Hi all, please help! I was going today to purchase the following vehicle:

2006 MCC - CR with black leatherette (brand new)
Sport
Premium
Cold Weather
Red body interior pieces
MSRP $25,800
Purchase price $25,500

Now I just got a call back on a used on I have been looking at. Here are the specs:

2005 MCSC - CR with a red/black two tone leather interior (used)
Premium
Harman Kardan (not sure if included on Prem. in 2005, but in car)
Red body interior pieces
Cockpit chrono pack
Dealer will install seat heaters into the leather seats (so not std)
10,800 miles
Purchase price $26,800

So the 2005 model will have non-std heated seats, no fog lights, and no DSC (which the 2006 model will have). And I honestly don't care about the leather (have 2 young kids). But it will have the power. This will be a 2nd car for me for just around town tooling around, errand running, etc.. I drove a non-S extensively yesterday, and although there were times I could have definitely used a little more power, it was OK in general if I drove it hard (which I do). So my question is is that enough off the 2005 to purchase a used S over a new non-S. I know it is subjective, but would really like everyones input.

I have to make a decision in the next few hours as I'm heading out of town. Please help!!!! Thanks!!!!!

 

MMM...thats a toughy.

Not that it helps your decision but the Cold Weather package is not just the heated seats. It is also heated mirrors and washer fluid.

If it were me, I'd ask what new ones that have with similar spec (if any). your probaly not saving much on that MCSC.


EDIT - from the info you provided that MCSC was approx $28,950 new. I used the miniusa configurated to compute that amount.

 

Your key phrase is that you "drive the car hard". IMHO, if that is really the case you should probably go MCSC. Your call on the used vs. new. I personally like new, but in this case you are getting an almost-new at a discount over MSRP, so it looks like a good deal.

You might want to get a reference from the previous owner prior to pulling the trigger...Find out why it's on the market (it sounds like it is on the dealers lot, correct?)

BTW, the 2005 MCSC sounds like a HOT looking car!

 

Wow, that is a hard choice. Having the S, I have to lean that way, but only a little, because below MSRP is rare, from what I can tell. One way to look at it is that you get a new Mini, no matter which one you pick. They are both great cars. Sorry I can't give you a definitive answer, but I wish you great wisdom in making the selection. Let us know what you do.

 

I simply like the way the S looks standing still. Once the new car has been home for 2 weeks it will seem like a used car anyway. Go for the power! Get the "S" RR

 

If you're really that torn, then try harder to get one of them at an even BETTER price that will make you very happy.

If that MCC is at the dealer, tell them that you'll buy it for $25,000 today or else you're going to get the used MCS.

Drive a hard bargain - it is near the end of the month so they REALLY want to sell that car. If they're willing to discount $300, they'll be willing to discount more.

Ask the MCS seller if they can wiggle at all on the price. Tell them you are getting a bargain offer for a new 2006 but that you'd pass it up for a better deal on theirs. ...say $26,500? If they are a motivated seller, they'll budge.

Money talks. Let it talk to you. Figure out what price would make you convinced that one is the better deal and go for it!

 

The closest mini dealer to me is about an hour and a half away. That is where I am headed this afternoon to purchase.

The used car is at a loca Porsche dealer. So the guys seems to no nothing about the car's history (other than the carfax thingy). But it looks good. I'm not sure if the 2-tone red/black leather is a little too flashyfor me or not.

When I drove the MCC, I could drive it hard. When I drove the S I really couldn't cause I was going so fast already!! So advantages to both.

I built the car on miniusa.com as a 2006 with premium, heated seats, cockpit chrono (which I don't really care about - kind of like the center speedo) and interior red trim and came out with 29,420.

So that's about $2600 off a new one. But I'm paying for leather that I don't care about and I'm paying for the cockpit chrono. I'm not getting DSC or fog lamps like I would be on the MCC. But I'm never going to be hurting for power. Oh the decisions!!!!!! I'm just not sure 2600 is enough for a 1 year old car with 10,000 miles. NADA doesn't show a value.

