#1 - they're asking $23k
Chile Red w/Panther Black Leather
Cruise Control
Dual-Pane Panoramic Sunroof
Automatic Air Conditioning
On-Board Computer
Dynamic Stability Control
Fog Lamps 17"Alloy Wheels Run Flat Tires
Xenon Headlights w/headlamp power wash
Limited Slip Differential
Front/Side-impact Airbags
All-Season Traction Control
AM/FM Single Dics Sound System
16500 Miles

#2 - they're asking $21k
Dark Silver Metallic w/Space Gray/Panther black cloth
Surface Alloy Patina
anthracite headliner
NO sunroof
cold weather package
heated front seats
port package
dynamic Stability Control
foglights
xenon headlights w/power wash
17" alloy wheels, S-Lites (needs new tires)
multi-function steering wheel - 3 spoke with cruise and radio/CD controls
26,000 miles

Seeing #2 tomorrow. Pricing each up on Edmunds using Private Party and "Clean" condition yield prices far lower than those on KBB. Which is more accurate for pricing used cars these days? Edmunds or KBB? I am hoping to find an 05 or 06 MCS with low miles for $18-19k max, but KBB prices each of these around $20-21k whereas Edmunds is in the $17-$18k range.

Thanks in advance. This is a great forum you have here.

 

First, go to to the Mini USA site and check out their Mini NEXT Certified inventory http://www.miniusa.com/?#/shop/next/search-m and see what dealers are asking for similar vehicles. These certified vehicles get 6 year/100,000 mile warranties which is approximately a $2k add-on cost. Private sellers cannot offer this plus through the dealer you have some recourse with issues if they should arise. Second, forget KBB or Edmunds. Go to Galves.com, pay the $4.95 and find out the true wholesale value of the car you are considering. This is what a dealer will offer sellers (at best) if they they are trading in their vehicle. Show that to the party selling the car and work out a fair mark-up. I've posted this recently and I'll mention it again-- I paid $19.4k two months ago for a loaded Chili Red 2005 MCS, manual, optioned out, 26k miles, Mini NEXT Certified, from a Mini dealership. Yes, I know the value of these cars have gone up since then, but doing a little more homework before you buy can save you dollars. Good luck.

 

GREAT info, thanks! So these cars really are appreciating? I heard that but couldn't honestly believe it.

So Galves.com gives me the same "market ready value" for #2 above as private party Edmunds, $17.5k. Trade-in is $16.2. The car has 26k miles and has the original tires. I am thinking $17k.

It's early in my search and I have no problem walking away, so we shall see.

 

From my reading and research on the matter I would not get a car with a sunroof, (few too many complaints about noise from the motor and leaks to put myself under that much agro if things went wrong, I have had tons of cars with them and honestly found them to be quite useless as they made too much noise when open and too hot in the daytime, not very practical) I would NEVER buy another MINI w/o a multi function steering wheel, it was the most important thing on my list and the one thing I wanted but didn't get and I regret it every day! I would also advise finding out if the car has limited slip as that is a big one for recommened options. I also did not like the sat nav as it removed the speedo from the center (something I like) and I have been told they are not as good as ones you can buy for much less from the electronics shop.
This is the opinion of one guy who recently bought an 06 after wanting one from the day they were announced to be built by BMW

OH!!!! good recommendation above. my car has 1000 miles on it from purchase and had lost a windscreen through stress cracking and the engine/trans/clutch has been out through a T/O bearing failure. I think this is one car you wnat a dealers backing on at least for the beginning of owner ship. I don't know if a private sale car gives you remaining warrantee in the states (I live in the UK)

Best of luck and enjoy) I bought dark silver metallic and black roof and would buy it again, one of the more striking color combos.

 

Funny... I've seen of a few sunroof leaking issues on the r50-53, but it wasn't a massive issue. Never heard of the noisy sunroof motor issue at all... doesn't mean it isn't true, but it's news to me.

I love the sunroof in my car... if you are very tall (long waisted) then you might want the extra few inches of headroom that no sunroof gives you.

Our resale value is getting better right now because of the push away from SUVs to more efficient cars. Any value reporting agency will probably be a bit behind the times as this is a fairly new phenomenon.

 

LSD for on the first one and less mileage. its a no brainer for me. plus it's got a sunroof

 

Are these dealer cars or private owners? I'd worry more about how they were maintenanced. BMW kool-aid drinkers or the more **** types. Ask about oil consumption. Ask in a way so you don't put them on the defensive... ask in a way where you expect the car to use some oil... and feel that is normal... then if you get, hell no, it never uses oil, then you'll the answer you are looking for.

If it uses oil this early, then I'd look elsewhere.

Just my opin

YD

 

Private owners. Saw #2 yesterday and liked it. I am indifferent towards the sunroof, almost prefer not to have one actually because in CA the cabin gets so hot from the sun shining through them all the time. The sun shades alone don't block out enough of the light. Plan to research its maintenance history more once the dealerships open Monday.

 

I live in an area where the sun roof is a pleasure. It is noisy when open at speed, but that just keeps a certain rider from running her mouth. hehe

the small collapsible silver sun reflectors from Walmart and Autozone, etc. will fit under the glass very nicely.

I love taking evening rides with all the windows open and the sunroof open.

YD

 

I live in Dallas, TX... our summers are pretty warm here! :D

If you get the sun roof, run right out and have it tinted with 5% Limo tint. It takes the light transmission way down, still allows you to see a bit outside and keeps things much, much cooler.

 

With no pictures or hands-on, I have to agree with rustspot. This car sounds really nice. There is a web site that even sells sun shades for the mini's sun roofs. http://www.stratmosphere.com/index.htm. They advertise on this site.

As cost, our mini dealership here in the Puget Sound has cert cars as well and I would not touch one...period. They look and smell horrible. I think that private owners can and do much better at maintaining cars that are going to be sold.

Sign up for carfax and run a check. Even if it comes out clean in the report and has issues such as a replaced bodypart or fender bender, you'll have the report, an account and they will replace the car. This is just what I did a few months ago and (I hate buying used cars) and I'm very happy. My MCS is doing just fine and I've assumed the issues that the car has or will have as my own.

Deep breath, take your time, you'll do just fine and have a mini cooper to enjoy.

Keep us all posted on your choice!