Advice on buying a MINI

[owends9]

Hi, I'm interested in buying a new Mini Cooper but theres just so much to choose from I don't know if I'm making a mistake with the spec or not. I currently have a 2006 Seat Ibiza and though I haven't had it that long (just over a year) I want to change to something with some character, hence the Mini. Keep in mind that I will be keeping this Mini for a lot longer than the Ibiza. So i'm looking at -

Astro Black
Bonnet Stripes
White roof & mirrors
Chilli Pack
Bridge Alloys
Carbon Punch Leather
Auto A/C (Climate)
Visability Pack
Chrome Line Interior
Piano Black Trim
White Indicator Lenses
Bi Xenon Lights (after reading a few posts from here)

It comes in at around £17200ish, is there anything that those in the know would ditch or add to this. As I said before I'm not going to change my car again now for a long time once I get this, so I don't want to miss anything and then regret it. Does anyone have an opinion on the Union Jack roof decal which is something else I can't decide on, . Only problem is the dealer I've spoken to has offered 2k less on my part/ex than what its worth, hopefully when I go back down there I can push them up, don't really want to mess around selling privately. