I though it was more appropriate to post in the 1st gen section than the 2nd gen, so here it goes. I want to lower my car payments so I'm looking into getting rid of my '09 335. I'm already used to the car's power so I don't want to sacrifice in the "fun factor" department, hence an MCS came to mind as one of the top choices.

I've been looking for a couple of weeks now at the prices of '06 MCS w/MT and it seems most of the low-mileage ones (i.e., 20-30k miles) are price around $18-19k. Some of them have sport package, some have extra bells/whistles. The only real options I care for are the MT, iPod adapter (pending usability factor), Xenon lights, and LSD as a "nice to have". In the future I'll probably be looking into getting coilovers and lightweight wheels, hence no need for sport suspension/package, etc.

The question for which I will really appreciate the feedback of NAM members is the following: does it makes sense to spend $18k on an almost/probably out-of-warranty '06 model when I can get an '10 model (LSD/ipod/xenon) for $24830 MSRP? The reason why I'm having this debate is because in the slim chance I can find an '06 still in warranty, I'll probably be looking at around $2500 for the extended warranty which puts me almost $3-4k away from having a new model. I know its a personal choice/matter, but since there is a strong owner base of 1st gen MCS it would be great to gather your feedback.

And sooo....here are some pics of the final buy. So far I love it!!! These were taken after a buddy help me clay/polish/seal the car.

 

I am not sure where you are looking but I think you can get an 05 or 06 for much less. Maybe in the $15-16k range. It seems to be a real buyers market right now for most any car. I even saw an 05 on here the other day where the seller was asking a very low price.

I almost always buy used so I think the used MCS is a great idea. I happen to have an R53 (02-06 MCS) which I like more than the R56 (06 and on MCS).

If money savings is important then used is the way to go. You can probably find a deal on on 05 or 06.

 

I would expect that used '06 MCS should be much cheaper than $18-19k.

Not sure if you've driven an R53 yet, but I'm not sure it'll be a good replacement for 335 twin turbo torque. Something to keep in mind. The R56 might be a better choice.

Another thing just came to mind - have you looked at the market for used 335s? The loss on the car may not be worth switching out of it.

 

Yes, I'm leaning towards a used car because my number one priority is to clear space in my budget. But like I said before, I don't want to save that much to end up driving a Corolla or Civic and feel miserable driving it. Can you suggest some places (other than autotrader) where to look for such 15-16k MCS 06's? The only ones I've see at that price range have more than 45k miles, so that is a deal breaker for me.

I haven't find a "bare bones' 06 MCS yet, so I think that's part of the reason why I've only seen $18-19k range.

300HP Twin-turbo >> MCS R53 yes you are probably right. However, my priorities have changed so that is not that important. Right now I'm just looking for a fun car to drive. The guy who has done most of the work on my 335 suggested an E36 (i.e. track-able purposes, etc), but that would be pretty much a 10-year old car hence I would still put the MCS ahead.

Regarding, the 335 used car market, I understand your point. However, the statement is valid for any "luxury-type" car. I still have 4 years @ $640 monthly payment, so even though I will lose some money from the sale I will still end up saving money with the lower car payment in that 4 year span (I plan to payoff the MCS in 2 years along with whatever I get from the 335 sale).

thulchatt and MINIotaple, thanks a lot for your feedback.

 

If I were you I would actualy investigate picking up a new 09' R56 JCW - the dealers are really motivated to move them off the lot.

I owned both the 1st gen MINI (albeit R50) and R56 now. There was a point that I considered switching 'back' to a used R53, because the R56 didn't feel as much connected to the road as the R50 was. But once I did a couple of tweaks to the R56 - stiffer springs from TSW and a tune from RMW there was no looking back, this car is a tight rocket right now.

I'm in Austin too, if you feel like it, PM me, we can meet, check out each others' cars.

 

If you want a clean low mileage 1st gen MINI, try looking up Carmax.com I don't know if there popular in your area but they have a nice selection of early MCS cars with low mileage.

They also have some decent warranty packages as well.

Hell, they might even buy your Bimmer.

 

Your 335 is my dream car! How much are you going to ask for it? Last year my wife and I purchased a pre-certified 2007 X3 with only 12k miles on it from a BMW dealer. I personally love the idea of buying pre-certified vehicles. If you get a pre-certified Mini from a dealership, you will get the original warranty, plus the pre-certified warranty, which will still include all of the the free maintenance. I think our X3 warranty ended up being valid for another 6 years. Just a thought for you. Good luck.

 

Bor, I took a look at the inventory from the San Antonio Mini dealer (closes one to Austin, TX) and they don't have any. Furthermore, the only 2 cars with Manual transmission were priced at over $25k (non-JCW). I'll send you a PM shortly
Actually, there are 2 Carmax stores here in Austin. That has been my 2nd search option besides Autotrader. I saw one that l liked with 20k miles for $18.5k (MT, sport package, sport suspension and some other extras). However, I would still like to "private sell" my car and leave Carmax as a last resort (for trade-in mine).
Thanks for the compliment; the car is back to stock already so it doesn't look like my sig anymore If you know someone who might be interested send me a PM

The problem I've found with pre-certified or '09's a the dealer is that pretty much all of them have automatic transmission. Until I get arthritis or injured my knees I plan to stick to MT for a while

 

http://austin.craigslist.org/ctd/1433676132.html

http://austin.craigslist.org/cto/1421195035.html

http://houston.craigslist.org/ctd/1438202903.html

http://houston.craigslist.org/ctd/1428173436.html

would also note that the prices listed are asking prices... I was able to get $7k off of a low mileage M3 from $29k to $22k. It's definitely a buyer's market.

