[kminiz]

I was originally only thinking about buying a slightly newer car than my '96 Dodge Intrepid when my husband and I stumbled across a used 2003 ib/w MCS fully loaded at a local dealer. I fell in love, and you all know the rest of the story. The problem I'm having is choosing among this used car (6400 miles), a demo car same color w/ 3 packages and leatherette, and a new car with some combination of at least the 3 main packages plus various options. So my question is, considering that all of these options are just out of my comfortable price range, do I choose the used car with the price somewhere between $23,900 and $25,500, the demo car at $23,700 sight unseen located 6 hours away, or a new car at MSRP (and compromise on the options)? Which is the best deal? The used car has a year less warranty, the demo car has an extra 5000 miles on its warranty, but probably hasn't been broken in well, and the new car is new, possibly not indi blue, and a couple thousand more expensive. Any advice is appreciated.

[Horseladywhoa]

Well, I just wanted to add that I am having the same debate (albeit with the Cooper, not S). Most of the advice I have heard was new is better, having never been driven hard and with all warranty etc. But, I do wish I could save a bit on the sticker price.
Most of the used Coopers I've found at dealers have been marked up past what they would have been new, so be careful of that. I suggest (if you haven't already) make sure you know the original cost of all items, packages etc from MINI, and compare.
But, Indi Blue is being discontinued. So, if you really want that color, that might tip the scales...
I'm in PA too!! What area are you in??

[DarkMiniCooperS]

Depending on your budget, I'd go with the new if possible...

You'll choose your own options and you'll get exacly what you want...

On the other hand, indi blue won't be available so if you love this color, then you'll have to buy a used one.

Hard choice!

[Z1GZAG N]

Unless you're paying cash, you need to check the interest rate and months you can finance. Many times the interest rate is higher on a used car and they can't be financed for as many months. If so, you could be paying more per month for a used car. Also, typical monthly payment difference per thousand dollars is 15 bucks a month. So, for 15 to 30 dollars more per month, you can buy exactly what you want instead of settling for less.

[sequence]

couldn't have said it better myself--

Supply and demand also dictate the used market, especially for exclusive cars that reek "heritage" like the MCS. Percentage of production numbers-wise, there're not many used MCS's on the market in the US and resale values are still solid so they're commanding high prices--especially if loaded. Even 02s and 03s!

Yet might as well buy new @msrp (amd wait) and get what U want with full warranty--you'll pay about the same. And if you can afford the niceties like leather and nav it'll retain well its value. And you can get Indi Blue's replacement Purple Haze immediately (when us Yanks can order)

Unless of course U have to have Indi Blue

[stryder]

Welcome to MINI2.

Purple Haze really isn't that different from Indi, and I'd very much check the options on the MCS' you're looking at used. Fully loaded isn't $24 or $25K, they probably only have the 3 packages, which is a very common option set. Especially something like leather you could probably get away without buying if you ordered yourself, and maybe you'll find out those used cars aren't a very good deal at all. Unlike the Intrepid, which if I recall has the worst resale value, (I just got through the fleet at my job an '02 intrepid for $3300 w/ 94K on it) MINIs have such high value, you don't save very much to give up choosing the options and colors you actually want, plus the extra year of warranty (and maintence) plus all the bug fixes that have been implemented, plus you'd order an '05 now anyway, which will hold its value even better. Once you're informed, used seems more like the thing people who aren't informed buy, and those who can't wait and order or search other dealerships' inventory for the car they want.

[kminiz]

I appreciate all the good advice you've given me, but decided to ignore it all and go the way of instant gratification. I have spent the last week getting to know my new (to me) car
The problem I had with getting a new car, which I didn't explain well earlier is that I wasn't willing to pay MSRP to get all the options that I fell in love with in the used car. So getting a new car would have meant settling for less. While the used car was exactly what I wanted (except for the extra year of warranty). I got a good deal on the car and it drives well (although it might have a touch of the stumble--it could just be my driving though).
Again thanks for the responses and happy motoring!

-kminiz

[kminiz]

HorseLady-
I am in State College, where are you?
-kminiz

[ScottyB]

Dont know what the resale values are like in the US - but if theyre anything like they are in Oz, they'll be almost the same as new cars.

Even MCS's here that were 2 years old were still only a few K cheaper than a brand new.

In the end, I resigned to the wait, and ordered a new MCS.