Hi All. I've been eyeing up a Cooper for the last year or so and last night my vehicle was broken into, I'm getting more and more serious about getting one. I've found 2005 Cooper S for just over $12000, 70K miles. My hubby thinks the miles are a tad high, I'm not too concerned as I believe it shouldn't make much of a difference. What are your thoughts on going this route if all checks out?

Also, Ralph Schomp has a 2009 Cooper for 19K, any chance I could get it for less?

Thank you so much in advance for your help!

 

I'd look for slightly lower mileage, even if it meant paying more. 70K isn't bad for the overall life of the vehicle but it's the mileage that if something's been neglected or abused, like the clutch, it will go around then. If you do get the high mileage car give it a thorough test drive and have a mechanic go over it with a fine tooth comb.
For the newer car you might be able to get the dealer to wiggle, or at least throw in some add-ons if their sales haven't been so great recently. It's always worth a shot.

 

At 70k you might have to consider a future supercharger replacement for the S. Even though some have been reported as lasting plenty more than 100k, it should at least be a consideration for your purchase.

 

You can likely do a lil' better in the mileage department for only slightly more $jing.

There are SIGNIFICANT differences between the 2002-2006 models and the 2007+ models, best drive them to see, or check the myriad threads here in NAM.

Speaking of mileage, the 2002-2006 Cooper S models will about hit 30MPG on the highway, and mid 20's city. The non-S coopers will easily add 5MPG to that, as will the 2007+ Coopers AND cooper S's. If that's important.

Good luck - can't go wrong, really, it's just that there are some differences you'll want to consider.

 

Thats an darn good price though depending on how its appointed. Auto 6 speed? Manual? Options? Condition? Most importantly does it have any maintenance records? Would be tempted to take a real hard look at it if it had good records. Well kept 70K is not that bad a mileage if... WELL MAINTAINED.

 

So wait. Let me get this logic, because your previous car was broken into, this gives you grounds to get another car...

WAT.

 

Do you really need that much of an excuse to get a MINI?
It's sunny out, I think a Cabriolet might need to be on order. lol

 

Indeed! A Cabrio just might be the ticket! Stimulate the O-comomy!

 

I love all of the points of view. I've been lurking for a while and think I finally have an excuse. I might need to do a little more research (mpg). I had originally wanted to go with a 2007 or newer (and might still), but I can more easily afford an older model (no raise, economy sucks so job not always super secure). I think I'll take a trip to see both the 2005 and down to Ralph Schomp to see what they have. Thank you for helping me on this, I really can't wait to join everyone!

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...eadExists=true

 

That one looks pretty stripped down to me...no xenons, cruise control, or sunroof . Pictures don't show it but I'd bet no heated seats, either (the ad doesn't mention them). Some people like the more basic models, but I like a few comforts.

Oh, I was going to add - I just traded my '05 into a dealer and got $14.8 with 61k miles, but mine had sunroof, heated seats, xenons, cruise, etc.

 

Good to know, I'll see what it has if I go in person. I agree on a few comforts as I want to move up from my Geo Prizm . I know the right one will come along, just getting impatient. Thanks again.

 

You can happily live without Xenons or sunroof (Source of rattles). But cruise control is a must IMHO.

 

Haven't used my cruise control EVER... and I drove to Philly 3 times during the playoffs and World Series in October. My commute is 52 miles per day.

On the other hand, I LOVE the xenons and I use my sunroof at least 150 days a year.

We all have our priorities, right ?

 

You live in a cooler climate. If I lived in Philly, I would probably have a sunroof. But the MINI sunroof's lack of a solid sunshade really annoys me. Last week my dealer gave me a 2009 Clubman S 6 speed manual with Sunroof and Xenons. I hated the sunroof. It was cooking my balding scalp even with the glass closed and the shade in place. The Xenons are all right. Never felt the need to spend the money on those. They are sought after by Miami thieves to steal the ballasts and put them on their ricers. If you live out in Lancaster county, PA, I would see a need to have Xenons for rural night driving but not on a fairly well lit city like Miami.

Good for you that you have never used your cruise control. I will mail you a medal of honor for your bravery. I only use it out in the open road. My daily commute is only 9 miles each way on the expressway with plenty of traffic to boot.

Used car buyers expect cruise control as a minimum in a modern day car. Also it gives you the stereo buttons which I have found to be very useful.

 

CS, you wouldn't use a sunroof when you're out late in the evening or early in the morning ?

I spent two years on Guam and used it that way.

And as far as the sunlight coming through the sunroof goes, solution: Vinyl Graphic.

I understand your POV though.

 

At this time of the year, early morning or in the evening the sunroof is actually nice. But the high humidity of the remaining 8-9 months of the year makes it unpleasurable to use. I had 2 Acuras with sunroofs and after 6 months I stopped opening them on each. So for me, the sunroof is wasted money (At least in this climate).

 

Another question: is there any reason to be concerned by comments on http://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/mini.html or are these just some of the kinks that happen with MC's?

 

Seriously ?

Come on now. You could find complaints like this (or worse) on any Make/Model of automobile mass manufactured. When hundreds of thousands of a certain car are produced in a given year, you're always going to find a few hundred unhappy customers.

It's kind of like here on NAM. You'll see threads started to complain about a problem every day. What you don't see are the hundreds of posters here who didn't have a problem on that day.

But hey, if you want to thing these are just "some of the kinds" that happen with MINIs and you're worried, then you should look for a car that produces 100 percent customer satisfaction. Should be easy.

 

Just looking for some reassurance. That's what I was hoping to hear. I'm going out tomorrow to do some testdriving, super excited and happy that the majority have priceless experiences.

 

Cool... stay off the internet until then.

 

Good one. I'll just stay away from looking at 'bad' information and keep my eyes on the happy fun stuff.

 

And keep in mind the great warranty and free-maintenance period offered by MINI.

 

That's one of the biggest reasons I'm leaning towards a new MINI or one with a warrenty still covering it.

We are also expecting in September and I would like to have it sooner rather than later, and, if I remember correctly, the newer MINI's are rated better. AHH! Too much to think about!

 

An update on the 2005 I posted about above. I went and checked it out yesterday. Someone wore their MINI out, torn seats, torn shifter, dirty. The car place didn't seem to have cleaned it up much. I took a pass on it as I was very afraid they drove it just as rough as the treated the interior.

On a positive note, we headed over to the MINI dealer and I was able to drive both a 2009 Cooper and a 2009 Cooper S. I'm now sold on the Cooper S. It was so much fun! My husband said he hadn't seen me that excited in a long time, it was great! The ride was smoother in the S and there was less noise. My plan is to get one by the end of the year. Any idea when they start taking orders for the 2010's?

Thank you for all of your help!

 

Smart move to stay away from the 2005. If the interior was worn and dirty, that MINI was not well taken care of. You're better off waiting and getting a new one.

They will probably start taking orders several months before production.... I'm guessing August. Check with your dealership though, just to be sure.