 

If you have the time check here. The prices in the Market may lead you to think the price would be high, but many people just need to move their cars.

I just bought a Miata and an F150, each ended up costing about 70% of the asking price. One from Autotrader and one off the street.

Good luck, you will have fun with either choice.

 

Even though I'm strictly looking for an '06 model, those last 2 cars look nice. Thanks for the suggestions.
I'll do that. Thanks!!!

 

Drive both an '06 S with the supercharger and an '07 or later S with the turbo charger. The turbo has more low end torque but some like the whine of the SC. The turbo is probably more likely to feel a little more like your 335 due to the very flat torque curve and minimal turbo lag.

 

Was looking used too. Clean used Mini S's bring big dollars so for the differnece I Bought 2010. Warranty, Mat. and cheap finance. Turbo has more power,flater torq and better mileage. The car is surprising fast. I think the start woudl have been enough for the wife but then again she has driven my Vettes and z06. For a few thousand more it was easier to trade my Mazda 3 for a MINI and do the Mini Select Finance deal which is awesum. Wife now has a cool car I like to drive.

 

Go "leftover" 09 models are priced employee pricing
either that or get a pre-owned 08-09. the newer you find, more warranty

 

funny, i have an 06 MCS with manual and LSD, sport package that i ordered without a sun roof to save weight and was going to keep it for a long time.... well now i am casually attempting to sell it. It has 23300 miles and a year left on the warranty. i should mention that it has a dinan stage one package installed and has been very well taken care of. I was asking 18500, but would take 18000.... car also has crono package. HK stereo, panther leather, heated seats and zenon ..... I am far away from you but PM if you are interested, would be a good road trip

 

Still leaning towards '06 instead of '07 because I dont' like to buy first-year models. But thanks for the suggestion, I'll still test drive both models
I should not have mentioned the 335. The only reason why I'm debating ('06 vs '10) its possible warranty concerns. I guess depending on how much I can get for my car I might be able to get a '10 MCS.
By "leftover" you mean a dealer's inventory? I check the '09's in both San Antonio and Houston and most of them are automatics. The few with MT are priced over $26-27k.
Do you have an ad or pics? I'll send you a PM during the week.

 

sorry for the lack of pics, i had an add locally that i let expire... i am posting a new one in a day or two, it is pepper white with bonnet stripes and driving lights, black roof.... oh and the dinan package was installed by the dealership with warranty as well..... pics soon, or i will e-mail them to you!

 

BTW, can anyone tell me whether the LSD is only a factory-installed option for the 1st gen MCS or if I can install it at a local shop? Can I even buy one?
Thanks!

 

You can install a LSD after but it is a big expense to pull the transaxel and have it installed. Also just the parts are expensive. Vs the factory option which was only $500.

 

I have a 06 MINI Cooper JCW w/ zenons. It has a little over 20k and I am looking to sell. I am looking to get around 23k. it is a FActory JCW as well. Let me know if your interested.

 

In that case I'll keep looking; it's more of a nice-to-have, but just in case
My budget is ~18k, sot that's out of my price range. Thanks for the offer though

 

just populated my gallery with some photos. i love my mini, but as you are i am looking to down size for a couple years.... feel free to PM me if you are interested. It is a great car and i am going to miss her.

 

I'll trade you! How much are you looking to get for the 335?

-Cody

 

I am also from e90post. I bought a modded 06 MCS with 15K mileage on it about 3 weeks ago. Love it! It got CAI, pulleys, exhaust, intercooler from what I can see...still trying to find if it has head, cam and tune work, coz I bought to from a lady and the car was her exhusban, so she has no idea has has been done to the car. Anyway, took it a shop for a week to install Quaife LSD, stage 4 clutch, front and rear swaybars, strut bar, USS. Coilover is coming in spring. This thing doesn't seem a lot slower then stock 335i from 0-60. I am suprise as me coming from a 335i with procede v3. So I think you will love it when you have the right mods.

Good luck!
Soni

 

PM details/specs of your car.
Awesome!!! e90post is a great forum....at the same time it made me spend a lot of extra cash on mods

Glad to hear you are happy with your "downgrade" (as my fellow e90ers from Austin called it). Today I tested an '05 and '07 MCS. I have to say I prefer the 1st gen over the 2nd gen. The interiors look better made in the '05 model and I love hearing the supercharger working. With the '07 model, even though I was still driving a MT, I felt kinda disconnected from the car. I guess with they are refining the newer models to make them more BMWish since at the same 70mph 4th gear cruise, the '07 model was more passive and calm. So I'm guessing after today's test drive I'm leaning on buying an '06 MCS. Now I only need to find a buyer for my e92