general advice - want to buy a mini. I think?

[terrasita]

Hello all,

I'm shopping around for a mini and would love any kind of feedback more experienced owners would offer. A couple of things - I live in central NY in the snowbelt. Bad area for a mini? I was told the low clearance could be an issue. I'm also on a limited budget - I have about 11k (ish) to spend. I know that limits what I can buy. Mostly what I have seen in my price range is 2002-07 with 40-50k miles. I was just approved for a 2002 MINI Cooper John Cooper Works (although I'm confused because this forum lists the works models as 2003 and up). It's around 10k for that car with lots of upgrades and about 56k miles. I also like a 2007 S model for around 12k with 50k miles. Are these two models very different? I'm a bit overwhelmed at this point honestly. Unfortunately the 2002 has a high interest rate (12 percent) because of the year of the car. So, considering that. It seems like the prices between cars of the same year are pretty all over the place so I'm finding it hard to determine value.

Anyway.. a lot here. Sorry. Any thoughts would be great. Thanks!

[Bmont82]

Hello and welcome. As a newish owner of an '08 MCS I thought I might give you some advice. If you like driving, small cars, twisty roads, and not paying for gas the a mini is for you.

I can't speak to their abilities in snow but as someone who grew up in suburban Michigan I can give you some advice. Do you live in a rural, suburban, or urban area? As being from Michigan I know these different areas have different requirements. Such as an urban and suburban area has much more traffic and snow plows/salt where a rural area would keep built up snow for much longer. The mini is low to the ground, you might run into some issues if you get 12" of snow on a regular basis.

An 07 with 50K for 12k seems a little low to me. That car in very good condition should go for closer to 15k+ i think. Keep in mind that some mini dealerships offer 2.9% apr on some of there used minis. I have ok credit and got that with mine.

[terrasita]

Hello and thanks! I do live in a rural area and we get *alot* of snow! Well, we did last year anyway. This year not so much. But, it's only January so 3 months to go. I travel a lot for my job. Lot's of highway miles. I do enjoy driving so I want a car that I love to drive. I don't really want to get stuck in the snow, but I just really love this car so I'm a bit torn. Actually the 07 is 12,999. So, a bit more. Maybe I should look into talking with a mini dealership specifically... not many around here though.