MINI Cooper: Factory Options - READ ONLY

3 messages, Last post on Mar 25, 2006 at 8:09 PM

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#2 of 3 Thinking of getting a MCS... by mrtgeman Mar 25, 2006 (7:47 am)
Hello all. I'm thinking of getting a used 2004 Cooper S from a dealership (non-BMW). The salesfolks at this dealer obviously don't know the Minis too well. I would like to know what this particular MCS has in options since they don't. I have the VIN# and was wondering if Mini or anyother websites offer a service where I can plug in the VIN# and find out what options came with this particular car. BTW - It's a 2004 MCS, BRG w/black top/bonnet stripes, manual tranny, black interior, and ummmmmm that's all I have. It has 18,500 miles and the asking price is $21k. Is this a good deal? Thanks in advance. Replies to this message: markjenn (Mar 25, 2006 8:09 pm)
#3 of 3 Re: Thinking of getting a MCS... [mrtgeman] by markjenn Mar 25, 2006 (8:09 pm)
Replying to: mrtgeman (Mar 25, 2006 7:47 am) I'm not aware of any way to determine the options a Mini had when it left the factory based on VIN. Is there such a service for any make? Mini's are tough in that there are a ton of options and accessories, both at the factory and dealer-installed level, and many (most?) are custom ordered by individuals so they're built ala-carte. But there are three main option packages you'll often see: 1. Sport pkg - 17" wheels, stability control, fog lights, xenon headlights. 2. Premium pkg - sunroof, cruise, auto climate control, and onboard computer. 3. Cold weather pkg - heated seat, mirrors, and washers. Leather was ala carte but a lot of cars had them - otherwise you get the "space cloth". Mini's are unusual in that ALL options are available ala carte, even the ones in the packages. All the packages do is save you a little over the individual pricing. If you go up to the Mini web site, you can get an idea of the options you might look for. A bunch of stuff has been added since 2004, but the basic things are the same. Unless this car is "loaded" it doesn't sound like a particularly good deal - no used Mini that sells at market value these days is a very good deal because Mini resale values are so high. If you've got $21K to spend, you can pay MSRP for a new base MCS at any number of dealerships around the country and I personally think the base MCS's are equipped fairly nicely and probably the nicest driving Mini's around with the 16" wheels. Why buy a used one that is about to run out of warranty when you can get a brand new one for the same price that has had another couple years of debugging at the factory? - Mark

#2 of 3: Thinking of getting a MCS... by mrtgeman; Mar 25, 2006 (7:47 am)

Hello all. I'm thinking of getting a used 2004 Cooper S from a dealership (non-BMW). The salesfolks at this dealer obviously don't know the Minis too well. I would like to know what this particular MCS has in options since they don't. I have the VIN# and was wondering if Mini or anyother websites offer a service where I can plug in the VIN# and find out what options came with this particular car.

BTW - It's a 2004 MCS, BRG w/black top/bonnet stripes, manual tranny, black interior, and ummmmmm that's all I have. It has 18,500 miles and the asking price is $21k. Is this a good deal?

Thanks in advance.

markjenn (Mar 25, 2006 8:09 pm)

#3 of 3: Re: Thinking of getting a MCS... [mrtgeman] by markjenn; Mar 25, 2006 (8:09 pm)

Replying to: mrtgeman (Mar 25, 2006 7:47 am)

I'm not aware of any way to determine the options a Mini had when it left the factory based on VIN. Is there such a service for any make?

Mini's are tough in that there are a ton of options and accessories, both at the factory and dealer-installed level, and many (most?) are custom ordered by individuals so they're built ala-carte. But there are three main option packages you'll often see:

1. Sport pkg - 17" wheels, stability control, fog lights, xenon headlights.

2. Premium pkg - sunroof, cruise, auto climate control, and onboard computer.

3. Cold weather pkg - heated seat, mirrors, and washers.

Leather was ala carte but a lot of cars had them - otherwise you get the "space cloth". Mini's are unusual in that ALL options are available ala carte, even the ones in the packages. All the packages do is save you a little over the individual pricing.

If you go up to the Mini web site, you can get an idea of the options you might look for. A bunch of stuff has been added since 2004, but the basic things are the same.

Unless this car is "loaded" it doesn't sound like a particularly good deal - no used Mini that sells at market value these days is a very good deal because Mini resale values are so high. If you've got $21K to spend, you can pay MSRP for a new base MCS at any number of dealerships around the country and I personally think the base MCS's are equipped fairly nicely and probably the nicest driving Mini's around with the 16" wheels. Why buy a used one that is about to run out of warranty when you can get a brand new one for the same price that has had another couple years of debugging at the factory?

- Mark