[Hickster]

It's not what I would call an excessive price for a Mini, those options add a fair bit and there are many who find themselves speccing a 20K+ Mini!

As to how much a 2008 model Cooper D will depreciate, its very hard to say. The fact current lead times are so long, it's a very 'green' car and the possibility that it will be Congestion Charge exempt are all good for maintaining future value. I have a new Dooper myself so may be somewhat biased but I think personally that in 12 months you'll lose 3 or 4K. Your problem is that the extras you spec won't add a great deal to the cars future value unless you find someone who wants to buy your spec. Like yourself, everyone who buys a mini wants one to their own design and they'll be torn between paying a bit extra for a new one just as they want it, or compromising for a cheaper used one.

In my case, I was offered the Demo Dooper which was very nicely spec'd and was in the colours I wanted. Trouble was, it was the same price as my new one spec'd as I wanted it so it was a bit of a no-brainer as to which I chose.

Hope it goes well for you and that you get into a Mini new or old soon.