[MiniMonica]

My old '90 Honda Prelude that I've loved for all 15 years I've had it just got stolen last week (only 88,000 miles on it!). I've wanted a Mini since the first time I saw one and fate seems to be giving me the opportunity--and the excuse--to finally get one. But I don't think I can get a new one--money, and the issue of my not having a car at all anymore and needing one asap (can't wait months for new Mini delivery). So I'm looking at used ones. I know I want an S with a sunroof, low mileage, etc. But beyond that, I'm really overwhelmed trying to figure out whether or not to look for any S, or to look for a particular year and package/features. My questions are:

Is there any particular year that is better than another (in other words, was there some issue with the 2003, say, that was fixed in 2004)--any year I should avoid or be aware of features, problems, etc. I saw a 2002 S with only 18,000 miles on Craig's List, but didn't know if that would be a wise purchase given how cars often improve significanlty over the years.

And are there any particular packages or add-ons that I should pretty much insist on or avoid. Obviously, many of them are nice to have and might also be a matter of taste. But, for instance, I've seen a couple of people state pretty strong opinions about wheels and tires being good or bad. And there was one guy who said the cold package wasn't worth the money. I know there are lots of opinions...I'm just wondering if there are any tidbits that are pretty much conventional wisdom now.

Thanks for any help, advice, input, etc. you can provide. I have spent as much time as possible researching this since my car disappeared last week, but I was caught totally off guard and am now scrambling. Ugh.

Monica

[tntomek]

Hi

I have a 2002 Cooper and have had my fair share of problems, all fixed mind you but I'm weary of keeping this car past warranty. If you can afford try to find a 2004 S. I wouldn't worry about low mileage on a 2 years old car as it's probably in better shape (highway driven vs city); I'd take a 2004 w/high mileage over 2003 w/low any day. If you look at the faults and fixes forum you can read all about which model had what problems. MINI's keep their value extremely well so you won't get much a deal on a used one.

As for features: get what you want. Sport seats rock. And cold weather package here in Canada is a MUST. As for the tires. They are ok. I have over 70000kms on my run flats and they are good for another 10000. Get the 17" wheels if you don't plan on replacing the wheels as they look awesome.

hope this help

-Tom

[Tit]

Quote: Originally Posted by tntomek

I have over 70000kms on my run flats and they are good for another 10000. -Tom

HOLY MOLY!!!

I suppose if you never have traction on the ice, you'll never wear out the tyres....

Monica,

I agree with Tom....the first iterations of the mini were plagued (as with any newly released vehicle) with a variety of big and small problems. As the car got older, the newer models had such problems slowly fixed....I have an 05 car, and I have seen none of the problems owners of the older car have reported.....

Mods/Options on a car, generally don't add anything to the re-sale value of the car, unless it's significant (ie. JCW kit), so don't be surprised to see highly optioned cars going for about the same as a lowly optioned one....(or at least, that's how the cookie crumbles here in Oz...)...

just some food for thought...good luck!

[justbob]

I've gotta echo everyone else--I have a 2004 MCS and no problems in 27,000 miles. I'd go for a later model year with higher mileage, rather than an older model with less wear.

It seems like most people take good care of their MINIs, too, so I think you might be taking less of a risk than buying a typical "beater" car, like a toyota or honda, that many people just drive into the ground.

[mapman]

Hi.
I ordered a new one on July 1. Before that, I looked for a used model, but with the scarcity of them out there and the high resale, it actually made more sense to order new!
Even since placing my order, I have been looking in the papers, on-line (and local dealerships out here) for a used one to consider -- just in case I found something close to my order. Nothing..
I was at Riverside BMW last week and stopped in to see what they had. Not much and the used cars they had were priced higher than new! I asked the salesman why-- he kindly said "because we can get it". He's right.
My point is, you might find that you can get a new car for the same or maybe even cheaper than what you'd spend on a used one, (if you're looking for a newer used model).
I've also found that some of the dealers (stick only with the ones that don't charge a premium over sticker- and there are several now) also have cars coming in - as they order all the Minis they can get. I even had a local dealer offer me (at the end of last month- a time they usually bargain, if ever) one for under the MSRP. It was an auto and I want a stick.
As for the year, I have been reading all the boards since ordering mine and the best advise I can give is to get as new a model as you can get. There have been a few issues in the older models that have been taken care of but if you can avoid that, you're better off. In 2005, there were a number of minor changes, but I think as with any new model, there are a few bugs in most first year models that get worked out over time. They came out in 2002.
Good luck and if you have any questions about the car, this board is terrific. I have spent hours on it passing time since I ordered mine. I know.

[shiredweller]

Good advice from mapman. If you can live without some of the pricey options you can get new for less than used. I got a 03 Cooper with the HK as the only extra and have not yet seen a used MINI for less than I paid for mine new.

[ksmgumbi]

its the same thing here in ohio. i was looking to get a used one but there more then a new one. this will be my first car so i dont need all the fancy stuff. the only thing i need is a sun roof and the cold weather package cause ohio can get pretty ugly during winter. im going to go look at the nearest dealership and see what they have. i was thinking since the 2006 is coming out the 2005 should be marked down some. i hope anyway.