I have a 2005 Mini Cooper S, with all options except heated seats, cruise, automatic temperature control, and the buttons on the steering wheel. The car has 51K, is in very good condition, AND it has transferable maintenance warranty with MINI (no cost maintenance to 100k) as well as a 3rd party mechanical warranty that covers it to 120K, with a $75 deductible per incident.

2 questions -

if I traded this in for another Mini, can I transfer the maintenance warranty to the new one?

How do I calculate the additional value of the two warranties into the trade in value?

I had intended on keeping her, but there's a 08 Clubman available at a good price nearby. That car has been on the lot since the fall, based on the photos. I think my 05 with all of the warranties has a better chance of selling quicker than this 08 and want to leverage this in the deal. This is not a MINI dealership.

Input welcome.

 

My understanding is that the MINI maintenance plan is only transferable to a second owner at no extra charge. That second owner being a private individual not a dealership.

I don't think the maintenance plan will have any impact on the trade in value of the vehicle. Likely, they'll turn around the car, sell it on their lot as a 'MINI NEXT" certified used MINI or sell it at an used car auction.

Ditto for the aftermarket warranty. Essentially, once you trade in the vehicle into the dealer those 2 plans will be goners. I could be wrong.

Suggestion: Why not sell the car privately? The economy sucks right now, but it may well be worth the effort and gain a few thousand more in the process. Besides the car being in good condition, having both aftermarket and extended service contract are huge selling points in my book.

Another question... If you 2005 MCS is in good condition and you are covered by good warranties what is your hurry to sell? With the way the economy is (and will be in coming months) you are more than likely to find good deals on new MINIs sitting on lots.

I just don't understand your hurry.

 

Have you driven the Clubman? I have one and I love it but it is a fairly different car from the 2005.

 

Question 1) Contact the warranty administrater.
Question 2) See question 1.
Good luck

 

And to determine the most up-to-date trade in prices for your area, go to:

www.galves.com

You have to pay to obtain the pricing report but it is money well spent. I have found them to be dead accurate on trade in allowances offered by the dealer.

 

Thanks for your input ClubmanS. You raise some good points.

I made a few calls. The extended maintenance warranty transfers with the car at no charge to all subsequent owners. This is directly from MINI. They suggested that I definitely should tack some additional $ onto the asking price for it.

The extended mechanical warranty does not transfer. I'm pretty sure that is not what we were told when we bought it , but I can cancel it and get a pro-rated refund.

I'm actually not in a hurry to get rid of my 05 S. I love the car and have had no problems with it. I have some concern about the trade in value as the mileage climbs and took a peek at what was out there yesterday. I was very surprised to find a Clubman nearby with all of the options I wanted for $26k. Just crunching numbers now and wanted to take the warranties into consideration. I think my questions are answered now. If I can swing this with not so much out of pocket, I may go forward. I'll also check the market for private sales.

Thanks again for your help.