I used to own a 2003 MCS, and I have decided it's time to get back into another Mini. There are two cars I'm considering, and was hoping to get some feedback from all of you as to which you would choose between them:

Car #1:
-2002 MCS
-50K miles
-Dark Silver with Black top and Panther leatherette interior
-Cold Weather Package
-Panoramic Sunroof
-Driving lights
-Gunmetal aftermarket OZ wheels (not crazy about the way they look)
-3 owners, but maintenance records from new
-$11,000 at a car dealership

Car #2:
-2003 MCS
-50K miles
-John Cooper Works Tuning Kit
-Silver with Silver top, Black stripes and cloth seats (not a fan of cloth at all)
-Cold Weather Package
-Panoramic Sunroof
-Driving lights
-R90 2-piece wheels
-Aftermarket clear taillights (yuck), and goofy turn signal indicators that have been mounted horizontally into the rear bumper
-2 owner - first was a guy in his 60s, second guy selling it to buy a house
-Car has a clean title, but first owner was involved in a collision and had the front bumper, hood and radiator replaced
-$11,500 from a private party

If it was your money, which car would you buy?

 

If it HAD to be one of the two, the 02, as I wouldn't want a car that has had that type of front end damage, may not be bad and may still have a clear title, but that will always effect resale value.

Honestly, with the range you're looking at spending, why not look for a good condition 05' that may come in with about 75k miles, but will be in the same price range? It would be worth it to have the facelift model with some of the changes that were made, but that's just my .02c

 

For the foreseeable future, I'm making an 80+ mile round trip to work every day. My logic is that if I buy an '02 or '03 with low miles and drive it for 12-18 months, it will still be well under mileage for its age.

If I buy something newer with higher mileage, then I'm just accelerating the depreciation, plus I'll be dealing with the problems that sometimes come with high mileage vehicles.

 

Similarly to blue2turbo, I'd go for a newer (ideally 05 or 06) but with higher mileage. But if I was chosing one of the two you're looking at I'd go with #1

 

I can totally see where the logic is coming from, I'm just noting what I've seen as a trend on these boards as well as others, that the 05-06's are more desireable overall then the early 02-03's regardless of miles. Most Mini owners know that the common regular problems can happen anytime regardless of mileage on these cars. 50k miles, you're still in the range for the possible crank pulley failure, belt tensioner failure, leaking thermostat, leaking crank position sensor o-ring, possible soon to leak coolant overflow tank and being that the car is 10 years old, even though it is lower mileage, the rubber in the front control arm bushings is probably dried up and shot and will need to be replaced. Again, just the approach I took. I did tons of research before I bought and anticipated all of these issues because it seemed like "the norm" and you could never tell when it was going to happen.

But if I had to pick between the 2 and the 02 had a clean accident history, that would be the way I'd go.

 

I've never really seen why people depreciate vehicles that have been in minor accidents and were repaired correctly unless the frame was bent. As long as those repairs were done right and there is no way to tell that the car was in an accident at one time other than looking at the history I would say you're golden.

With that all taken care of I would make sure both cars are in good running condition and if both are mechanically sound I would most definitely take car #2 due to the JCW kit, and R90 wheels (combined I think an extra like $6K from the dealer) especially since they both have the same amount of miles and you might have more wiggle room on the price since it's a private sale.

 

Keeping looking. Read this http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/ then find the newest one you can afford with the lowest mileage you can find.

 

While I completely understand what you're getting at about cars being repaired the proper way, I am stating the way people think, vice what reality is. I have bought cars previously with accidents on their record, but ensured they were repaired using OEM parts from a reputable place before purchasing, that being said, when it came time to sell those cars or trade them in, the potential buyers/dealer always gouged at price based on the cars accident history.

Whether or not it was repaired to OEM specifications or not, even when calculated in carfax, value is deducted for accidents, that's just the way it works in this market. So at this point, I've bought and sold enough cars that when it came time to buy my mini, I ensured it had a completely clear title and no accidents, with the year and mileage I wanted, that way if I ever plan to sell it, I know it won't be as difficult because it will still have a clear history and will be taken care of.

 

I almost did the same thing; found a Mini that looked Great and almost bought it.

I did more research here on NAM and waited to save alittle more money and got a Mini that not only looked Great but was also a better year model and had far less mileage.

Its your choice but don't rush yourself into buying a car that will cost you more in the long run.

Remember their are lots of mini's out there; look in every state not just close to home.

 

I would go with #2.....but I'm partial to 03' MCS's with the JCW kit on them I love mine!!!