I am new to NAM, but have been looking around the site and really like the community so I thought this might be the place for my question but if it isnt in the right place, you dont have to answer.

But I'm seriously considering a MINI right now and was wondering with such a close range of prices in the used and New, If ya'll think I should get a used Mini or a New one, since the cheapest used I can get is 17k and the New to my likeing would be 22k, if there is any insight you guys could give me, I am young and this would be my first Mini. But I have been looking into them and I'm pretty certain I want one.
Thanks for any advice
Mckfly

 

Welcome aboard.. great group of folks in here.

Good questions...

If you have $22K to buy a new Mini, you can buy a stripped '07 MCS, or a nicely equipped '07 base model. For the $17K you mention, you can buy a nice, low-mile '02-'06; either a base model or an S, depending on the year and miles.

If it's your first car, do your homework. A late model used car may come with the remainder of the factory warranty, depending on miles. I'd hesitate to buy a used one w/o a warranty - they do tend to get thrashed.

Shop Craiglist in your area. Some Mini owners bought the car thinking they could live with its small size, then they found out that dad, mom, 3 kids, 2 dogs, a cat and 4 guinea pigs won't fit in it - comfortably. The need to replace the car with a mini van... That might be the car you need to find; a car that's been well taken care of (be sure to ask for all service records - if the owner can't produce them - walk), with low miles, and no record of being in an accident (spend the money to do a CARFAX check on it).

If you can afford to buy a new one w/o putting yourself in a financial bind, that might be the best option.

I'm sure you'll get plenty of advice.. Good luck with your choice.

 

Well just to add, I live in Jax, FL and I have been looking for a good used one online but I cant seem to find one, except out of town or the dealer.
And to add, the only fear of buying a new one is, I spend too much money on the fees and such where I'm out of money to customize, which I'm getting a MINI cause its so unique and I want to cuztomize, so thats my position.


P.S. (I'm guestimating the new price on the "Build A Mini", Is there ordering fees? Kinda dumb question but...Im dumb.)

 

no ordering fees but you will have to put down a deposit on the order. if you have a MINI dealership in your area goin with what all you want to add to your MINI an do and talk to them and see what the price is you will be financing is. if you can afford a new on i would go with a new one, that way you get exactly what you want and you know it will be broke in the right way.

by the way nice screen name!!

there is no dumb questions

 

NEVER say you're dumb.. you're always learning. That will happen for as long as you breath..

No ordering fees for building one online....

Here's a base model in Durham, NC.. $17K http://raleigh.craigslist.org/car/407517611.html

Here's a better deal - an S with Nav and fewer miles for a hundred bucks less money - http://raleigh.craigslist.org/car/402607780.html

Here's a '07 w/500 miles for $20K.. http://columbia.craigslist.org/car/404635070.html

 

Mini,

Is your username from back to the future?

Thanks,
ELmO

 

Wow, Thanks for that investigating Hogtied :-), I like the manual one!

 

I bought my first MINI in September of 2005. A 2002 MCS with Premium and Sport package for $18K with 25k miles off a used car lot as a lease return. She wasnt the color I wanted and she had a dent in one panel. But I loved her once I got her off the lot. We replaced her after the accident with one off the Niello MINI show room. A 2006 MCS with Checkmate and Premium packages for $28K. I knew I wanted a MINI and we could afford the used one. When we got the second one we were better off and got exacticaly what we wanted. So look around and you may find the one that is right for you.

Umm to clarify we have 3 kids, 2 dogs, a snake, a bird and a baby on the way. But we are not traiding the MINI in for a mini van.

 

My wife and I prefer new cars to used, but have owned both in the past. Both of our MINI's were bought new from the same dealership. My advice to you is to look to the MINI club in your area, get on their board and ask the same question. Most owners will know of good places to pick one up, used or new and may even turn you on to a deal not widely available via other sources. Good luck with your hunt!

 

Whatever you decide, new or used, don't get yourself so far in debt that you can't enjoy other things in life. A new car would be nice, but if you can't afford to insure it or drive it than it becomes a burden. Take your time and crunch the numbers!!

 

Silverbullit's is giving good advice. While it's tempting to stretch to get a new car, living with loan payments that you can barely afford can be a long and unpleasant thing. Don't take the fun out of motoring! Buy what you can comfortably afford and enjoy the ride.