So today while my Plain Jane 2007 R56 was getting new thermostat and housing (the second of each), new front and rear pads and rotors, I decided to wander around the showroom and kick a few tires.

That didn't last long because the first one I checked out was a 2021 John Cooper Works Mini that appeared to be as fully tricked out as a Mini can be. I peeked at the sticker price . . . sales guy almost had to use the AED to get my old heart back in rhythm !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Almost exactly twice what I paid for my Plain Jane in 2007.

 

I hear ya! My wife's 2013 Justa Convertible is in for some warranty work (we bought an extended warranty when we bought the car 2 or 3 years ago) and the MINI dealership gave her a 2021 Cooper S as a loaner car. I like it, even though it is significantly bigger than my 2011 MCS (which I am about to pay off, finally) so I went to MINI's website and configured pretty much the same 2021 S for me, just to see how much it would be. Ummmm....yeah.....over $38k! Well, that ain't gonna happen. Looks like another used one for me!