[David43]

Hi

As you can see I have just joined Mini2.

Have been looking for a Mini cooper for some time.

Today a Mini dealer called me about a cherished Mini Cooper heres the details.

Cooper in silver with black roof, 23k miles, 53 reg / Feb 04, 1 owner, manual air con, chili pack, single cd, remote alarm, sports suspension plus, & TLC. Dealer has it for sale at £12,000.00 offering it now at £11,500.00.

Not yet viwed car but I think its a bit too expensive.

Any views?

[Foxy Mini]

I think it's a bit overpriced. I tried selling my 04 plate cooper for 11,000 and couldn't so gave up Glad I didn't sell her as I didn't really need to, but that seems a lot for a 53 plate IMO, although I'm far from an expert!

[David43]

I think its a bit over priced. Maybe £500 or so.

[Goonery]

Quote: Originally Posted by Foxy Mini

I think it's a bit overpriced. I tried selling my 04 plate cooper for 11,000 and couldn't so gave up Glad I didn't sell her as I didn't really need to, but that seems a lot for a 53 plate IMO, although I'm far from an expert!

Yes about 200 miles I'd say

You could try advertising in the wanted section (privelige members only), but dealer prices are always more than private. A dealer offered me £12k for my 05 'S', they'd probably sell it for £15k+.
I'd accept £14k, so draw your own conclusions who's making a pile of cash on the deal.
Keep looking you'll probably find something here or maybe in the Autotrader type of publication. If its clean and got TLC and FSH then you'll save a few hundred to spen d on mods and making it individual.

[David43]

I'm thinking about buying a Mini Cooper.

Maybe a 03/53 plate in silver with chili pack.

Anythings I should look out for?

[Facer]

Mate, I think that offer is very overpriced. I bought a cherished MC 53 plate with 30k on the clock, manual air con, TLC and pepper pack for around 9.3k, and that was from the official dealer.

[Richy777]

You might be better off trying to get a 54 eg MC with face lift and better gear box for that type of £££

[Taylor]

Only recently bought my car, from the cars i've seen on my travels it does seem a bit over priced. Dealers always start way too high anyway, it's all about talking them down, if they don't come down just walk away!

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

You are nearly always going to be spending a lot to get your MINI from a dealer.

There are so often really nice MINIs available in the "For Sale" section on this site, go to:

http://www.mini2.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=587

The problem is that people are usually reluctant to spend such large sums of money on someone's drive and really want the "safety" of buying from a dealer. There have been so many instances of people trying to sell really nice MINIs, failing, and then selling to a dealer very cheaply indeed.

The dealers aren't being greedy, they are just using their selling skills to get the highest prices they can; it's what they do for a living.

Here are some good examples of what is currently available:

http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthread.php?t=108789

http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthread.php?t=106868

http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthread.php?t=105755

http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthread.php?t=108683

http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthread.php?t=98103

Remember, that with the MINI's 3 year warranty and 5 year TLC plan you've got plenty of protection, just be sure to do the usual checks on ownership and outstanding finance.

The really nice thing is that you can go back through all of the current owner's posts; if they've had any problems with, or any accidents in, the car they will be certain to have posted all about them!

With bargains like these around I wouldn't go near a main dealer!

Good luck!

Tigger.

[David43]

Very new to this site. So every bit of info is appreciated.
Thanks

[Mini Moo]

Seems very overpriced. This from Parkers:
Mini One/Cooper Hatchback
1.6 Cooper 3d (01) 2004/53
Average mileage: 10,000 miles Cost New ('04) £ 11787 Franchised Dealer £ 10050 Independent Dealer £ 9600 Private Good £ 9300 Private Poor £ 8000 Part Exchange £ 8800

[matt21]

Quote: Originally Posted by Mini Moo

Seems very overpriced. This from Parkers:
Mini One/Cooper Hatchback
1.6 Cooper 3d (01) 2004/53
Average mileage: 10,000 miles Cost New ('04) £ 11787 Franchised Dealer £ 10050 Independent Dealer £ 9600 Private Good £ 9300 Private Poor £ 8000 Part Exchange £ 8800

yes but the cost new wudnt have been sub 12k with chilli air con etc its usually nearer £15k and this often isnt replicated in the guides.

however does seem a tad overpriced. like tigger says there an lots of enthusiasts with ones for sale here. if u can wait 4 mths mine will be forsale, 53 plate around 9k

[MINI-Morgan]

Certainly overpriced....actually MCS 03 price really. I'd look at £10K for that model.

Great work by Tigger though!

Ebay and Autotrader are the best ways to get an idea of market rate. Even a few dealers sell some cars near what you'd expect but none of the big names.

[:: Jon ::]

saying that.. ive seen 51 plates for £9995, Y reg's for £9100 & £8900... these are coopers too.

[MINI-Morgan]

Oooo or this http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2001-MINI-ONE-...cmd ZViewItem

A few tweaks and it'll be better than a cooper

I love this statement though "Its easier for me to change the car than the wife!"

[MINI-Morgan]

ooo http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2003-53-REG-MI...c mdZViewItem