Hey there again guys. I got approved for my $24k loan (I was only going to apply for $20k but figured "why not" and I'm glad I did. This really opens up the best of the first Gen minis for me)! I have been vigurously searching for Minis for the past week, and the test drive yesterday set in stone my desire for one of these cars. So then the search became much more serious last night.

So far the biggest problem I have found is finding the colors I like. I really want to avoid red if possible, only because my previous 2 cars have been red. The most desirable so far has been the dark grey colored minis with a black top. I have found a few. I also love black on black aside from trying to keep them looking clean. My next requirement is decently low mileage and a year 2005 or 2006. I really wouldn't want a car with more than 20k miles a year. Packages are not too much of a concern but I was really hoping to find one with an LSD. I have found ONE so far that meets all my requirements and another that comes real close. I just wanted to get your opinons on each, as I plan to go see both and test drive them later this week.

Choice #1

2006 MCS, 6,400 miles, Grey with Black top. He only lists Premium package in his ad but the interior pic shows the car has DSC (I know that is an option on its own though). I haven't been able to get a hold of this seller yet. It has very dark tint (maybe too much as the car has out of state tags). Aux audio input (ipod joy), arm rest. Asking $23,200

Pics:







Choice #2

2005 MCS, 15k miles, Black on Black. This car is LOADED. Premium and Sport packages, Navigation, LSD, HK Sound, Xenon, It has the chrome mirrors/grill and the int chrome package as well (and chrome only works for me on a black car). This car also has a 3M clear bra on the front (I didn't ask how much it actually covers) but I do not have any experience with this protection so I don't know if it is a good or bad thing. I have talked to the seller and it has been his Wife's daily driver although he seems to be taking an interest in it for himself as well. They are selling because of twins. He is asking $23,000 but said he is flexible with the price. Oh, he said the first BMW service has already been performed on the car and it has been in for 1 warranty reapair for the power steering fan shroud.

Pics:




Navigation would be cool but I am wondering if it would be compatible if I ended up moving to Germany. Maybe there is a software reprogram that can be performed if not?

So, be honest guys, what do you think? Personally I am really leaning towards the 2005 mostly because it is the only one that I can find with an LSD and it meets all my other criteria. Being loaded on options helps too.. lol. How are the prices? Both of these cars are being sold privately so if you want to let me know what to watch out for when buying that would be great too.

Thanks!

 

Have you shopped around for a zero-mileage car?

I just bought a new '06 MCS with Sports Package, Premium Package, Cold Weather Package, h/k sound and it was $24K. You might be able to find a brand new car with the options you want in your price range. Deals on leftover '06 cars are out there!

dean.

 

no. 2

 

I agree with reelsmith - I have a friend that got a good deal on a leftover 06 also.

 

New '06, then #2

 

#2 is a great deal considering how well specced the car is. You'd probably pay close to 30k for that car if you could find one in that spec left as an '06.

also, for reference, clear bra is a very good thing, its means rock chips will be at a minimum

nav should be compatible if you move, you'll need a new disc (probably a couple hundred bucks) but it should work just fine

 

#1, most of the extras in #2 would not interest me. I would go for the lower miles, and I like the silver and black of #1.

 

Both are very nice. #1 is like a new car (very low miles) however, #2 has much nicer options. Before I buy either one I'd check a dealer for a leftover '06, in your price range that would be the best deal.

 

Yeah, KBB (I know it's not always accurate but most private seller base their prices off it) says $25,455 with these options. I am almost certain that I can score this one for $21k or $21,500. He said it was "flexible" and "willing to work out a price" a couple times during the conversation. I get the idea he just needs to get rid of it and he's not too worried about a couple grand. He replaced it with a Magnum and also has an M3

I'll keep ya posted. I am going to search for some new ones although i didn't see any during my search before.

 

Seller #2 sounds more motivated and it's a better deal, #1 sounds like they bought it on a whim and didn't like it after a short while-or they are overspent-either way they are trying to not loose their shirt by trading it in. I am looking at 2 brand new 06 MCS's right now so they are out there.

The tint on #1 can come off pretty easy-it's a film/decal that can be removed by wetting it and pulling it off.

 

I would probably go for #2, but you should check around for a new 06 as there are some great deals out there. What ever you decide let every one know.


06MCS/DS/B/Bbonnetstripes/Whalen8ballshiftmachine

 

How much haggling can I expect to do with a BMW dealer on new 06's? I found one that had very similar options, minus navigation, for $25k but it is pepper white and that doesn't really do it for me :( I found a black like the 2005 I listed but it is $28k. I really don't want to go over $24k.. I've already raised that number one.. lol.

So if I go in expecting to get $2k off because it's an 06 are they gonna think I'm crazy or what? I'm assuming that they are still listing MSRP on their website.

 

Others here have gotten $2k off MSRP on 06s -- so I think that it's a fair number . . . in fact, I might go in there offering $3k below, hoping to end up at 2k below.
Edit -- this depends on where you're buying -- East Coast, yes - but I hear that West Coast is still paying MSRP for '06s (but I'm not sure about that).


Otherwise #2 seems like a good deal if you're interested in the options -- that's still not a lot of miles.

 

even in LA now they're offering at least 1k off msrp. like all others said, for that kind of price, might as well get a leftover '06. otherwise, go for #2 for the lsd

 

There might also be deals on financing-that would make your payments lower.