I guess I'm torn between new/used, power and less options vs less power and more options, .......

Sorry for rambling!! I'm stressed as I have to decide immediately. Leaving in a couple of hours. Both deals are "end of month" specials so I cannot wait until later to decide. Oh dea...

 

Oh, I missed the part about you going out of town. If you can't guarantee that you will take delivery of that new one at the dealer before the end of the month, they probably won't negotiate much more.

 

Ohhhhhh..... a used car at the Porsche dealer, huh? That changes things a little. I certainly hope that the $26,800 you mentioned is not their original asking price. If it is, then you should - with some hard bargaining and guaranteed delivery for this month - get them down AT LEAST another $500, if not more.

Dealers hate to be played off one another, but you can work it to your advantage in a tactful way. You can drive a hard bargain without being a jerk. Unfortunately, the same can't always be said for the salesman.

Honestly, pick the price for each car that would make you ECSTATIC and then go for it! You might not get them all the way down to it, but you can only stand to gain not lose.

 

$2600 off could be a simply way of saying someone else paid the taxes, tags and such on the car for you then drove it for a year.

 

The starting price for the 2005 was $30,950. I laughed at the guy. I only went in cause I had not test driven a convertible. So I've gotten him down to $26,800 plus he is going to add the seat heaters. I can still take delivery as I'll be back on Saturday. But I need to decide before I go because if I want the MCC, I need to do that while I'm out of town (I'm going to the city where the dealership is). That's why I need to make a decision now. I can work the pick up for either one.

Interesting take on the tax and tags. I'm not sure I'd let somebody pay my tax and tags in return for a year with my car!!

I'm just wondering in the long run is the S worth it - not new, no DSC, no fogs. But it is fast and I usually buy the larger engine in cars. Of course the MCC was not near as slow as I had thought it would be. It's new, better mileage, fogs, DSC... BUT there will be times I'll wish I had more power - maybe then I'll just think about the mileage I'm getting on the car???

 

There you go. Nice!

Ok, well, if you are trying to come up with reasons outside of price...

Unless you are going to be doing performance driving at autocrosses, tracks, etc. I think you will be plenty happy in an MC. As you say (and has been said before) it can be more fun to drive a slower car fast than a fast car slow!

Having sold an '02 MC to buy an '05 MCS I can honestly say that I really liked the MC better as a daily driver. I do however, try to make it to the track and a handful of autoXes througout the year, so I'm glad I made the switch. If the MC has other options you feel are important, then it might be the better choice.

Power is a seductive temptress - but it isn't the only thing that matters. Don't underestimate the MC!!!

 

The MCC will get good mileage usually no matter how you drive it. The MCSC will get bad mileage if you keep your right floor down alot (like me).

Also that price for that MCSC compared to now is pretty good.

 

No autocrossing for me. Just a daily driver around town, and a play toy for short weekend trips when the ex has the kids. sounds like the MCC may be a better choice for me. I think I'm just hung up on always having the faster model in cars! And I think the aftermarket seat heaters are causing me a little grief - not sure how they will turn out. Anyone seen one? That and for some reason cannot justify a car without DSC. Such a safety factor! But oh the power of the S :-)

I'll be glad when Monday gets here and the decision has been made! hehe

 

A friend of mine is selling a fully loaded 04 Cooper S with navigation for 23K. And it only has 18 thousand miles on it.

 

Doesnt the Cooper S come standard with ASC? or something like that? thats what i thought at least DSC is great, but I would assume ASC gets the job done. I have driven a MC, and even owning the MCS, i really liked the MC and the way it felt overall, its quick, light, and sounds really cool! But its your choice, if you havent already made it good luck.

 

Whats the difference between ASC and DSC?

