Hi ppl - Newbie here with a few questions

[carl_donaldson]

Hi guys as the title suggests im a newbie round here, I am interested in trading in my little beloved saxo vts for something a little less chav. Just got a new job and want a new car so got looking at the local mini garage last night whilst passing but it was to busy to speak to any salesman.

Wish i bought a cooper when i bought my vts but hey nevermind.

Got a few questions - would be great if people could give me some advice.

Firstly - New or second Hand? I have about 13k max to spend so configured a car on the official site for that - bruise purple or something like that with 17" alloys and std interior. Just what I am after. Thought i would take a look at the second hand options but only to find them being really really expensive. 12500 for an 03 plate.

Why do people buy the second hands at these prices? Are there large waiting lists for new cars?

Do the dealers still offer 5 year warranties and if so do they come with second hand models of 03 ish age?

It would be a cooper I am after to reduce insurance and fuel costs down from my saxo (Gp 14!) so cooper s out of the window.

Sorry for asking so much on my first visit.

Cheers guys and girls

Carl

[Restyle]

Hi, and Welcome to MINI2
To try & answer some of your questions:-
Secondhand Cars hold their Value pretty well still as there is a waiting list of anywhere between 2 -4 months depending where you live
I`d go for a New Cooper {Black-eyed Purple} I think you meant , & spec say the Chilli option pack at minimum which gives you a good saving on buying Wheels / AC / half Leather etc ...individuallly.
Make sure to get the £100 TLC, which gives you a 5yr Service deal
I think its a 3 yr warranty (I should know but I`m not sure)

Next Step ... Book a test drive

[carl_donaldson]

Cheers for your reply Restyle,

Chili pack at least -mmmmmmm- puts the price up a tad though - still no cd player - tut tut.

Think i will book a test drive as the garage dont look to kindly at random 24yr olds turning up to hammer there demos.

Anyway more research on the cards first - what is swinging it for me is the resale possabilities in say 3 years time.

Cheers

Carl

[Billy Smart]

Quote: Originally Posted by carl_donaldson

Cheers for your reply Restyle,


Think i will book a test drive as the garage dont look to kindly at random 24yr olds turning up to hammer there demos.

Thats what they are there for, make sure you take your licence with you, and most of all enjoy it, i can almost guarentee you will overspend when you do get round to buying one...we've all done it

[Rawhyde]

Quote: Originally Posted by Billy Smart

Thats what they are there for, make sure you take your licence with you, and most of all enjoy it, i can almost guarentee you will overspend when you do get round to buying one...we've all done it

He's not kidding about the overspending part! As you pile on options, the price gets stratospheric. Even though, you're not going to save much by buying used. Over here, the savings is minimal and due to the sheer variety of MINIs you'll never get exactly what you want unless you order it.

Rawhyde

[bobnobski]

for 2nd hand motors. Try Autotrader, theres 100s of Coopers on there and for 13k you should get a really well specced 03 plate.

After all you can pick used MCS up for £13k these days now

[jamiep]

Welcome to MINI2, I agree a test drive is a must. Shame you can't stretch to an 'S' but nevermind maybe you could work your way up.

[carl_donaldson]

Cheers for all the advice guys - seems like a great board.

Just back from the garage now - 13825 is what i got quoted for a cooper in electric blue with chilli pack and everything else standard. That suits me really as im coming from a very basic car anyway. Got appointment with them for mon for test drive and finance and i think that might be it!!!!!

Girlfriends gona kill me!!!!

Not sure about the colour though - cant decide ..........decisions decisions.

cd

[mendel williams]

I would buy new as the second hand prices are still very high Plus the 05 models have improved gear boxes and are styled slightly differently.
Have a look at the chrome line interior I think it"s a must and cool
Take your time specing your car as there are so many options and combinations as it becomes dear to retro fit later.
Have U thought about roof decals/stripes/wing mirrors etc (more money )

Dont use dealer finance if poss try getting a loan say Northern Rock for 5.6% and sell your car private or part ex at the dealers ( I part ex at dealers but sorted my own finanace)

Good luck have fun

[SoggyCornFlakes]

dealer finance is fine - jsut don't take what htey first offer. go and look around, find your best finance APR offer and ask the dealer to match it - they will

[SoggyCornFlakes]

oh, and welcome to MINI2

[nylo]

you might even find it worthwhile having a look at the 'for sale' section in here too, quite often, coz they are posts by fellow mini nuts, they will be well specced. dont know how the prices compare with other sources, but can't do any harm...

welcome to mini2- you'll find everything you need to know on here- and probably more you didn't know you needed to know!

[nylo]

ps, good luck with the choosing- you'll have to let us know when you decide

[Gr8Dain]

Quote: Originally Posted by Billy Smart

Thats what they are there for, make sure you take your licence with you, and most of all enjoy it, i can almost guarentee you will overspend when you do get round to buying one...we've all done it

I concur on both points. Why shouldn't you be able to give a test drive? Young, old, rich, poor(ish). If they car just because you are young, they are fools. I know some dealers do that, but hopefully not a MINI dealer. You could be a financially independant young man, for all they know.

ANd boy did we go over our initial budget. Thought I would spec a $24-$26K car. Oh well, at least picking all of the little bits was fun. I did not even have a choke when I signed the check over. I really thought I would. I just wanted it over with so that I could get out and drive the car. Funny how I could be so happy to write a $33K check.

I am usually a cheap SOB.

[Gr8Dain]

Quote: Originally Posted by nylo

you'll find everything you need to know on here- and probably more you didn't know you needed to know!

Ain't that the truth. Great site. And welcome, by the way. Good luck and have fun.

Dain