Should I or shouldn't I?
 

In Nov of 2003 I hit a deer going about 75mph in my old Cherokee. I did $7500 worth of damage, but they did not write-off the car. Not feeling comfortable driving it after that much damage, I made plans to purchase a fairly well equipped 2004 MC off the lot at Motor City MINI. I took delivery in early December and couldn't be happier.

But... now I have buyer's remorse for not getting an MCS. After looking at the pricing, I could get everything I want in an S for about $22500, $2000 more than my MC cost.

My question, would it be crazy of me to sell my MC and pick up an MCS? I figure I will owe about $11,000 on the MC by Oct/Nov, but I am not sure what I could get for it. All the used MC listings around here are dealers wanting more than sticker for them.

In all honestly, most of the stuff I got on my MC I would not get again. It did not come with the things I reall wanted (Xenon and H/K).

BTW, as of now, it would lower my payments by about $40 a month if I were to get $19,500 out of the MC, but I dont know if that is reasonable.

If you have the luxury of changing cars, I would do it. :smile:

To do what you propose is somewhat common and we have good examples on NAM. Talk to MINICLO, she had an MC then a black MCS (wicked wanda) and she loves it.

Whether it is worth a slight loss to you for selling your MC depends on what you want to get out of the change.

What about the MC isn't fitting you besides the options that you feel might have been best left off? Enough power for daily driving or not? For most people in urban settings the MC has plenty of power.

Do you like the bonnet scoop or chrome gas tank cap or the front bumper or dual exhaust of the MCS? Is appearance an issue with the MC? If so, just a few cosmetic changes can make an MC look pretty sharp- add the aero side skirts and paint the wheel arches and bumper valences. Change the side marker lights and maybe tint the rear tail lights/ windows, etc.

Is the MC handling adequate or do you want a stiffer suspension like the MCS? It's easy to add eibach or Alta springs and a 19mm rear adjustable swaybar and lighter wheels with non runflat tires and the MC will handle just fine.

Do you not like your MINI's color? Paint the wheel arches a contrasting color- paint the side mirrors and roof to match if needed- very unique.

Do you just like the 2005 look better than the 2004? If so then that's fine too.
Looks like you have a loaded MC and you are looking at a new MCS with a few options. You can still get quite a bit if you sell your MC since it is still very new. One problem with upgrading your MC is that you won't get much for doing the upgrades in a resale so if you do it, you're doing it for your own pleasure.

All of the MCS owners that I know of that used to own an MC really like the change.

If you had a different car, I would normally say, don't do it. However, if you have an "itch" for the MCS, then why not? Take advantage of MINI's current astronomical resale values to make the move up towards a new MCS.

One suggestion though is to try to sell your car privately. It is worth the time and effort if you want to get top dollar for it. Leave the dealer trade-in as your absolute last resource. there are many buyers (Specially in the West Coast and California) willing to make the jump onto a pre-owned MINI, so I guess you have nothing to lose and much to gain.


What are you waiting for?:grin:

My main reasons are actually pretty much all the ones you mentioned in one.

1. More power. The MC is ok for daily driving, but I like to drive a bit harder than the average person. :smile:

2. 2005 and the goodies associated

3. More options that I would really use.

4. A customized MINI. I bought mine off the lot and feel like I have missed a part of ownership by not ordering it.

5. Electric Blue :lol:

I doubt I will lose much. In fact, I would not even call it loosing, since I have enjoyed the car for the past 7.5 months. My main concern would be the value of the car as it is now. I have configured it on edmunds as a 2003 and get just a hair under $20k dealer trade in, with $21k private party.

All very valid reasons. And you are right, when you don't order your new MINI and buy it right off the lot (Pre-spec) you are missing out on a big chunk of the ownership experience, IMO. Configuring your car and picking up your options to taste and then the excitement of the long wait, etc, etc are well worth thier weight on gold. This is what makes MINIs so much different from other cars. When was the last time your heard of anyone anxiously waiting for a "custom ordered" Honda Accord or Toyota Camry from the factory?

My phylosophy with cars is to get what you really want and what makes you happy, so if a '05 MCS EB is it, then go for it.

$21K private sale is an excellent price. I would probably add $1K to the final price so you can give yourself a little bit more room to haggle the price with a prospect buyer.

I thought they cancelled the EB for 2005? I could be completely off, but I thought they droped it, and replaced it with hyperBlu...

I say switch...OR. wait another 1.5 years and slap on a turbo.

L

Indie Blue was dropped, IIRC.