 

my 2 cents even though I don't have a Mini yet and haven't had one to speak form much experience.

i would go for the MC new, this despite my S order. I still feel torn. I ordered the S, because, like you, I liked the power. But if I had never driven an S (my big mistake!), I would have been perfectly happy in the MC.

with the MC, you get the peace of mind of the "full" warranty.... maybe nothing will ever happen, but if it does. also, if you don't drive hard all the time, you might average better gas mileage.

also, this probably doesn't enter in to it, but it does in my mind... if you buy from the Mini dealer, you have a relationship. the porsche dealer won't care at all once you drive off the lot (maybe the Mini dealer won't either, but there should be a little more connection there.) the Mini dealer might "throw in" some extras, too, like floor mats, etc., that the porsche dealer doesn't have.

also, don't you want to be the first to drive your Mini?

and last, remember, there will be other Minis out there... you don't have to buy it today (or do you?) Even though the 06s are phasing out... there are still some being made. You could even order if you don't mind tearing your hair out for the wait. If you don't want to wait... go new!

 

To try and simplify it, ASC simply limits wheel spin and DSC helps maintain directional control. Does that help?

 

Have you considered a bare bones MCS? It would cost less than a loaded up MC. Unless you order the car new there will most always be compromises. I bought my MCS used and it wasn't exactly what I wanted but I love it neverless. I did get a pretty good buy and the savings off a new car helped salve the wound of not getting exactly what I would've ordered. These MINI's are all pretty cool, so if you like the car ... go for it!

 

Knowing me, bare bones wouldn't cut it. I don't necessarilly need the HK or leather, etc.. But I do need/want cruise, heated seats, etc.. It's just tough cause I really like the new MCC, but feel like I should be buying as S for some reason - I know - mental problem!!

OK - latest update. The S is now at a supposedly "rock bottom" at $26,300 (down 500 from the last price).

So I called the dealership with the new MCC. He won't budge on price any more. He said they usually only sell at MSRP and he has already discounted 500 off that. BUT he will throw in the all weather floor mats and the ipod connector. The floor mats go with every car, but the ipod adapter is like another 300 off. And, it is something I would like.

So does that change any opinions?? I'm really struggling here!

 

Why the hurry? My experience would suggest that if you push your decision too fast you may have regrets. Have you seen the 2007 MINIs yet? I would wait for the new issue and get what you really want! You will always question why you didn't get the S. I know...I did the same thing in 2002 and went for the Cooper instead of the S as the S didn't come in black the first year. My Cooper was a wonderful car...but it wasn't the S that I lusted for. You suffer the same preference...a few dollars will not mean much in the lifetime of a car...get what you want and you will be happy. I would wait and not be pressed into a decision that you are agonizing over. Your options will be greater early next year.
Mick

 

Small note on the iPod adapter....Make sure that they are not giving you the AUX-IN jack. They may call it an "iPod adapter" but you will not be able to control the iPod via the MFSW, only provide an input to the radio.

 

The MCS will have ASC+T as mentioned before.
This is traction control.

DSC adds to ASC+T by giving you stability control if you overcook a corner, that sort of thing. Hope you never need it ...

Personally I dislike the chrono pack - the speedo should be there!

What about financing, if applicable (maybe better interest rate on the new car).
What about insurance - much difference between MC and MCS coverage?

 

The financing won't make any difference - selling stock to pay for it. And when I ran the insurance numbers, I don't remember there being much difference. Not more than a few dollars anyways.

At this point I'm leaning towards the new MCC. I don't like the chrono pack either, and I'm really not sure about red and black leather seats. The red car is flashy enough for me. But red leather???

I also like the increased mileage and fun factor of the MCC. I'm sure I'll miss the power of the S once in awhile and of course some of the prestige. But at least I'll have a nicely equipped car with great mileage and no one else has put a bunch of miles on it (i.e., it will hopefully still smell new for a long time :-)

I hope the resale is as good on the MCC as it is on the MCSC.

And as to why I need to do it now - I'm just jonesing!! I cannot help it. I know - bad way to buy, but at least it's a good purchase!!