I have a simple question that I can not seem to run the math on myself. Has anyone calculated the cost differences between purchasing a used Clubman S and comparing that to a new Clubman S? I'm talking comparing warranties, depreciation, maintenance, fuel, the works. Can anyone produce a quantitative value that would show one being more economical than the other??? Please Assist, i'm getting nothing done at work with this on my mind.

 

I am neither an accountant nor a mathematician, but I will tell you my experience. I went to my local Mini dealer and test drove a mini clubman I fell in love with. Had all the options, colors, and even the interior upgraded seats were what I was looking for. I sat down with the dealer, ran some numbers, and I was looking at over $35K out the door. That was with a trade-in that gained me only about $500 towards a down payment. I got a 4-year bumper-bumper and a 3 year service contract as standard. Well I just couldn't justify the cost. It was hard to walk away, but I did.

I started looking online on various sites. Ebay, AutoTrader, CarMax, etc... and I started to see a wide variety of price points for used Clubmans. I expanded my search to 400 miles from where I live and I found a number of used Clubmans off lease with very low mileage on them, that fit almost all my criteria regarding options, colors, etc. I finally decided to go after one that was priced low but with almost every option I wanted plus some I didn't expect. Long story short, I found my mini Clubman in the next state over from a dealer (not private seller). I got a used 2008 Clubman with less than 21K miles on it. It was in immaculate condition and had everything I wanted on it and more. I saved just over $10K by chosing a used mini. It still has over a year left on the bumper - bumper warranty and another 6 months on the full service warranty. I will be extending the service contract another 3 years at a cost of just over $2K, which will cover all my higher mileage services which tend to be pricey (eg, brake rotors @ $700 an axel).

Anyway, I love my Clubman. It is truly the most fun I have had behind the wheel of a street legal car. I don't think much has changed to justify the cost of owning a new one this year, unless you have your heart set on Mini Connect. I thought it looked cool, but ouch! its an expensive option. I moved from an Acura MDX with every bell and whistle, and I don't even miss them on my car.

So looking at my $$$$ saved, even with extending the service contract another 3 years, I saved over $8K vs new. If I was so inclined, I could take more of that savings and extend the factory bumper - bumper warranty if I wanted to as well. That would range from $2K - $6K depending on how long and what you want covered. Either way, I think I came out on top. The used market for Clubmans isn't flooded, but with a little effort, I will bet you will find one that meets your criteria.

-z

 

Z
Thanks for your response. It sounds like what you went through is likely the direction I will head in. I think people get caught up in the "security" of the warranty don't account for depreciation. Thanks again for your response.

 

I purchased my used MCS '07 with a similiar story of taking my time and finding the right one to fit my needs.My MINI happened to be only 20 miles away.It came with a bumper to bumper warranty that was transferable to 100,000 mi ( the first 50,000 was covered under MINI warranty)and MINI maintenance to 100,000 mi,I just really lucked out.I saved at that time of purchase about 9,000 from buying new,Would I buy used again, you betcha!

 

BTW, I know this is for Clubman posts,but I'm just giving an example of what you can save when you do your homework when buying used.

 

Frankly, I think you're over-thinking the question a bit too much. And that statement is coming from an engineer...

The warranty, maintenance, and fuel are what they are, be it a new or used vehicle. By way of illustration, let's think of a new MINI vs. a 1-year-old MINI. The new MINI has 48/36 months warranty/maintenance plan; the 1-year-old MINI has the remaining time of the warranty and maintenance plan (36/24 months). Just because you personally didn't happen to take advantage of those first 12 months of warranty/maintenance doesn't mean that the vehicle didn't, if you see what I mean... And if you purchase a CPO vehicle, there's an extended warranty associated with that (which MINI conveniently includes for you in their CPO price...), so depending on the terms, you may not see any appreciable difference in warranty coverage (new vs. used)...

About the only thing to compare with regard to fuel would be the fuel savings you'd get compared to your current vehicle; with the new MINI vs. used MINI, the fuel costs are theoretically identical.

Depreciation is accounted for in the used MINI's price (check resources such as Kelley Blue Book for used car values), which will obviously be lower than the similarly-equipped new MINI. There's no other "extra" depreciation associated with purchasing a used vehicle, all things being equal (e.g., no damage history on the used vehicle).

All that having been said, I too am a proponent of buying a clean, low-mileage used vehicle. That's the way I went with my JCW Clubman, and I saved somewhere in the neighborhood of $8-9k over a new JCW Clubman -- without any regrets. Or looking at it from another angle: I was initially shopping for a new Clubman S, but got a gently-used JCW Clubman for about the same price (i.e., more vehicle for the same money). Either way you slice it, I feel like I made a good deal!

 

yes, knowing what I know now after having owned 2 different new MINIs ... I would go used in the future. A properly taken care of 2-3 year old MINI should treat you well with no issues and big savings.

 

I bought my 2008 Clubman S 2 years ago. It was used (approx. 9 months), but it only had 3,500 miles on it - essentially a new car. It had most everything I wanted and, most imnportantly, it came in the color combo I wanted.

The car stickered for about $31,000. I paid $24,000, saving $7,000. I got the remainaing warranty and maintenance. I have been quite pleased with Monty and feel that I got a pretty good deal. The car has been a blast to own and I am REALLY digging it now that I have the Hankook Ventus V12 tires and Alta's Access Port.

The car drives quietly, handles superbly well in wet and dry conditions and the Access Port really un-leashed the hidden toger in the motor. The car is quite fast now and I find myself making excuses to drive it <g>.

Would I do it again? In a heartbeat. And I would definitely look for another used one. I saved some serious money and have not encounterd any problems form not putting the 1st 3,500 miles on it.

Find a very good confdition used one with low miles and make the deal - you will not regret it!!