Hello

I'm a new mini to be owner and new to the forum. I started to shop for a car - my first car in 10 years and my first car in Canada. I very quickly fell in love with the Mini Cooper and have been looking around for one ever since. My Dad suggested before I fell in love with mini that I buy a car which is a year old with about 10,000 on the clock as it will still have lots of warranty but not cost as much. I told this to a rep at Yaletown mini who told me that it was unlikely I would find an 07 mini anytime soon particularly a classic as the owners tend to hold on to them for a long time. I can't tell if that was just a line as he was trying to sell me the S or a demo 07. Then I read somewhere that the resale value with mini is so high you might as well just buy a new one.
Is that true or should I hold out for an '07? Maybe there will be more 07s when people get their 08's??
Also, I read that the 07 is more fuel efficient and comfortable, do you think that is really true or would I be just as happy with an 06. Fuel efficiency is big for me. And, I wouldn't want to get an 05 I don't think as I imagine I will have this car for many years to come.
Any suggestions really welcomed. Looking forward to being your mini pal.

 

Yes, resale value is very high.

When I was shopping around, seemed the best prices I could find for a 02-03 S were between $15-18000. A JCW pushed up over $20K ($21-24 for early models). That's US dollars, of course (though we're pretty close to being on-par, vehicle prices in BC seem to be a little higher). Newer cars will cost more. I would guess a nicely equipped 05-06 car would cost $23-26000 from a private owner. More from a dealer.

There's a pretty hot looking '02 S on the boards at www.vancouverminicooperclub.com. $20,900 OBO for a clean, tastefully modded car with 10-months remaining MINI Next bumper-to-bumper coverage. Just a thought.

 

I would imagine you could find an 07 in a few months but probably not at a MINI dealer. Maybe on another mark's lot.

The 07 does have a softer ride - but is still very responsive. Fuel efficiency is better than previous years but it's all about how you drive.

Also, 05s and 06s are essentially the same. The biggest difference will be the warranty that's left.

 

You can find well equiped 07's with low miles and expect to save 15-20% over the price of a "new" one. I think it depends on your local market. Don't give up searching....if you are flexible on colors and options, you'll do well.

 

You lot rock! Thanks for all the tips. Very helpful. Excuse the ignorance - really please excuse it but what is a Mark's Lot? Any other tips on where to look for a used mini in Vancouver too?

 

sorry! I meant a marque. MINI is a marque. Honda is a marque. Marque = Brand.