Hello--new soon-to-be MINI owner. I am in a buying dilemma between two used MINIs--a 2003 Cooper S and a 2004 Cooper...they stack up evenly inside, only 9400 miles on the Cooper, and about 32500 on the Cooper S. The Cooper has a CVT shifter, and the S is a 6-speed. They both have sun/moon roof combinations and the S has sport/convenience packages.

The big thing that I am having trouble with is the pricing on the Cooper versus the S: $23K for the Cooper and only $20.5K for the S...any thoughts? I love the British racing green of the Cooper, but the dark silver on the S is nice, too.

I really appreciate feedback!

Thanks,
Candi

 

23K for the cooper is waaaaayyy too much

 

I agree the Cooper is way overpriced.

 

honestly shop around alittle more. I paid 26k for mine new from the dealer. The S sounds nice, but not with that many miles. Shop around alittle, you will find a better deal.

 

Is that Canadian $$$ or US $$$? Both are overpriced, heck, I'd sell my '05 Cooper with well under 20k miles for $18,500. There are much better deals to be had, as those are both nearly new car prices for 2-3 year old cars.

-Keith

 

I agree with the others. Overprice -- shop around. Use www.kellybluebook.com to compare with the prices the used dealers are charging. When I was shopping for a used one the dealers were routinely at MSRP according to Kelly Blue Book, but they were easily able to knock off 5-6K or so from that price.

I saw a 2005 MC with 5000 miles Blue Booked at 23k they were going to sell for 17k.

 

Overpricing aside, get the S anyway.

 

2004 Cooper should be around $17-$18K. 2003 Cooper-S is slightly over priced but a much better deal in comparison. I tend to agree, look around a little more, you may find something better for less.

 

I can't say about the overpricing, but I advise the Cooper S. I had a CVT loaner for a week, and it wasn't my cup of tea. Make sure you do EXTENDED test driving with the CVT before you lay down any cash. Several months ago, I had a Cooper S automatic for a week. The S automatic was better, but I prefer the manual.

Rawhyde

 

I missed the CVT part. For price reasons I had to stick with the Cooper but my wife wanted automatic so she could drive it. I test drove the CVT Cooper and immediately called my wife and said that was not an option unless we splurged for the S where automatic was fine. I just lugged when trying to merge with freeway traffic. Manual is much more friendly.

In the end it is up to you. If you want good fuel economy and fun to drive find a Cooper Manual. If you want to get launched into your seat get an S Manual or Automatic.

 

I've got a very well maintained 2003 MC 5 Speed for $13,500 firm---priced for any NAM member.

Has factory leather, nav, sport's package, and lots of upgrades.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=81455

 

Wow, wish I could talk my wife into letting me buy used. That car would be perfect for me. While I can't buy the car I would love to learn how to do proper detailing. Every car I have ever washed ends up with swirls.

 

It's easy once you know.

First learn how to properly wash the car
http://www.ShowCarGarage.com (click on How to use the 2-bucket method to wash your car! link)

Then learn how to polish and wax it and maintain it
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=82360

Richard

 

Thanks for the links. I will never wash the car the same way again. Just have to figure out the polishing part. I would hate to dig too deep with an electric tool. Might be worth it to check out the DVD.

 

You can have mine for $20,200. It is a 2006 Cooper, very basic: no options.
I bought new 3 weeks ago and I put 450 miles on it.

 

You're welcome!

Don't want to start a debate here, but the "electric tool" is very safe and a lot more effective than your hands. There are a ton of misconceptions about the different polishing tools available for us enthusiasts. Did you watch the teaser on the NAM DVD??

http://www.showcargarage.com/vid/60corvette.wmv

If you are at all skeptical, check out the reviews by those that purchased the DVD

http://www.showcargarage.com/forums/...read.php?t=172

Richard