ok, so I found a DS/W 2002 MCS (my 1st choice in color), manual tranny, loaded with the exception of a couple of things. aftermarket wheels don't no what kind, but other than that completely stock, so warantee is still in tact. 36,000 miles for $18k, mind you this is the west coast too. What do you guys think? going to check it out tomorrow I thinks it's an awesome deal. Carfaxed it and it came up clean, it has been serviced, but the car has had 2 owners.

 

Humm. Any reason not going New? MSRP is 21,900 for a 2006 Stock S same color Full warentee! I know thats a 4K diffrence but, it is not 4yr's old either. Somehting to think about!

 

If it's a 2002, shouldn't the warranty be running out on it soon? I agree with Stormcooper. Buy new, you'll be able to get cheaper financing plus you can finance the extra amount. Assuming a $4k difference in price, for 36 months, you'll be paying less than $185 more per month. For 60 months, you'll only be paying $115 more per month. Assuming a $7k difference in price, a more realistic price of $25k, for 36 months, you'll be paying less than $215 more per month. For 60 months, you'll be paying around $135 more per month. And that's assuming the same interest rate for a used car purchase vs. a new car purchase which is never true so the difference will be even less than what I quoted. Just a thought though.

Reasons to Buy New:
1) You'll get exactly what you want
2) IMO, 2005/2006 is better than pre-05 in terms of performance and quality
3) The warranty is about to run out on a lesser quality car while you'll be able to get a full warranty on a better quality car
3) The difference in cost is relatively little since the resale values of MINIs are so strong
4) Getting cancer from the new car smell - PRICELESS

 

yeah, I thought about it, but I'm pretty sure I'd have to wait awhile. plus i'm in cali, so there are very few dealers that don't have a mark up, right? and an even greater mark up for S's. Although, I guess I could go all the way down to SD and get one, for MSRP right (Brecht mini)? Plus lower interest rates of a new auto loan vs. used.my intentions were to go used all the way and don't be afraid to compromise. I also want as many options as possible. ...and 4 grand is a lot, to me at least. I'm just a bit worried about getting a 2002......

 

MSRP dealers in Cali include East Bay (Norcal), Long Beach and South Bay (Socal). Other dealers often can be negotiated to MSRP, with options thrown in even, on new cars in stock, so its worth calling around to see what is out there and what it can be had by. When we were picking up our MCS at South Bay there was a ton of stock on hand new and used (which I think they were very negotiable on as they were not moving). This was almost a year ago but I doubt things have changed much when it comes to the size of the inventory they keep.

Definately call around to the dealers too, you may be surprised at what you might be able to find and possibly get thrown in (like an extended warranty on a newer used car).

Cheers

 

What eVal said...but don't some of the sponsors on NAM also do MSRP and like free delivery or $500 delivery?

 

so far it's sounding like look around more....but let me add a twist, (should've stated this in the beginning), how about with a budget under 20K?

 

In addition to Long Beach MINI and South Bay MINI, give Julie Saxa at Classic in Ohio a call. Many folks from all over the US have ordered from Classic (check the vendor list for contact info). They either ship it home or fly out and have a fun roadtrip breaking in the engine as they travel home. Also, they have been very pleased with their terrific service and short delivery time for a pre-spec'd MINI ordered from Classic. Good luck!

 

If you are locked into a 20K max budget:
What about just a cooper to start you out then? they start out under 19K!

But, I still think you'd be better of spending the extra 4K for a new "S" with a full warentee! It is fully worth the extra expense vs a 2002 "S". But go look at it, you never know! you may just fall in love.

 

yea, when somebody is looking under a budget of $20k, then they gotta stick to what they can get.

As far as it goes, im selling my Mini for an 06. its a 03 with 18k miles on it. Manual, still under warranty, (pics in my gallery) so if ur interested, let me know

 

I think we should get a commission if jigga buys a new MINI. If you don't mind me asking, are you paying all cash for the used car? If you are, finance the rest, you'll thank us.

 

If I get a mini, it has to be an 'S'...'S' superiority complex an all !

just curious, a lot of people on the forum, well I guess a few people on the forum, commented on how the 2002 JLM MCS that's for sale ($17K; 26,000mi; which I was seriously considering) was such a good deal? is it because of all the mods (which probably voids and warranty of the motor, tranny, etc...)? is that the difference maker between the JLM MCS and one I'm looking at right now? just curious....

