I currently have a Countryman that I am contemplating trading for a Roadster.

I have an opportunity to buy a 2014 Roadster in Red for about $25,000. I have also found a handful of used Roadster S editions in white or Silver. Anywhere from 2013 to 2014, with an aver gale mileage of 10,000 for the same general price of $20,000 to $25,000.

As for as options - they are all comparable. Nothing fancy like the upgraded radio or Nav system. Some have the upgrade climate control, some don't.

My question to all of you that have Roadsters. For the exact same price, would you buy the brand new Roadster or the 10,000 mile used Roadster S? Is the performance improvement enough that I want a used S? Or should I go for the brand new base model that has a warranty?

Thank you for your input.

 

Apart from my wife's Clubman, I've only had S's. Base Roadsters aren't very common as far as I can tell, most that I've seen gave been S or JCW. If you're worried about warranty, you might be able to order one of the very last new S's if you hurry, or you might find a dealer with new or CPO stock that they're keen to move, especially at this time of year.

 

Find a CPO

 

No roadster for me, but I've driven non S CM and own an S CM. There is a big difference, but it depends on your actual driving needs and style. Personally I'd look at performance mods cost vs. benefit and take it from that. Maybe you can up the perf. enough to make you happy if needed. The extra warranty time and more reliability of a less complex car might win the day.

I'd really have to be pushed hard to go used over new in your case. For me the ALL4 in non S was not appealing or recommended by anyone.

 

Check with your surrounding Dealerships...Each of them has at least a slot for one...I would spread your search to include JCW Roadster.

I just picked up a JCW Lightning Blue Roadster this past Saturday...I was the last one for the JCW slot and they had Base & S slots left.

 

You should go with a low mileage 2013+ JCW. It is really worth the money for enjoyment of upgraded performance.

 

Spiney, is correct; and Cooper Roadsters with a manual transmission and full JCW trim inside and out are especially rare. I know because I have one, and I intentionally ordered it from the factory that way.

I think it boils down to your personal priorities and the emphasis you give to performance versus aesthetics. In my case, my #1 priority was and continues to be the visual impact of the Roadster design. I fell in love with the graceful, unbroken lines of the bonnet--sans scoop and stripes--as an extension of the windshield rake to the front bumper cover. I then looked back on the experience of my prior two years of R56 MCS ownership. When I reflected on the tiny fraction of time the engine intake was under boost conditions (confirmed by a boost gauge), I realized that the normally aspirated engine would not be a significant sacrifice for me, and particularly given its simplicity and record of reliability when compared to the turbo mill. So in my case, the Cooper R59 was the best of both worlds, and it also gave me almost $3K additional to spend on other factory options.

If you browse my Garage you'll see that I've made several mods to this car, but you'll also see that the vast majority of them have been in keeping with my emphasis on aesthetics. Even most of those that contribute to better performance (e.g., diffuser and straight-line exhaust, lowering springs, etc.) were primarily done for looks.

Now, I like spirited driving on the twisties with my club buddies but I don't ever plan to track or auto-X my Roadster. My top priority is to enjoy top-down motoring in a singularly unique MINI and to look real good while doing it. I like to enter the occasional charity car show and credibly compete. Under those boundary conditions the Cooper Roadster was the right fit for me. YMMV.

 

Well after reading everybody's comments here (thank you) and doing a lot of looking I finally settled on a used (5,000 miles) 2014 Roadster S in pepper white with toffee exterior and fully loaded with all the options. I'll pick it up Saturday.

Thanks for all the input!

 

0530 departure. 95 North closed just north of Fredericksburg, VA. Arrived at noon. Paperwork, late lunch with family and a delightful drive back south. Home at 2200. Success!!!! And SO much fun.

 

Semper...Marines or Coast Guard...

 

Marine Corps

 

 

 

 

Thank you for your service.

 

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