New guy here, I'm in the hunt for a mini I've wanted one since 1992 when I lived in Germany. Well it's buying time, my choices are a 2007 MCS with 58,000 miles for $17,000 or 2010 with 18,000 miles for $21,000. The 2010 has the iPod adaptor in the glove box and neither have Nav. They are the same pepper white color but the 07 has the red and black on the inside while the 2010 is just black. Both also have clean records. Any advise would be greatly appreciated..

 

I would go with the newer mini. And the price difference is not that much. 2007 was the first model r56 so they may be some stuff in there that needed more work.

Make sure you know the service history, oil change history etc.

 

ditto, go with the newer model for warranty. i would stay away from first year model r56.

have a mechanic check on common issues - timing chain/tensioner, water pump, carbon buildup, etc.

 

Yes, the 2010 may still have some of the factory warranty \ maintenance plan in place. If so, that makes it considerably more valuable. In fact, you might approach MINI about verifying this and seeing what you can do to extend those further.

 

Thanks guys

 

Go with the newer car with fewer miles. The price difference isn't enough for that much of a mileage difference and some warranty. If you are still in warranty you can probably extend the warranty if you want. Not an option for the '07.

 

Good luck with your decisions and potential purchase.

 

Ok new day guys what are your thoughts on the coopes s coupe 2012

 

Thoughts on this one are highly personal. I really don't like it. You don't get great visibility out of the car because the the roof (which I'm not crazy about the reverse baseball hat design of the roof anyway) and lose a lot of the practicality of the hatch. If I was looking at a 2 seater I'd go for the roadster which looks better IMO. That being said, the coupe is supposed to drive a bit better and can be a lot of fun. Really might come down to how much space you need and what look you want.

 

The coupe is nice. It just depends on what you want and need. I wouldn't give up my storage room or the option of taking a couple more people,but that's me. It is a couple of years newer than the '10 you mentioned. That gives you the N18 engine that is supposed to have decreased the amount of valve carbon build-up. I bet there is a BIG difference in price though.

I'd go with the '10 hardtop. But only you will know what is right.

 

The coupe is being list for 28K which is a lot for a toy in my wife's opinion but man does that thing look sweet. The good news is my wife doesn't care what i do so I have the green light. I just need to make a good decision.
Option 1: http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...25898738&Log=0
Option 2: http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...29916539&Log=0
Option 3: http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...31743202&Log=0

 

just got a call on option 3 28400 out the door with a full 100k warranty

 

Go for it. Make sure you have some extra cash when the car gets older.

 

I think it all really depends on what you want. The coupe vs. hatchback is all just personal taste. I don't care for the coupe myself, I like the hatchback much better. As NJ Mini said, I don't like the backwards baseball cap look.

You have to decide how much you're willing to spend on one, as you've got cars on different ends of the map. When I was shopping, I was looking at ones like option 1 or 2. To me, $28k is way too much to spend on any MINI. For that coin, there are a lot of other cars I'd buy. But again, that's just my opinion. At the price I bought mine, the MINI made much more sense.

I see all the cars you listed are automatics. Are you only shopping for those, or is that just what you've found?

 

Klayfish, I have really bad knees, just had my left one scoped yesterday so no more shifting gears for me other than on my M109r

 

Folks its official option 3 is off the table, I really like that one the most but I don't want a 400 dollar car payment.

 

Then I say go for Option 2. MUCH lower mileage. Get any MINI you are purchasing inspected.

 

Option 2 is my vote. You would think that the dealer would clean the wheels before taking the pictures though. Jeeeesshhh, those are dirty. Just like they'll be after driving for a week anyway I guess.