Hi,

Some of you may remember me. I've had 07 Lightning Blue MCS a while ago. About 9 months ago, I traded it in for an 08 VW R32. Albeit fantastic machine, the maintenance and gas costs are driving me up the wall.

I've been looking to get into another MINI again and found something perfect for myself.

I'm just wondering if that's a fair price and what do you think they'd be willing to come down to. My car was involved in an accident, where I got rear ended and they want to rape me on a trade in; therefore, it will be crucial to haggle.

Thanks for all the help!

 

Wow to me that looks like a great deal for that car, its got some good options too.

 

Has the VW been repaired? With a good repair I wouldn't expect your trade-in value to be affected much.

 

Yes it has and they raped me and wanted to give me $16.5k for an 08 R32 in Gray with 47k miles CPO and in absolutely perfect condition. I laughed.... My friend on the same car banged up with 75k got an offer for $22k

The car is loaded that's why I'm looking at it. I'm not a huge fan of the color (not white enough for me) but I think with the right mods, it should contrast well.

 

Honestly, I think the price in the ad you posted is a rip off. I bought my '09 MCS for $17k just a few weeks ago. It had 29k miles on it, and the only option that it appears the ad you posted has that I don't is the nav system. My car also came with the MINI Next warranty, so I'm covered for another 2.5 years or 70k miles. Mine also already had the timing chain repair done, so that's not a worry. I'd say the car you posted should be bought for $18-19K.

As for the dealer trading your VW in, you have to remember they're in the business of "buy low, sell high". So they use whatever they can to give you as little as possible on trade. I do this for a living (auto insurance claims, including "diminished value"). Suggestion...use Autotrader, Cars.com, Ebay. Find other cars like yours that have been in an accident. Chances are you'll find them advertised for the same exact price as other cars that haven't been in one. Show them those ads and ask why they'd offer you so much less if they would then turn around and advertise it for full price?

 

Nice choice. Nav, leather seat, auto ac, 6 speed and only 22k on the odometer. Give them a refundable deposit and offer $21k out the door. Craigslist your R32. My $.02 worth.

 

Why don't you knock it off with the "rape" references? Might want to pick another go-to phrase when you claim to be taken advantage of. (Unless they're violently forcing you to do something against your will.) Somehow I think this is just another standard trade-in situation.

 

You would be better off selling the VW private party, then buying the new car afterwards. You'll get several thousand dollars more out of the VW from a private party. They are rare, sporty cars, and it should sell fast if you ask a reasonable price.

 

Selling your trade privately is a time consuming hassle but probably worth it. When I bought my Mini, I sold my Miata privately (thru the Miata forum), and got over $2K more than my best offer on a trade. The dealer will only give you wholesale for your old car so he can still sell it at a reasonable profit.

 

My .02 - Color is not something that you will warm up to. I liked my Laser Blue 08 MCS ($15k last october, BTW), and have liked the color more and more as it goes along.

Here is a link to a buddy's Pepper White JCW, with painted wheel arches, headlights, dechrome, and wheels. If this type of modding does not make the car look good to you, pass on the deal and find a car in the color that you like.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...009-jcw&cat=20

I am not trying to be superficial, but these cars instill passion and fun. If you don't smile when you see your car, it should not be your car.

Have fun,
Mike