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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: 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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I would definately wait, though, until this fall. When the newer generation/re-working of the Mini comes out, either it will be the one to get, or the older one will. My guess is that the older body style will instantly devalue like a rock, down to where it should be all along - as it has a weaker motor, not as much space inside,(I hear they are tweaking it so the back seat can be used by someone other than a migdet) and likely worse handling than the new one. So - either get a new one then and watch it keep its value or get a used one for $10K and laugh at all of the people who ate the depreciation. The Fit - it needs a few aftermarket parts to be a Mini S, but it's pretty close to a base Mini. |
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Replying to: plekto (Jul 17, 2006 8:56 am) |
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Well, an adjustment is inevetable when there is a body style or version change. The Mini is driven almost entirely on the idea of it being faddish and unique/limited, so the older ones will quickly be less desireable, even if it is mostly the motor and some sheetmetal that's changing with the new one. Everyone will want the new one and that's not so bad, actually. I bet you can get a couple of year used Mini for very little in a few months. |
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The pre '07 won't crash--there'll be a dip, but they won't crash. The above poster states that they'll be less desirable because they are unique/limited--this is exactly why they WON'T take a huge dip in value, as opposed the VW Beetle, which was way overbuilt. The GP will definitely hold it's value well (and I don't particularly like the GP). And, ironically, the overrprice JCW engine kit may now hold it's value better, with the Cooper garage closing. Also, the closer the models look alike, the less the newer one will devalue the older one. Everyone may not want the new one--there are a fairly large numnber of people who have ordered the 2006 instead of the 2007 because of several concerns with the new model (myself included). There are some potential issues with the new one, the jury is out on it. |
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Replying to: markjenn (Jul 16, 2006 8:47 pm) I just had a few followup questions I'm wondering if you can answer: 1) you're saying that I'd be paying almost 70% of the new price for a four-year old car... but if the Kelley Blue Book is showing a similar price, doesn't that mean the car is holding its value? Used Toyotas and Hondas are often expensive, even at 4 years but it is because they are holding their value. Of course their reliability is higher. 2) If I could get the dealer to come down on the price, what would be reasonable for this car? Perahps the 4k I might expect to pay in repairs? Although it is doubtful they will do it, maybe I should see what their response is to an offer of $10k? I've looked at the new Minis online and it seems that even the stripped-down model costs about $17900 + destination charges, putting it at about $19k or more. That's a bit hefty, for me, but you're right to say that I might be paying that in repairs. (Also seems that all of the interesting colors now cost $400-600). I did see the Honda Fit. Also saw Toyota's Yaris, equally priced, but might as well buy a Corolla at $15K. One thing the Mini has that these cars don't is leg room and a front seat that goes very far back. At 6'2, that's really important for me. Yesterday I drove the VW Rabbit which was quite responsive and has great legroom, too. The 2-door is $14990, but will probably be close to $16 with deal add-ons. The gas mileage is surprisingly bad for the Rabbit, though, i guess because the engine is a 5-cylinder. Thanks again for your help! Max
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