Assuming it was the same identical Mini S....would you get a "slightly used" 9000 mile 2008 or a new no miles 2009. The 08 would be well below MSRP...say $2500-$3000....from what I am hearing MSRP or $500, $1000 below is the best I could do...? Would it make more sense to get the new......the used 08 or a new 09? 09 ...any differences from 08?

or is there more discounting going on now? Anybody got the scoop? The local dealer has over 100 on the ground now....

 

Dynamic Stability Control had been optional ($500) and is now Standard on all 2009's and price increased $500.

Speedometer changed from a top reading of 150 MPH to 160 MPH and that is about all the difference.

You might have more 'room to negotiate' on a used model and I would need much more than 10% difference to choose used over new.

 

For that small price difference I would buy new, and order exactly what I wanted. No used MINI is going to have every feature you want, in the color you want. You may even find that it's chaper to order new, if the used MINI includes some options you don't need. Also, you'll be losing a good portion of your warranty and free service, which is another reason to buy new.
Now, if the used MINI was exactly what you wanted, and was going for 20% under original MSRP, it might be worth consideration.

 

Buy new. That way you know you'll never have any surprises. My last MINI was a slightly used 03 MC (about 6k - 7k mi. or so at purchase). Everything was fine until trade in time. Then we had a little surprise... the car had been wrecked and it wasn't reported to Carfax until a couple years AFTER I bought it. Dropped the value about $3k.

Especially with MINI's resale value being so high, I don't think it's worth the risk.

As my dad always says... "When you buy a used car, you're just buying someone else's problems."

 

I agree with miniclubman.

Have you configured a new one on MINI's web site? That is half the fun, well maybe not half, but it is a lot of fun to put together the MINI that you want.

By the way, there is some discounting going on out there, but again, will the discounted MINI be the one that you would configure online?

I believe the packages changed a bit and you can also get the smartphone integration in with the convenience package as well.

 

Aw man, then you can't bury the speedo!

 

I just purchased a 2008 with 8k miles and it had the Premium, Sport and Cold Weather packages plus real leather. For the price I got it at it was well worth it. I could have speced a new one for exactly what I wanted but it would have been priced higher with less options.

The only thing I wish it didn't have is the sun roof. Shop around there are some good deals right now but do what you feel is right and fits your budgets.

 

I'd buy new. Dealers have plenty on the lots these days. I'd see if you can find new on the lot that dealers are willing to deal on. A thread yesterday reported dealers offering 1000 off msrp.

 

go new. but dont expect a thou off msrp for an ordered car. that kind of discount is going to dealer stock, and the more a car is optioned out ($30K plus), the greater possibility for a decent discount.

also, a new car will rate better financing deals than used.

 

I bought my MCS in perfect condition with 13,000 on the clock for around 3000-3500 under msrp. For me it was the only way to get into a Mini so the risk (however unlikely) of getting an abused car was worth it. That said I have since put 16k on it without a single issue.

 

Last week I took possession of a brand new '08 MCS Red Chili (not demo model) with comfort and sport packs, mats, bonnet stripes, and a nice black factory rear bumper protector (great for keeping my hockey gear from scratching the bumper). I got over 15% off . Dealers want to deal on the '08s

 

That's a heckuva deal. Good job finding that . The OP said the 08 "slightly used" MCS had 9k miles on it and was about 10% below sticker. I consider 9k more than slightly used and 10% seems like a minimal discount on what is basically a 1 year old used car. Just my .02.

 

When you say 9K are you talking 9,000 miles or 9 miles? Mine litterally had 9 miles on it . On top of that I got a smoking trade in on my 18 year old 318is

 

Keep in mind if you buy used your warranty is 4 year 50,000 miles vs. new 3 year 36,000 miles.

NO charge.

 

Jeff was your car at Prestige on Friday? I think I definitely saw it there.

 

Wha???

You mean:

4 years or 50,000 miles factory bumper to bumper warranty.

3 years or 36,000 scheduled maintenance

12 years or unlimited mileage corrosion protection.

If you buy used, you'll get the "balance" of what is left on the warranty and scheduled service according to the vehicle's original "In-service" date.

 

I was there on Saturday which is when I purchased the 2008.

 

Yeah you're right - I don't know what the hell I was thinking.

Yeah Jeff I saw it there on Saturday - looks nice. post a pic of the new one!

 

If you buy a next preowned you also get the 6 yr 100k mile warranty.

I think I have driven the new mini once since I got it but hope to start driving it more this weekend.

 

I went into the dealer in mid December to order a 2009 Mini S with the only optipn of a bonnet stripe on he roof. That was all I could afford on a 2009, they had a Demo 2008 wih sports package, LSD. Blue Tooth USB, 17 inch wheels and some other minor options and it was the same price as my designed 2009 Mini with one minor option. I took the Demo and I am enjoying all the extras that I could of never afford.

 

I assume you went to Morristown?....that's the closest spot to you

 

Yes that is correct. They had a large selection of demos in December to choose from.

 

Congrats on the New Ride...Glad you found a +1 MINI, price is always a consideration when buying a car. They did the Homework for you!!