First post here. I have learned a lot from you guys.

I may be buying my first S used, from a reputable dealer who is asking $22k. Is this a decent price?

The car has the Premium and Sport packages, but no cold weather package. It's a dark gray with standard interior (no leather). It looks to be in great shape.

Thanks for your responses.

Jim

 

How many miles?

 

And anything else?

 

Hey Jim,

With what you've given us I'd say it's a pretty good price. That car new should have been around 24,500 - 25,000 again depending on the little extras: headliner, chrome trim line both in and out.

Now, is it dark gray or dark silver and the "how many miles" question will be the determining factor?

BTW, are you in Carolina or just a fan?

 

I just paid $24k for a Nov 2005 build astro black Mini Cooper S with Premium, Sport, leather and H/K sound (no cold weather). Just under 18k miles.

 

Can't you get a new one for 22K? I'd rather have a new one with only LSD and MFSW than a used one with more stuff for the price of a new one.

But that's just me.

 

That's why I ended up going new. I kept looking at used prices and every time I said to my self well it is only about 1-2K more for a new one.

 

That's why I went NEW; I didn't want the uncertainty of how a previous owner may have treated the car. I know how I take care of mine. :-) Good luck. If the car was well taken care of that doesn't sound too bad of an asking price; I wonder what they gave for the trade in though... hmmmm.

 

sounds pretty decent

 

I paid 22K for my PW car NEW and 24K for my BRG one, also NEW, but I am not a supporter of any of the pkgs's really, I think they overprice what is a cool car in the low to mid-20K range. But most folks here on NAM just "have-to" get all the add-ons they can and pay for it. I wouldn't pay that price unless the mileage was real low, just buy a new one, some dealers have 2006 stock right now, but not much longer.

 

The car has around 23k miles. Hey, where are you guys finding new MCS's for near this price? My local dealer is pricing these things at 26k-low 40's, unless they're stripped down models. I checked the dealer in Charlotte and Winston Salem and both have similar pricing structures.

Do they discount the cars that much? I'd definitely go for a new one at say 24k with the Premium and Sport pkgs (would like the CW pkg too), but where?? Think I'll check the dealer in Richmond too.

Now you guys got me rethinking this whole deal! Yeah, a new one would be much nicer.

Thanks for all the great input.

Jim

 

Smokey, I live in Greensboro. I know there's a Carolinas club; looking forward to getting involved in that.

 

I pd sticker price, $25,300 or thereabouts, premium, sport, cold weather, leatherette, etc., and that's for an '06.

 

^^ ^^

 

South Carolina has a MSRP Dealer, I believe. Or, Downtown MINI in Orlando, Classic in Ohio, and MINI of the Hamptons had free shipping and MSRP listed prices, PA has a MSRP Dealer. Every dealer site thru MINI USA has a new inventory pull down window, find what you are looking for and call them up, have them fax a Sales Order over and hold the car with a $500 deposit or your credit card, it's the Internet...

 

Jim,

Check this out... a 2006 MCS with 2,400+ miles, LOADED:

http://www.autonation.com/index.cfm?...ntorytype=Used

A freind of mine looked at this car and said it was spotless. He also said that the salesman he spoke with said they'd take $24K for it.

Good Luck

 

Thanks Chappy. I am not a big fan of the pepper white color, but the car looks and sounds great.

I think I can get my 2005 for around 21k; I think that 3k savings, the fact it's a local car, and I like the color better, would be worth it to me, barring some major issue with my car.

You guys have been great to respond. I think I get the sense that around 21k for a 2005 in great shape isn't all that terrible, and in fact may be a pretty decent buy. If we can agree on a price tomorrow morning, I'm gonna go for it.

Jim

 

23K miles is a lot of miles to pay in effect the price of a new car with a 50K mile warranty, not a 27K one, but it sounds like your mind is made up. It seems to go that way with these cars, you just have to have it NOW...

 

I think the price is OK if the car was built in early 2005. I traded in mine on August 30 for $21,500. It was March '06 Cooper S Auto with premium and sport packages.

 

Wow you traded in an 06' Cooper already? That seems like it would be about a 5K hit.

 

I picked up the car today, and my final cost was 20,600. I've driven the car, and it is an awesome handler! Can't wait to get started with my goodie list.

Thanks for all your help, guys.

Jim

 

Enjoy, you should have a pretty reliable ride being a 2005, 23K still is low enough but take care of it and find a shop you trust to go thru it looking for any issues that you want to deal with before they get worse. Pretty good price and you saved a few bucks over new too. Can't go wrong with new oil & filter, tires, spark plugs, air filter and brake pads (inspect the discs), being wear items they aren't covered by warranty so drop a few bucks and feel better too...CONGRATS.

 

Congratulations!! Can we see some pictures? Feel free to post your goodie list and we'll try and help you add to it... ya, know, there's always one more thing.