key fob, the dealer can look at the warranty, maintenance, and repair history of the car. There are plenty of people who have enjoyed their cars for over 100k miles.
Look at it as a used car first, check for damage, corrosion, or repairs. If the condition is like a 2009 Jetta with 48k miles, then look at it as a MINI. Colors, options, and features are going to make the final choice.
Personally, I really like the sport seats (hump between your knees), and having 16" wheels made the car handle better than the 15" that it came with. Plus, you get to have a spare, which is reassuring sometimes.
BTW, I paid 15,500 from a private buyer, just so you have a comparison. Happy hunting, and have fun.
Mike
Look at it as a used car first, check for damage, corrosion, or repairs. If the condition is like a 2009 Jetta with 48k miles, then look at it as a MINI. Colors, options, and features are going to make the final choice.
Personally, I really like the sport seats (hump between your knees), and having 16" wheels made the car handle better than the 15" that it came with. Plus, you get to have a spare, which is reassuring sometimes.
BTW, I paid 15,500 from a private buyer, just so you have a comparison. Happy hunting, and have fun.
Mike
Don't be afraid to travel, I drove 4 hours for mine.
6th Gear
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,194
Likes: 2
From: Washington
To the OP, I think the Justa is a fine choice. I have not owned one but I know several people that do and they have had zero problems and as far as power goes they do not seem to have any issues. If you intend to track the car you might consider an S. Otherwise I think a Justa is a fine choice.
1st Gear
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 48
Likes: 2
What options does your car have. My wife has an 09. It's an auto S with all the packages and upgraded radio. Though hers has about 49K on the ticker. NADA says hers is worth 23K. If yours has all options it sounds like a heck of a deal to me.
To the OP, I think the Justa is a fine choice. I have not owned one but I know several people that do and they have had zero problems and as far as power goes they do not seem to have any issues. If you intend to track the car you might consider an S. Otherwise I think a Justa is a fine choice.
To the OP, I think the Justa is a fine choice. I have not owned one but I know several people that do and they have had zero problems and as far as power goes they do not seem to have any issues. If you intend to track the car you might consider an S. Otherwise I think a Justa is a fine choice.
Last edited by trinitony; Jun 12, 2012 at 06:49 AM.
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3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 171
Likes: 1
From: East Greenville, PA
I wouldn't put too much value into what NADA or other books list for value. A car like the MINI is much more dependent on the local market, as it's more of a "niche" car than your run of the mill Accord. From what I saw when I was doing my research into buying mine, and I did a ton of research, the book values are really high. I bought my '09 Lightning Blue MCS a week ago. It has 29k miles, premium package, cold weather package, convenience package, iPod/Bluetooth, and a handful of stand alone options. It was also previously a MINI Next car, so it's got the extended factory warranty for another 2.5 years or 70k miles. I paid $17k for it, which is way under what the book said.
6th Gear
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,194
Likes: 2
From: Washington
That's too bad. It loses the luster and incentive to buy another. With resales values so low you really need to put a premium on the driving experience otherwise it's pretty much a flush. (Especially considering the maintenance costs.)
Granted cars are a depreciating asset but one of the added bonuses was resale value. Seems the Mini is going the way of the "common" brands. It's a shame. But I suppose it's the just the way things go. When we bought in 09 we rarely saw these cars. Now there on every street corner and the cachet is disappearing rather rapidly.
Granted cars are a depreciating asset but one of the added bonuses was resale value. Seems the Mini is going the way of the "common" brands. It's a shame. But I suppose it's the just the way things go. When we bought in 09 we rarely saw these cars. Now there on every street corner and the cachet is disappearing rather rapidly.
1st Gear
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 48
Likes: 2
I wouldn't put too much value into what NADA or other books list for value. A car like the MINI is much more dependent on the local market, as it's more of a "niche" car than your run of the mill Accord. From what I saw when I was doing my research into buying mine, and I did a ton of research, the book values are really high. I bought my '09 Lightning Blue MCS a week ago. It has 29k miles, premium package, cold weather package, convenience package, iPod/Bluetooth, and a handful of stand alone options. It was also previously a MINI Next car, so it's got the extended factory warranty for another 2.5 years or 70k miles. I paid $17k for it, which is way under what the book said.
That's too bad. It loses the luster and incentive to buy another. With resales values so low you really need to put a premium on the driving experience otherwise it's pretty much a flush. (Especially considering the maintenance costs.)
Granted cars are a depreciating asset but one of the added bonuses was resale value. Seems the Mini is going the way of the "common" brands. It's a shame. But I suppose it's the just the way things go. When we bought in 09 we rarely saw these cars. Now there on every street corner and the cachet is disappearing rather rapidly.
Granted cars are a depreciating asset but one of the added bonuses was resale value. Seems the Mini is going the way of the "common" brands. It's a shame. But I suppose it's the just the way things go. When we bought in 09 we rarely saw these cars. Now there on every street corner and the cachet is disappearing rather rapidly.
Thread Starter
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2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2010
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Thanks for the info guys!! Think i'm gonna buy this one!!
It's gonna cost me 14K canadian, which is a very good price in Montreal for an 09.
Like i said the car has the style, convenience and comfort package. Also has upgraded speakers with ipod and usb drive.
I called the dealer today and got the verbal maintenace records (cause they aren't allowed to print them since i'm not the owner) and the mini rep said the car had been very well maintained and all service was done on time.
It's gonna cost me 14K canadian, which is a very good price in Montreal for an 09.
Like i said the car has the style, convenience and comfort package. Also has upgraded speakers with ipod and usb drive.
I called the dealer today and got the verbal maintenace records (cause they aren't allowed to print them since i'm not the owner) and the mini rep said the car had been very well maintained and all service was done on time.
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