[picus]

Hi Everyone. I'm new here as you can tell by my post count. I'm currently in the market for a car for my wife and somehow got turned on to MINI's. Until a few days ago I was mostly looking at sports-lux sedans, but I took out a MINI Cooper S the other night and had a fantastic time, more importantly, so did my wife. Since we already have my car for carrying people and things we're looking seriously at 05/06 MINI's, but I wanted to ask about what people are paying for them? I know it depends on options etc.. but I wanted to get an idea if I have any room to negotiate sticker downward. I know they're popular cars, so I'm not sure if there is room for movement.

The price we were given for an '05 MCS (dsm/black leatherette, 17 inch S spokes w/all seasons, premium, sport, wall weather, LSD) was $37,200. I wouldn't be opposed to ordering an '06 and waiting.

I'll be trading in a car too, which makes things slightly more complicated. I'm wondering what the differences are between the '05 and '06 models are? Also, in Canada I noticed we have the option to get a JCW package from the factory/dealer for ~$6k. That seems high to me given the prices I've seen around the internet, so I'm wondering what the thoughts on that are? I like working on my cars, so odds are I will be modding the MINI at least slightly.

Thanks you very much in advance for any information/tips/hints/comments.

[YQTYYZ]

List price. Any discount you can get, consider it a blessing and take it almost immediately, if not immediately.

With '06s around the corner, now might be a good time to pick up an '05. Let us know how you make out!

[picus]

That's what I expected. I think my trade-in will cover the cost of the MINI, but we'll see. I would like to find one with premium, all weather, and no sport, but they seem kind of rare without sport (don't need dsc and would add wheels of my own). Hrm.

So there are no real differences between 05 and 06?

Thanks for the quick reply.

[MINI Artist]

Difference is that with an '06, you get cruise and the multi function steering wheel standard. I believe there is also a 7 BHP increase on the MCS. They changed some of the packages too, included interior chrome trim with the premium, and anthracite roofliner with the sport. Astro Black and Liquid Yellow are gone, and there is a new Space Blue as well as a new Red -- check out the MINI USA website to see them. If you're willing to wait, you may as well custom order, since they won't probably won't dicker on the 05s (not here, anyway); at least then you get all the options that you want.

The JCW package at the factory also includes the JCW brakes, IIRC. To have the JCW engine & exhaust fitted after you get the car, I think you're looking at around $7,800 installed.

There is a pretty good list here also. Not Canada specific, but most things apply:
http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthread.php?t=92830

[picus]

Excellent - thanks for the info My T Mini. I didn't realize JCW was $7,800 installed after the fact. Makes the ~$6k CAD price from the factory very appealing. And you're right, unless I can get them to move on the '05 (which I doubt), I will likely order an '06 with premium, LSD, and JCW. I'd get sport but as far as I know all that is is 17 inch wheels and DSC. I don't want DSC, and I'll likely add my own wheels (or get the JCW ones).

Am I missing something or does that sound like a plan?

[MINI Artist]

Sport also gets you fog lamps (front & rear) and anthracite headliner. Regular headliner is white, I believe. I think the JCW kit is the about same price whether you get it from the factory or the dealer; it's the install labour that kills you (10+ hours).