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Prices Paid: Buying & Leasing Experiences MINI Cooper Prices Paid and Buying Experience
1111 messages, Last post on Oct 10, 2008 at 8:06 AM
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Replying to: markjenn (May 26, 2006 9:16 am) I also live in Washington State. I just visited the Mini dealer in Tacoma area, and they want $595 over MSRP. Plus they told me it's going to be a 15 month wait now!!  Also, I was told it'll be a 2007 turbo charged motor in the Mini S (I'm not too keen on turbos). Who did you talk to in TX and what city? Did you get any freebie add-ons (floor mats, arm rest, cup holder, etc.)? I didn't think about checking with a dealer in TX. Do they import them directly there from the Gulf? How many miles is that? I might be able to handle a drive home if it's not too much over 1,500 miles or so... Can someone lead me to a reasonable Mini Dealer with a reasonable waiting time (hopefully 2 months or less)? I'd like to order a new 2006, but I don't want to wait over a year to get it (not to mention pay extra). I've talked with a dealer on the east coast. They offered MSRP and a two month wait, but that's a 3000 mile drive back to home. Any advice out there? Thanks, Brenda |
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Replying to: bfromhold (Jul 04, 2006 3:13 pm) If you don't want one of the new models, here's an article discussing the timelines for ordering the old model. It appears that since the new model won't be coming stateside until early 2007, there might be a couple more months to get an order in for the old model. http://motoringfile.com/2006/06/13/2006-model-year-ordering-details/ If I was in the market now, I'd probably wait a few months and see what the scoop is on the new model. The turbo wouldn't bother me (especially if it improves on the abysmal gas mileage of the supercharged engine), but the first-year unreliabilities of a new model from BMW would. I think the best time to get the new model would be a 2008 model in the fall of 2007. If I were to get a new one, that's when I'd be targeting to buy a car. - Mark |
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Replying to: fever (May 17, 2004 11:29 am)
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Replying to: iwannamotortoo (Jul 06, 2006 11:39 pm) How long did the Santa Ana Crevier dealer tell you it would take for you to get your Mini? I don't think I could stand to wait until next year to get one. I'm a Mini manic now..  I was thinking it would be a good idea to get the additional security system. It makes a difference on my auto insurance. I was told by Prestige Mini in NJ that it would cost $445 installed. I'm going to check with the Texas Mini dealer to see if they'll throw in any freebies (floor mats, cup holder, arm-rest, and/or an extended warranty). Thanks for your reply
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Replying to: bfromhold (Jul 07, 2006 6:09 pm)
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Replying to: cct1 (Jul 08, 2006 8:16 am) Thanks for the tip about the cup holder and info on the OEM armrest. Where would I get an after market armrest? How long did you have to wait for your Mini, and where did you get it (City/State)? I just talked with a Mini dealer in TX (one that someone recommended on this forum). They said it'll be about 6 weeks for special order. I can't figure out why it takes so long to get one here in Washington State (15+ months I'm told). Anyway, thanks for your reply...
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Replying to: bfromhold (Jul 08, 2006 4:48 pm) As for an after market armrest, Mini Fini makes a nice one; there are others as well but I can't remember them all. The one nice thing about the OEM armrest is that it has a storage area, but it's so creaky, I'm afraid it'll break someday. And I don't need the storage; I replaced the bolster underneath the steering wheel with the european parcel shelf (It's much more practical than the bolster in the U.S. cars; I'm not sure why it's not standard, but it's fairly easy to switch out--not only does it give you hidden storage, but it also slightly increases leg room--I'd highly recommend it). I'll probably eventually replace my armrest with the Mini Fini one, but that will be quite a job, and will require a new piece for the center console (If you don't get the factory armrest, you won't need any new pieces for your console--the factory armrest uses a modified piece for the back of the console that won't work so well with the Mini fini). |
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A reporter aims to speak with anyone who has owned a vehicle and found its controls to be complicated. Please respond to jfallon edmunds.com by Monday, July 17, 2006, and be sure to include your daytime contact info and a few words about your experience. Thanks, Jeannine Fallon Corporate Communications Edmunds.com |
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Hi - I just found this forum and have been reading it. I have wanted to buy a Mini for years, but haven't been able to afford it. I just found a used Mini at what seems like a good price and I'm wondering what people think. I saw some postings about transmission and other engine problems on the 2002, so don't know if I should rule out the 2002 all together or not. Here are the details on the car I'm looking at: 2002 Mini Cooper, British racing green with stripes on hood, white top and white mirrors 5-speed manual 30,125 miles Silver 15'' alloy wheels Black Leather Interior Chrome Line Exterior Heated Front Seats Fog Lamps "premium package" - i believe this is the a/c control and the controls on the steering wheel "on-board computer" - not sure what this refers to except gas mileage info. CD-changer in the hatchback plus one-CD player in the dash electric windows and door locks electric sun roof with sun shade in very good condition... some minor scratches that are hardly evident Asking $13,995 This car is being sold by a Mini dealer in the South. This seems like a good price for a Mini. I've never seen one at this price. Kelley Blue Book lists this car slightly higher for private-party sales. Although there is virtually no warranty left (Sept. 06) and the dealer doesn't have a "certified used car program", they are saying that the original owner traded it in for an automatic because his wife didn't drive a stick. Also, they are saying that they have checked the car over and found no problems, would have replaced the tires if there was a certain amount of tread gone, etc. My questions: 1) Is this a good price, or could it be low because there's something wrong with it? 2) Is buying a 2002 looking for trouble? I have found most consumer reports of this car's reliability and safety to be high. 3) I currently can't afford lots of high maintenance costs... is it just assumed that the Mini is an expensive car to maintain (I've heard brakes all around go for $700 and oil changes are $120, but only required every 12-15,000 miles) 4) do I have the right to have this car checked by another mechanic (although I'm not sure who in the area is qualified to check it) 5) I think this car takes premium gas, which may negate the money I save on gas milege... any thoughts about whether the cooper must have premium gas. (I know the 'S' requires it). 6) any other advice you can offer! I would love to drive a Mini, but I'm not sure it is cost feasible. Max
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Replying to: mini_dreams (Jul 16, 2006 3:11 pm) First, you're paying about 70% of new price for a four-year old car. This is an extremely high percentage - residuals for four-year old cars are generally less than 50% and can be as low as 30%. Now this may be where the used Mini market is - they're "hot" and the supply still hasn't caught up with demand. But it makes them generally poor used car values. Second, I don't think it's a good idea to buy a 2002. They have compiled one of the worst repair records of any recent car, not surprising as the first year of any BMW new model is typically very unreliable. And you've already stated you don't have the stomach for big repair bills. I'd suggest either of the following: 1) Spend another $4K and get a brand new Mini with a full warranty and free maintenance. Given normal maintenance and repair, I venture that the new one would cost you less than the used one over the four-year period. (IOW, if you can't stretch the additional $4K for the new one, you probably shouldn't be buying the used one because it could easily cost you $4K in repairs over four years.) And it's a car with four-years of dramatic improvements. Granted, it doesn't have a leather interior and an on-board computer, but I see much more value in the stripper new car than in a few ticky-tack options on the used car. 3) Get a Honda Fit Sport for $15K. It's not a Mini, but it's a very fine car, probably more reliable, gets better gas mileage, is very fun to drive, and like the new Mini, it's brand new with a full warranty. Again, this used Mini may be fairly priced - I just don't see the value spending this much for the first production year of a problematic car. - Mark
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