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Messages Page 224 of 267

#2231 of 2671 Checking in... by frankcoopers

Jul 18, 2005 (3:33 pm)

I finally sold my 16 month old 2004 MCS with 17K miles back in early February. I sold the car for $21,900 or $700 above of what I paid for it brand new in late 2003
 
I ordered a new 2005 MCS 6-speed manual (Identically configured to the 2004 MCS, save some new'05 goodies) in late January and took delivery in late March. car currently has 2,800 miles and not a single problem.
 
My wife has a 2002 Cooper CVT with 31k miles and no problems either.
 
Since I have plenty of experience purchasing, owning and selling MINIs, feel free to ask me questions.

#2232 of 2671 Re: LSD and DSC [markjenn] by miniluna

Jul 19, 2005 (4:36 am)

Replying to: markjenn (Jun 29, 2005 9:39 am)
Mark,
Do you think the possible increased torque steer at the limit could be dangerous, especially on a FWD auto?
My 2005 MCS is still on order, and I was thinking of adding on LSD. But I don't want DSC... All this ASC, DSC, and LSD is driving me crazy, a short drive mind you...
MiniLuna

#2233 of 2671 Re: Checking in... [frankcoopers] by miniluna

Jul 19, 2005 (5:06 am)

Replying to: frankcoopers (Jul 18, 2005 3:33 pm)
Frank,
There has been a lot of spirited discussions about the merits and safety of DSC and LSD. Did you get LSD on your new Mini? Would you recommend LSD? Go back a few pages to read the discussions. Also, I heard that Mini’s don’t depreciate as quickly as other autos.
MiniLuna

#2234 of 2671 Re: Checking in... [miniluna] by frankcoopers

Jul 19, 2005 (8:17 am)

Replying to: miniluna (Jul 19, 2005 5:06 am)
I did not get either DSC or LSD in my new '05 MCS. I only have the standard ASC+T (All speeds electronic traction control). My view on DSC and LSD is the following:
 
DSC: Offers added safety over ASC+T but tends to be pretty intrusive upon brisk acceleration. Also if you do lots of driving in mountain roads or over wet/icy pavement, then DSC may be a good bet for you.
 
LSD: At $500 this is considered to be a bargain for a factory installed and fully backed Limited Slip Differential. Me thinks the LSD is better than the DSC as it is much less intrusive and only works on certain situations. Also consider getting the LSD if you plan on autocross or do track days on the car frequently. If you plan to mod the vehicle with either JCW (John Cooper Works) bits or aftermarket parts, the added power can affect your MINI's ability to maintain proper traction, spcially from standstill. The general rule of thumb is that if you either plan on autocross or mod the car, the LSD is hghly recommended.
 
Consider also, that an aftermarket LSD, like a Quaife, will run you anywhere between $1,500-$2,000 installed. However, some seasoned MINI Auto-Exers will tell you the Quaife is still better than the factory LSD offering.
 
Since I don't do autocrossing or live in the frozen north (I live in hot and humid Florida) I could not justify spending an extra $1K on enhacements I will rarely if ever I'll get to use.
 
Resale: Yes MINIs still have the highest residuals in the industry and rival that of cars costing 2-3 times as much. For the '05 MINI, its residual value after 3 years is still projected at 63-65% off original MSRP.
 
Like I said, I sold my '04 MCS for $700 above of what I originally paid for it new late in 2003. I have never made money on an used car before and keep in mind, that MINI had no sunroof, no auto A/C, no sport package, it was pretty much a "bare bones" car with just a few options.

#2235 of 2671 Crazy and tires by reellaw

Jul 19, 2005 (12:04 pm)

I have a 325i 1994 with 42,000 miles- still runs well, etc. but I test drove the "S" this past weekend and it was fun--am I crazy to give up a bigger car for the "S"?
 
What are the differences btween the 16 inch 17 inch and 19inch tires? I don't know enough about tires--
 
Thanks

#2236 of 2671 Re: Crazy and tires [reellaw] by rayt2

Jul 20, 2005 (8:48 am)

Replying to: reellaw (Jul 19, 2005 12:04 pm)
Try here to learn about tire and wheel effects and packages offered for your car. The site is very helpful to those of little tire knowledge...
http://www.tirerack.com/upgrade_garage/WheelSearch.jsp?autoMake=BMW&autoModel=325i&autoYea- - r=1994&autoModClar=
 
Outfit the car with whatever combinations you want, change color of car to match yours etc.
 
"What are the differences btween the 16 inch 17 inch and 19inch tires?"
The higher the number the bigger the tire diameter. Then theres the series (70, 60, 50) 50 series tire is wider and lower sidewall then a 70 and so on. The lower the sidewall the harsher the ride quality.
 
Ray T.

#2237 of 2671 Re: Checking in... [frankcoopers] by bodble2

Jul 20, 2005 (8:53 pm)

Replying to: frankcoopers (Jul 18, 2005 3:33 pm)
Wow, it is amazing you can make money on a mainstream car! And I'm happy you were able to do that. What I don't understand is why would someone pay that much for a used Mini which has no particular special option? Did MSRP increase from 2004 to 2005? If not, why wouldn't the person simply buy a brand new 2005. Even if he pays full MSRP, or even slightly higher, he would still be ahead.

#2238 of 2671 Making Money by markjenn

Jul 21, 2005 (9:24 am)

Selling a car for more than you paid is an anomaly. It happens, but not frequently. I suspect in this case, the car was bought for MSRP and imported into a MSRP+ market with waiting lists. For the buyer who doesn't want to wait or go out of state to get their car, paying MSRP for a used car may be acceptable.
 
And there are the expenses associated with getting the new car. It's kinda like the housing market - yes, you make good money on the sale, but you have to replace it with something.
 
And in some states (like mine) there is a huge sales tax hit. If I were to go out and sell my car for what I paid and get a new one for MSRP, I'd still take a $2K hit in sales tax losses.
 
- Mark

#2239 of 2671 Re: Making Money [markjenn] by bodble2

Jul 21, 2005 (9:59 am)

Replying to: markjenn (Jul 21, 2005 9:24 am)
But, of course, the trade-off is you get a new car in the process. If I can sell my cars everytime for what I paid, I think I would take the sales tax hit and get a new car every year!

#2240 of 2671 Re: Making Money [bodble2] by rayt2

Jul 22, 2005 (9:24 am)

Replying to: bodble2 (Jul 21, 2005 9:59 am)
I'll second that, to me that is a fair tradeoff for a new car. Hmmmmm I wonder if I could get $16975 for my 2003 Cooper with 58k.............nah a bit much I think
 
 

Messages Page 224 of 267

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