I'm still trying to decide financially which is better, new or used. I've priced
used Mini's and then built my own on the Mini website. The one I built on the
website only comes to 21K . The used one's I've looked at are still in the mid to high teens depending on miles and the year. Has anyone else done any
research on this ? Is the MIni website costs accurate ?

 

My MA built my car from the MINI website which has accurate prices. I can tell you that I traded in my 2005 MC and the sales manager told me that the prices they ask for used cars are not what they usually get. In other words, they will haggle with used cars but not with new ones. Also, the used cars are given a long warranty, I'm not sure of the details, but I believe they go up to 100,000 miles.

 

If I were wanting a Cooper with an auto tranny, I would go new. I like to 6 speed rather than the CVT -- but that is only my opinion. If I were to go with a standard transmission, it would depend on which style I liked better. I don't think you can go wrong with either but you may have more wiggle room with the used car, unfortunately interest rates will be higher. Good luck

 

That is an age old question.

Used: your buying someone elses problems ... maybe
New: more money

You pay your money and take your chances

Best of luck in your decision.

 

I would go new supposedly the new auto tranny is much better (but if you are going stick, then I dunno its still 6 gears though in the new one!)

 

go new - the loss of value of the Mini is one of the lowest in the industry (I think even better than Mercedes SL & Porsche 911) - buying a car used that is 2-3 years old might safe you $5000, but you have to live with someone else' choices of extras, someone else' challenges and with the old engine, old transmission etc - once you try to sell it in a few years, everyone will want the used R56

 

That is yet to be determined

In a few years, and depending on how the quality and reliability of the new R56 platform turns out to be, whether the R53 or R56 will be more desirable to future used buyers is still to be seen.

The R50/53 is a proven platform with a proven, virtually bulletproof engine. Actually buying a new leftover 2006 hardtop or a 1-2 year old used MINI Cooper or Cooper S hardtop may prove to be a wiser buying decision than opting for a new R56 whose reliability and quality problems are still unknown (However, early R56 adopters in Europe are already reporting teething first year issues, as customary with an all new-car from BMW) for the most part.

A lot of people bought 2006 R50/53 MINIs because they liked the design and feel of the öld "car much better and felt better about the reliability of a last year model was an added incentive over the unknowns of the all new car that followed.

It is a very personal decision

 

We started out looking at used MINIs of the '04 to '05 vintage, privately owned. Then went on to the '06s at the dealer. Eventually went on to a new, ordered '07. In each case it was a matter of price. Here in Houston, at least, there just wasn't enough difference in price to take the risk of non-warranty repairs in the earlier models, and potential model year depreciation of the '06 cars. In addition, the '06 demos at the dealer typically receive abuse during the tender engine break-in miles. At the time we ordered our car the dealer wasn't giving any break at all; things have since changed. Still, I received maximum protection of the engine by breaking in the car from 2 miles on the odometer, and a good warranty. Other than a possible cruise control drop-out issue, I haven't had any problems at all with my R56.

Just my opinion--YMMV.

 

Proven? Proven what? That the car throws more codes than any other engine that exists?

Just look at all the threads started by people wanting to know what such and such code means. That cant be good.

 

C4 makes this comment: (However, early R56 adopters in Europe are already reporting teething first year issues, as customary with an all new-car from BMW) for the most part.

He's right. Some of those who bought R56s in November and part of December had some new product production teething problems. These are noted on the MINI2 international forum. They started popping up there almost immediately after new product introduction. But also worth noting is that there are surprisingly few problems being mentioned by people who purchased cars built more recently. Heck, check out our own forum here. Are you reading comments about problems with recently purchased MCs (okay, some have reported a sometimes occuring cruise control quirk)?

One thing I know is, when designing a replacement product, the first thing you do is study the product being replaced. You look at things that people have complained about, and you look at all known problem areas .. Then you design these issues out. Furthermore, you design in better reliability and improved safety (cars keep getting better with each iteration). Lastly, you incorporate new technology that simply wasn't around in those earlier product years.

In other words, there's a lot more gained by buying new than simply the fact that you're not buying other peoples problems. I'd go with new .. but then again .. that's just me.

 

I struggled with the same decision. For the longest time (~mid '05) it didn't make much sense to buy used, given the pricing differential.
A lot depends on what you're looking for. My decision point was being able to get Indi Blue (and I found a great deal.)
It really depends on what kind of deal you can get and if you're comfortable with used and possibly a private sale.
Some questions that will narrow down the decision:
Do you want an '07?
Do you care which tranny you get?
Any color in particular?
Do you require any 'must have' options?
Are you getting a loan or paying cash?
Do you need a car NOW, or are you flexible?

 

The point I was trying to make is that there are inherited issues with first year cars. It is a risk that you have to be willing to take in order to try out the latest and greatest. However, a last year car is no guarantee of solid reliability but the odds of not getting a lemon are more in your favor. Give the R56 2-3 years of further "field"(read Beta testing) development and this car will be absolutely kick ***. A mid-life facelift should help matters too.

 

For the vast majority of the buying public the car with the fewest miles on it and in the best condition will be the preferred choice. As time goes on less and less "consumers" will want the R53. It remains to be seen which car will be more preferred by enthusiasts.

I can't say I agree with the idea that "...there are inherited issues with first year cars". Inherited from where? I'd like to think that any problems with the old platform are left behind and not designed into the new platform. Lets give BMW some credit ...if the R53 had any weaknesses why would they let the R56 inherit them?

I also think the notion of avoiding a first year car because there are going to be problems is a bit presumptuous. We are talking about BMW here ...no slouches when it comes to making cars ...they know a thing or two about it, have been at it for a while and have so far shown quick reaction to the issues that have arisen.

Let's also not forget this community's propensity for overreaction when it comes to issues and the ability to make mountains out of mole hills. Early on the inconsistencies in the gap around the wheel arches was practically touted to be the death of the marque and now the issue has pretty much disappeared.

Getting back on topic: new or used? There is no answer that is right for everyone ...you are on your own, manu06. It's a MINI, you can't go too far wrong.

dean.

 

so do you think BMW did a great job in 2002/2003 MINIs? After all, they know a few things about cars. How about the X5 or whatever ... so many problems they have to redesign, or so I've read. BMW aint no almighty as it once was as "the Ultimate Driving Machine" ... If it were, the Japanese cars would not be way ahead of them in quality.

 

That's my point ...the 2002/2003 were the first year cars, not the 2007, which should have fewer problems, not more. Same with the X5, it has gotten better and better. I'm not saying BMW is perfect or the best car maker, but they are pretty darned good.

I agree completely about Japanese cars.

dean.

 

Got it. And since the 2007 has ALL new parts, I'd hope they learned from the past!

 

Me too.

dean.

 

I've found that the asking prices from the dealer on the '06s aren't much cheaper than the 07's . I have seen some good prices on ebay but you never
know what the true condition is. I've got a nephew looking at the auto auctions for me but prices for the 04's and 05's are still a little high if they
have low mileage. Has anyone financed an 07 ? What rate is Mini offering on
the new vehicles ?