So I'm considering getting a second Mini, this time a countryman. I'm comparing 2 vehicles and I was hoping for some feedback.

The first one is a 2011 All4 auto. It has 70,000 miles and the owner is bringing the car into the Mini dealer tomorrow to get it checked out for me (needs a sensor replaced as the check engine light is on.) I spoke with the service guys about the car, they informed me that it has had a bunch of work done over the years. It has been maintained well, but lots of work (couldn't tell me anything more as to the type of repairs needed). It is a very loaded vehicle. The owner is asking $15k

The second countryman All4 is a 2014 manual (I prefer manual). It has 60,000 miles and is being sold by a dealer outside of town (haven't looked at it yet.) It looks to have a clean bill of health and has very rarely been into the Mini dealership except for general maintenance. This car has less options, but most I won't miss except for the sport suspension, JCW body kit and mini connected (not deal breakers though). The dealership is asking $18k.

So my questions are, is it worth paying ~$3k more in order to get a 2014 vs 11 and 10,000 less miles. I don't have as much history on the 2014, but it also hasn't been into the Mini dealer for lots of repairs.

Here are links for the 2 cars 2011

2014

I know that build quality and reliability improved over the years, but is this worth 3k and less options? Opinions?

 

Newer is better, worth more money. Tranny is what you want.

I wouldn't buy an out of warranty MINI unless it was cheap enough to buy a warranty for it. Repairs and parts are expensive unless you DIY. Negotiate a warranty into the 14.

 

Just my two cents... I believe the 2011 only had rear bucket seats, so not sure if having the option to haul 5 people is a concern for you or not. For me, having the option to take one additional person is always nice. I leased a volt (which also only had 4 passenger capacity), and I swore that the next car I got would need to be able to seat 5.

2014 might still be under factory warranty, though the remaining services might not add up to too much in savings. Also, minor updates to 2014 -- updated grill, small hp increase...

Between a 2 vs 5 year old car, I'd choose the newer... Less exposure of components to the elements (rubber pieces/parts, etc) and fewer miles (though 10k is not a huge difference).

If you're not crazy about either car, then I'd pass on both and consider option 3 -- wait until you find the car with exact options you want (unless you need a car ASAP).

 

Many of the niggles of earlier cars will have been rectified by the '14 model year, plus relocated window switches and other slight updates.

The earlier car could well just have had many workshop visits to rectify these build niggles, not necessarily major component work, so don't assume its had a lot of wear n tear items replaced.

If you don't intend doing big miles then the later car will eventually look more 'normal' in terms of age/mileage after a year or so of ownership.

 

To me its worth the extra $3k.

 

Update, the 2011 was brought into the shop for a once over. Lots of problems including the transfer case. Owner has now upped his price by $3500 to pay for all of the repairs. My local dealer has a 2015 with just over 10,000 miles with almost all of the options that I want for just under 25000 CDN. I'm off to drive it today

 

I'd definitely go for the newest one you can afford that has most of what you want. Newer means the engineers re-designed the problem areas to lessen problems and complaints. Also, warranty should cover any "problems" for the next few years.

 

I'm also firmly in the "buy the newest you can afford" camp for the same reasons as already listed and mentioned above. Best of luck in your search and purchase.

 

Run far away from the 2011...nothing but issues for me and I've owned the car just over two years and i regret buying it!