 

Well, I've been approved for 4.25% at my credit union so I don't know if they could do better, but I will keep that in mind.

I found a third car that I am considering now. I'm just waiting on the seller to return my email so I know exactly what options it has. Is the DSC always the 2nd toggle switch? If a mini doesn't have this option, would that switch position still be used for something else? He doesn't list the car as having it and I can't quite make out the picture.

It's a 2006 with 9,700 miles. I know I said no red but maybe I have always gotten it in the past cause I really like it.. lol. Doesn't list it as having a sunroof. Multi-function steering wheel, factory aero kit. Now, he has put an intake on it. An Alta intake. Not sure how that makes me feel because I would probably do the same.

And, of course, pics:






I oddly like the simplicity of this car but he is asking $22,900. Depending on what the actual options are I may feel that is overpriced compared to the others I have been looking at. Does the aero kit really add much value? Nevertheless this is a beautiful car and the red with the black grills really do it for me.

Kirk

 

Where you are located and how far you want to go are key factors. If it were me I'd call around to every single dealer in the range I'm willing to pick up from (some people are open to shipping but I prefer a personal inspection for damage and the like prior to taking delivery), see what was out there, and have them fax the best deal they will do on a car that interests you. If something is perfect at a great price go for it and get it all in writing and signed off on ASAP before going to pick up the car to help prevent any last minute BS.

On the other hand, if you want the LSD and options on the black car it sounds like you can get a really good price if you go in to inspect it ready to haggle. You could end up with quite a good deal and on top of that pay less on registration and insurance. Oh, and before you go take the VIN over to a Mini service dept and ask them to run it to see if/what service has been done at the dealer (it won't help with regards to checking for an accident but you can get a good notion of that by looking for the VIN on the body panels). Used cars can be a great bargain, just make sure you really are getting what you want and saving enough to make it worthwhile.

Good luck and let us know how it goes

PS: I had the window open and posted this before seeing your post about the red car - of the used cars I prefer the black one still though if only for having the xenons (I like having the nav too for various reasons).

 

I really appreciate all the input/help that I'm getting. What you said here makes complete sense. I work in IT so I assume that all dealers post their cars on the internet but that may not be accurate. I may be limiting my selection. I will call some BMW dealerships in the area tomorrow. I am located in the Metro DC area so there are many used Minis around. A good portion of them have too many miles though because of the kind of commuting people do around here.

I have set up and appointment already to see the black car. Right now that interests me the most. If I can score that car for right around $21k I will consider that a killer deal IF the car checks out. I almost have to wonder why he is pricing it so low. I will take my camera with me tomorrow so I can further analyze the pictures when getting home and past the blindness that comes with seeing a car your very interested in.. lol. It's almost guarenteed though if the car checks out and he is willing to work a little on the price.

A carfax has alredy been run and the mileage has only been recorded once at about 1400 miles. There is nothing else in the report to note.

Thanks again!

 

I'd get #2...has way more options...and there's only 8-9k miles difference......so would it matter if a car had 60k miles or 68k miles? Take the one with the HID's, chorno package, etc...

 

When I referred to the dealers I was actually thinking of new cars then, but you are right, you might be able to find a good used one there too with the extended CPO warranty.

I'm like you, very computer centric - I search Autotrader, Craigslist and dealer sites as well, but it does seem like the the dealer inventories can be off though depending on how accurate they are putting the info in and keeping it current.

Edit - I peeked at some CL ads and noticed someone saying the car had the grey and blk "leather"; now if I remember correctly the grey/blk was only leatherette, a no cost option, so check on that and be sure to keep your eyes peeled for that kind of thing. Wouldn't be the first time a seller tried to pass off the vinyl as leather and its easy to not really look at it in the excitement

Oh and one last bit of advice - get the seat heaters, your butt will thank you :D

 

I like #2 better, but have a problem with the fact that it is loaded down with a sunroof. I mention this because you say you want LSD, so performance seems to be key. I just got back in the mini game after selling my 03 MCS some time ago and had a heck of time finding one with LSD and sport package only. At any rate, I would still go #2, though I would also add that Mini Leather is pretty crummy. Look at a 2 year old car and you'll find the leather is all bunched up. Go leatherette or space cloth if you want it to look good over time. Lastly, I would go used over new. You won't find a new one close to these used prices. Yes mini's hold their value, but I think #2 would be more like 28K new. Thats a lot of money to be saved....

 

All Cooper S models will have a switch in the #2 position. All Cooper S's have ASC+T (traction control), DSC is optional (included with Sport Pkg) has a differently labeled switch in the same place.

Rawhyde

PS Chili Red is cool, otherwise I wouldn't have bought one!

 

I would take choice one, The fewer miles the less likely to have anything go wrong. Although personally I would try to find one at the dealership since the 07's are now out dealers are eager to get rid of their older inventory. Also, by buying a used car you run the risk of picking up problems where the previous owner left off.

Don't settle on one so quickly since every day there are more mini's out there! Good Luck!

 

I like dark silver color best, but if I were buying again color would not be my deciding factor... Price / condition and options would be. I have an 03 MCS with just about every factory installed option except the NAV system. (No dealer extras). I thought things like heated seats, auto a/c, and auto wipers were silly. I would not have another mini without this stuff now...

 

RED