Cost to own a mini??

[marphat]

Hello! I've always wanted a mini and have an opportunity to purchase a 2006 mini cooper hardtop with tons of add-ons for $13,500. It has 20k miles. Had it checked out and seems to be in great condition. However, the warranty runs out in March 2010. AND $14,000 was my max cost for a new car

I'm used to owning a chevy cavalier! Is this car out of my league for maintenance and repairs? I'm worried I can't afford it. Anyone have any advice? Can I just purchase an extended service or maintenance warranty on a payment plan?

Thank you

[markjborg]

If a mini is maintained properly, it is very reliable. Taking it for services ect...If you can get an extended warranty would be excellent cause you have no worry motoring.

To have stuff done cheaper for you, don't go to BMW/ MINI as they are very expensive, go to a good technician who knows about MINI.

In the UK, That price (8200 GBP) is very good for a 2006 with 20k miles on it. The MINI has a good thing that it holds its value so even if you had to sell it in the future, you won't loose a lot of money.

I donno alot about the R56 (which is your model) but maybe someone here can enlighten us with some technical stuff you should double check.

[ran-o-matic]

In the US, the 2006 is an R50 (or R53 for the S) and not an R56. It is the final iteration of the 1st gen design. As long as you don't have the CVT, this is probably the most reliable 1st gen and should be as reliable as a 2005 Cavalier, which is, I think, the last year they made those.

That being said, almost anything that breaks will cost more to repair on the MINI than your old Cavalier. Much more. In addition, a Cavalier sells for less than half what you are being asked to pay for the 2006 MINI. If money is tight, you should keep that in mind. If you can swing the cash, the MINI is so much nicer that there really isn't any comparison.

[marphat]

Thanks guys! I really appreciate your thoughts on the costs of owning a mini. It really helped me make my decision!

[markjborg]

And your decidion is? Tell us you're getting one overall i dont think its that expensive, maybe abit more than others but taking me for instance I'm a student and do pretty well keeping it wirh a part time job, school and everyday life spendings but you know whats your budget and what you want after all

What ever decision you make, if you're happy everyone is