So i used to have a 06 MCS, i had it for about a year and a half and then i had some job issues and was forced to sell it and get a cheaper car. But i have missed it ever since, i have had the MINIitis, for over a year now. I just needed to get it out that i want another MINI really bad. i currently have an 04 Jetta 1.8T and while it a nice car, it wasnt really my choice it was kinda just heres a cheaper car thats sorta what i wanted (i was originally looking at a GTI). I think i havent been happy with it cause it wasnt really my choice i just settled for it cause i got a good deal on the financing and saved about $130 a month on payments. But i have been getting the bug again, wanting another MINI. Im even to the point were im willing to get a NON-S, just to have another MINI. But i want i have to make sure i can get one for about the same payment or less as what im paying now. But since i have had a MINI before im kinda spoiled cause i know what i like and what i want it to have. Anyway this is more of a rant i guess. I also maybe wanted advice on what i should do, i dont know if my credits that great and i know with the economy right now its hard to get a loan. So i would love to hear any advice you guys have for my MINIitis.

 

USED!
Pre-loved?
Anyway, new is great but just getting a decent used MINI is worth it. It can still be personalized to the Nth degree, but you already know that.
I got my '04 MC last July and it just makes me smile every time I look at it.

 

A non-s, like I have, still has all the fun with a bit less power is all. I would say a non-s is 100 times better than no MINI at all. Most cars are not super or turbo charged... plus you get much better fuel economy.

 

If you have doubts about your credit rating, may I suggest obtaining an online report from the 3 main credit bureaus before even thinking of applying for a bank loan:

www.equifax.com

www.transunion.com

www.experian.com

In some states, the Fair Reporting Credit Act (FRCA) allows you to obtain your annual credit report for free. (Go to: https://www.annualcreditreport.com/cra/index.jsp)

Always make it a habit to check your credit report at least once a year to make sure it is in good shape and that everything reflected there is accurate.

 

Good advice, and just to add to that, there are ways to get your credit rating higher in just a couple of short months as well. I got mine from a 629 to over 700 in less than 6 months in preparations for getting my MINI. I did all the work myself, and it was well worth it!

 

I didn't even last 2 weeks without my MINI. Luckily, we were able to figure out that if we cut out our habit of eating 2-3 meals a week out in restaurants (and trim a few other luxuries that we don't really need), we could afford a used MINI. I got my '06 MC convertible last week. An S would have been nice, but after last summer's gas prices I started leaning towards the regular Cooper.

Look around, there are some really low mileage used cars out there. I had a price range, and just narrowed it down to the best car (with the options I had to have) I could buy for that money. I scoured eBay, Cars.com and Autotrader and then contacted dealers/sellers and told them what I could afford.

I'm sorry, but there is no cure except getting another MINI. You'll find one!

 

Thanks this is very helpful. And to everyone else i agree, i have seen some really nice looking Coopers out there. Alot of people say that since i had an S before i wont be happy with a NON-S but im more interested in the handling and agility than they straight speed. And in that regard i think either will be just fine.

EDIT: So i went to those sites and for some reason they were unable to give me online views of my credit report they said i had to contact them by mail or phone. I guess ill have my credit union look into it for me.

 

I got my used '04 MC last October. It makes my day brighter just to know i have to drive to work in her! Non-S's are not bad at all. Get an aero kit, stripes and sound enhancers (CAI or exhaust) and you will feel just as fast!

Life's too short...

 

Well i found one that has every feature i want except Auto A/C but i think i can live without that. Im going to contact them and see if i can go look at it.

http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/ctd/1068826119.html

Opinions?

 

Test drive a R50 Cooper before committing. If you are coming from a Supercharged S, the car will definitely feel lacking. I had a Cooper for 6 years, loved it, but for me now is forced induction all the way.

 

i was pointed toward this car last night and thought i would link it here to get opinions, its an 02 which im not so sure about, i was thinking 05-06, and it doesnt have a sunroof. Also im not sure how i feel about YELLOW! .

http://www.motoringunderground.com/f...ad.php?t=13798

 

Seems it was sold this morning. Did you buy it or someone else?

 

Nope it wasnt me so i guess i dont have to worry about it now.

 

Stick with '05 or '06 my friend.