I've recently been researching and looking for a Cooper "S". My budget was around $18000. I've gotten the green light to go to around 20k +/-. In my research, I feel like it's a wise move to seek out an '06. What I've been noticing in my area (northeast/midatlantic..NJ), is that w/ my budget, I can find a "higher" mileage '06 (say w/ about 40k or so), or an '05 w/ about 20k +/-. What do you folks think? Thanks.

 

are u looking for normal or conv? try autotrader as that where i got mine.. how abt the NAM used MINI classified as some are very good deals

 

...Or you could buy an '04 for 14K - 15K, and use the rest of the money on mods.

 

Well, it will depend on a few things:

1.) Are you a gear-head/knowledgeable about the mechanics of a MINI? Or do you know someone who can help? - if yes to either of these, go with the best car for the price, year regardless. If no, then I would read up (and maybe contact someone from your local motoring club who can help) on how to "read" the signs of an "abused MINI."

2.) Are these from MINI dealers, private party, or gender-non-specific dealers? Be careful from other-than-MINI dealers/owners....most of the time they don't know what they're talking about regarding this car, and all they see are $$$$$. If your choices are limited to non-MINI dealers/owners, I'd again refer to my #1 and seek professional advice ON the actual car you're thinking about before jumping.

Both '05s and '06s were pretty stable - I mean bugs were well worked out already, but not yet "new" fangled, either like the '07s. You're lucky to have a choice! Pre-owned MINIs are hard to find. Good luck!

 

both should be ok. the gear ratio was changed for the 05-06 for more power along with some very minor cosmetic interior quality improvements over the 04s, so either one should be the same as far as reliability and drivability.

 

05 with low mileage will be the best option since, like flav said, there are non difference between 05 and 06 cars.

 

I'd agree that '05 and '06 are a 'sweet spot' re bugs and updates. I'd go for the lower mileage 05 vs a higher mileage 06...

For the first several years of a cars' life I think most things wear out from mileage not age... Until you reach a certain point where age alone does them in. And at that point a well cared for garaged vehicle will be a lot better than one not garaged.

The updated ratios came in 05 model year from the beginning. The LSD option as of Jan 05.

 

I'd say you should check on the other options that came with the car before pulling the trigger. Everything equal, however, and I would go with the lower mileage 05.

 

okay, one car that I'm kind of sweet on is an '05 Cooper S w/ 24k miles. It is described as having the JCW interior, cold weather package, sport package (I know what the packages include). What does JCW entail? I've seen it elsewhere describing in exterior details, engine mods? and now interior? Asking price is $21,200 or best offer.

 

Well, a "JCW Interior" sounds like the previous owner filled the interior with matts, sill plates, and anything else that says JCW.

I have an 06, factory JCW, and there was no "JCW Interior" option at the time. Just a few bits and pieces.

 

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/car/721117894.html

here's the link to the car

Another '05 I was looking at had 39k miles. Price was $18,300.

 

After looking at the listing on Craig's list I see the seller defines their interior as JCW because of a carbon fiber dash... While looking at the photo of the front of the car there wasn't any JCW emblem so I don't think it has the JCW package. (However, the title says JCW)

 

This is a really nice looking car. I'd do a solid inspection on it and pull the trigger if all checks out. One thing about used cars (no matter the make or model) you need to assume that anything that needs fixing, you'll do. Just like buying a house.

You can also bid a bit lower than the asking price and if the seller is motivated, you'll do just fine. I really like my 05' MCS.

Good luck and keep us posted on the status of your search!