 

HA ! you guys are a huge help, trust me, if I could, I would totally give you guys a commission!! I'm the type of person that does a ton of research before buying ANYTHING (CNET.com is my best friend!) and this would be my first used/new car. my parents bought me my first new car in 98-civic sedan, and it's barely puttering along, i've never dropped this much cash on anything the closest thing I can think of is my Aluminum PowerBook. And I do plan on financing!!!

the only form of commission I can offer is some design and graphic work !!!

 

Good choice in colors

I would have to agree with everybody else that you should get a new one. The gearing difference and LSD alone makes it worth it.

 

how much do you trust consumer reports? I just checked a 2002 MC not MCS:

engine-good
cooling-poor
tranny-poor
drive system-good
fuel-good
ignition-excellent
electrical-poor
A/C-good
suspension-good
brakes-good
exhaust-excellent
paint/trim/rust-very good
body intergrity-poor
power equipmet-poor
body hardware-poor
used car verdicts-poor

I guess that says it all.

 

The problem with the earlier years was just that the quality wasn't up to par with the newer cars. Plus there's the difference in performance between the old MCS vs. the new MCS. If you can only spend 20k, then spend 20k, but I'm sure you'l love your MINI whatever you decide on. Welcome to the community and remember to wave to your fellow MINI owners.

Question - How the heck is your 98 civic only puttering along?? Hondas are ridiculously bullet proof. Funny story. My dad had a friend that owned a civic. Along the way, he became rather well off financially and decided that he would buy a new car. However, he didn't want to sell the car so he decided to drive the civic until it broke down. So he just started beating on the car, driving it like he stole it, never changing the oil, etc., but he just couldn't get it to break down. One day, he's smoking in his car while driving and ashes accidentally fall down onto his seat. He tried to put them out, but was unable to so he pulled over and got out to watch the civic go up in flames.

By the way, consumer reports knows absolutely nothing when it comes to cars. Go to edmunds.com and look at the reviews for the MINI. They're probably more telling than anything that consumer reports puts out about cars. If consumer reports had their way, everybody would be in camrys and accords.

 

Consumer Reports has no clue about the actual joy of motoring. They are hung up on such "important" flaws as small cupholders; seriously.

I agree with going to Edmunds.com....CR is good for household appliances, but not for getting across the true value of motor vehicles, IMO.

 

jigga, check with Classic right now

They have a DS/B used MCS on the lot as we speak. I dont know the price, but I saw it while I was driving by after lunch today.

I got my 04 MCS from Classic in August for $18k with 32K on the clock.


Not everyone can afford to buy a new S, even if it is JUST 4K. It takes me a long time to make 4 grand. I had bought a new '05 Cooper, and after owning it for 7 months, I realized I should have just bought a used S to begin with, and now i'm much happier!

 

My car's listed on here for 19k- it's a 2003 MCS but it's red. It hasn't had any reliability issues, either. I've got the service records, too, if you want to see them

Rednwhite - if your car had a clear title thats an awesome deal from the dealer. Nicely done

 

That is a really funny story. I've totally neglected my civic. I would go waaaaay past the recommended miles for oil changes, only had one service at that was at 50,000 mi. uh lets see what else...it really feels like it's only firing on 3 cylinders...when I reach 88 mph, I burst into flames and go back in time . seriously though when I hit between 70-80 the steering wheel shakes like CRAZY, I mean like 1988 San Francisco earthquake shakes. can't seem to figure out what wrong with it. not the alignment. and it literally makes a puttering sounds until it warms ups. gosh, I hope this hasn't banned me from buying a mini, trust me I'll treat her well, when I get it. I've decided go with a new MCS. i spec'd out a mini for under $24k and with a little more down, the monthly payments would be the same as if I were to buy a used MCS.

I posted this question in another thread, but is LSD recommended with DSC or can I just fine getting LSD by itself?

 

Hurray, hurray, you won't regret it. You know what you can do? Eat packaged ramen for a week for each month. You'll save up so much money that way, the poor college student way. And you can get pretty cheap oil changes from wal-mart if you want to change your oil more often than is recommended, but your oil changes will be covered according to the warranty, so...

I'm sure you'll treat your MINI great. Hondas are beaters, MINIs are....companions. I used to only put gas from an wholesale club in my other cars, an Acura TL and an old Altima, but when I got my MCS, I only put shell in it, and on rare occasions, chevron. I'm not sure if they make a difference, but the car feels better, but that may just be because my wallet is lighter.