I was going to order a lightly optioned '09 Mini Cooper, but I found a lightly used 2007 model at a local dealer. Here are the specs of the two cars:

2009 Mini Cooper:
6-spd
PW/B
MSFW
Xenons
Sport Seats
Bonnet Stripes
MSRP: $20,300


2007 Mini Cooper
6-spd
BRG/BRG
MFSW
Tuscan Leather w/ Cream Color Line & English Oak
Chrome Line Interior
Climate Control
Front Fog Lights
Cold Weather Pack
Anthracite Headliner
White Turn Signals
13k.5 miles
Listed for $17,500

I'm leaning toward the used one because of the additional equipment coupled with the lower price. Any thoughts? Does the Mini Maintenance plan transfer with the warranty? I'll be test driving tomorrow, so is there anything I should look for? Thanks!


-Sabastian

 

Yes, it does.

Both nice cars...the run flat systems are different on each. Also, DSC is on the 2007? I think it's standard on the '09. I'd also take sport seats over packages, but that's a personal thing. Seems you can hardly go wrong...that '07 seems quite the looker!!!! Have fun test driving!!

(btw, my '07 has 20K miles and is absolutely rock solid...great car!!)

 

For me, the new car warranty of the new one would probably steer me in that direction, but then again I *need* the heated seats that come with the cold weather package.

I'd try to haggle on the used one - offer $16k-$16.2k and see if they bite...

 

there's no doubt that BRG with tan leather and wood makes for a VERY classic look ....

 

I'm guessing that the car sold for around $25-26k? If so he's asking 70% of the new car price for a low mileage 2.5 year old car. I'd say you can get it for a little less if you beg, but it's not a horrible deal as is IMO. I've heard worse deals on this forum.
EDIT: Just realized it's a MC, not MCS. So I take it back, they're asking at least 75% of sticker. Get a better deal I say.

 

Go for the new just for the warranty factor. Thats what swayed me to a new instead of used.

 

Really? $17.5k is exactly what Edmunds lists as the private party value. Dealer retail is $18.7k.


-Sabastian

 

Well, it's up to you. 13K is very low miles, imo, for a nice '07. It may be a late '07...but even so, early Coopers seemed to demonstrate few of the niggles that plagues the early R56 MCSs. In any case, MINI resale values can make things a bit surreal...add to this excess MINI inventory and the general downturn in auto sales. Do the best you can w/ all the details...$17K seems fair if you like the car. As was said, it could easily have sold for $24K initially.

That said....no harm in ordering either!!

 

Thanks, gokartride. I'm currently looking through the autotrader & ebaymotors listings and so far I haven't found any other 2007 Coopers that are obviously a better deal than this one. Prices range from $15k-$19k depending on options and mileage. Most of the cars around $15k are strippers with more miles, as are many in the $18k+ range. I have yet to find any 07's with this mileage and level of equipment at a competing price, which is why it caught my attention. Believe me, I'll be ready to deal when the time comes. Would $16k be a good place to start?

-Sabastian

 

I have an 07 that I purchased new in Jan. 08 and love it. No problems.