Thanks for looking those up, unfortunately none are S's and they're all dealerships. Planning to purchase private party to save nearly $1500 in sales tax and another grand in dealer markup. I know, makes it even harder since people around here don't ever sell their MINI's. Luckily I can carpool to work with my wife until the right one shows up, I hope it's soon though because her music drives me batty.

 

I hear you on the justacooper argument, but I know i'd be kicking myself if I didn't get the sporty model. I'm certainly not scared of maintenance and the occasional repair. As Jeremy Clarkson would say, more POWAAAA!

 

Do you have to pay a highway use tax when the car is titled?

Also, you could always haggle with the asking price at the dealer.

 

BRG here, looks almost black at night, still dark in daylight. I made the switch to the black "Aero grill" though it meant some cutting to fit, because I don't care for the "bling" factor. I have a "justa" which is very responsive and quick. The friends I've taken for a spin have all said "wow" or something similar...You will be making a statement in the car. Part of that statement is the "David vs. Goliath" thing. You will be leaving goofuses at the light with either model.

 

Here is a black MCS 06 $12K in Phoenix

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/cph/cto/2772795362.html

 

He sold it weeks ago, however he must enjoy getting calls about it. Maybe desperate for friends?

 

I like BRG, that's on my list!

 

For a bit more money you could go for a classic mini outfitted with a Vtech engine. That would peel the paint off of just about anything.

 

I needed to replace a high milage A6 2.7T that I didn't want to put more money into. Drive by a local dealership that had an '05 MCS Limited on the lot and sat in it literally to see if I would fit; it looked so small from the outside. A sales guy came out with keys and said want to take it for a ride? I think I got about 200 yards away and a big smile came across my face. I didn't like the bright blue carpets and dash on that car but went home and started reading and searching; this was Sunday night. By Wednesday, I had found one that had what I was looking for about 7 hours away. It was a dark silver '06 MCS with 22,900 miles loaded with just about all options and some pretty racy mods on it. I paid $15,900 and had a blast driving it home. That was about 10 months and 20,000 miles ago and I still get that same smile and look forward to getting in it and driving anywhere. Keep looking, there really are lots out there and I'm sure you'll find one you'll like. I searched a 500 mile radius which gave me quite a few hits. Good luck!

 

Nice stories!! encouraging!! looking forward to owning one someday,

 

Five months into ownership of my '07 R56, still loving it every day.