Is a 2004 with 30,000-40,000 miles for $20,000 realistic?
 

If I decide to buy a MINI, it would probably be around March/April. I want one with a warranty still intact in case there are problems that I want to address. I will probably have a beater car, so I'd just take the car in for every little thing while it's still under warranty. Anyway, can I get a nicely equipped '04 for $20,000?

If you shop around and don't jump at the first thing that comes around then yes.

OK. Once I get my Cobra sold I can take my time picking the car I want because I will have a beater (albeit with a new engine, hehe) to mope around in. Here in the Bay Area I see higher prices than elsewhere, and my financial situation doesn't allow me to pay in cash; hence, I need to go through a credit union, and that limits me to only cars in CA. :(

Take your time and look around. Ask some local dealers to give you a ring whenever they get one in. I'd definately go thru a dealer instead of a person. I think it's a bit safer that way. Although, on Nam, I've heard about some people getting a great deal thru another Mini owner.

Hm, my '05 had 9100 miles on it and it was $23,500.00, from a MINI dealer. I say keep looking around and you will find a great car for a fair price.

I don't think that will be a problem. You'll likely be on the higher end of your mileage figure, though. MINIs tend to be driven (motored?:)) Tougher that you're restricted to CA - our prices here verge on the ridiculous. Seems strange that they care where the car comes from...

I would think that is very possible. I bought a 2003 MCS just a couple months ago with only 29.5k miles on it and exactly 12 months left on the warranty (really late in service date for the year) for 18,500. It has every option but the Nav system. It did need new tires however.

Easily. Go to cars.com ... you will find hundreds of MCS under $20K

I bought mine for $ with 13k miles...