I'm looking into buying my first Mini....would you ever consider buying a used Mini. Would I be able to extend the factory warranty?

Thanks.

 

Remember that used mini's carry their value very well so it probably wont be that much more to buy a new one. Make sure you price out a new one with the same features as the used one you are looking at to compare prices

 

I bought a used MCS, and LOVE IT! I don't worry about the warrenty though..because in a little while I'm going to void it anyway! But I don't believe there is ANY extended warrenties besides aftermarket warrenties...but I've been informed that those arn't a very "safe" option.

-Cody

 

I would not consider a used (1-2 year old) MINI. They hold their value so well It has happened a time or so, people will sell their MINI and get enough to pay it off as well as put a down payment on a brand new one. When looking at MINI's we looked at a 2004 and the payments were not significantly less than a brand new 2005. But when we finally got around to ordering we had to order a 2006.

I wouldn't expect this to continue with the 07 tin tops being a different engine transmission and all. (the 07 convertables will cary on to be re done in 08.

Still if your budget will not allow a new MINI then a used 3-4 year old MININ might be the way to have fun and own a MINI with out the brand new prices. But you are not going to pay significantly less for a 1-2 year old MINI like you would with a domestic car.

 

I bought a used 2002 MCS last april...The thing is still under the factory warranty until 10/2006...or 50000 miles...(I'm at 49,000 right now)
If you find a good low mileage one, still under warranty you might be able to save some $...Look around the marketplace here, there are a few good deals

 

Make sure the previous owner was dilligent about resolving warranty and other issues with the dealer. Getting my MINI repaired to my satisfaction has become a hobby for me. Example, the foam vents in the cowl rot out in the early MINIs; make sure the dealership has replaced them with the newer plastic vents that don't rot.

Read the posts in Beneath the Bonnet because the rock!

 

I bought both of mine used.
The silver one had 8600 miles on it and I know who bought it new and how they drove it. They traded it right across the street from my work for a new Mustang.

The black one is a different story, it had 16,000 miles and didn't know who bought it and how they drove it. The more I get into it, it looks like it had 16,000 HARD miles. Long story short, the black one is on it's way out because I found a 2003 CR/W with 5000 miles that has been sitting in a garage every winter and is mint!

 

Note that the market for used MINIs has softened significantly in the last few years. They still hold their value well, but not to the point that a used one is as much as a new one like they were in '03-04.

I bought a used one with 22K miles for about 30% off MSRP (after a LONG search), and have been very happy with it. Armed with a VIN, you can get the service record from MINI. Depending on how many years/miles are on it, you may still be covered by the warranty.
Depending on your financial situation, I would recommend getting one with at least a year left on the warranty, just for piece of mind.

 

I agree with Eric, buy used if you can and are a little flexible on color and options. I bought my 05MCSC for $25250, $7000 less than a new one from a guy who was being relocated to China, needless to say he was motivated.

What did I give up? The first 14,000 miles, a few minor scrapes (repaired by Dent Wizzard and touch up paint, LSD (a big point admittedly), no exterior chrome. But I got Cool Blue, all the 3 major packages, plus Convenience (which I did not plan on but am liking more each day), PLUS Blue Leather with Brown/Red striping which I wanted but could not afford (that would have made the same car like $8000 more if I ordered an 06).

I'm laughing all the way to the bank, and now if I want to mod, I don't feel bad about spending a few $$$. Rgds, Michael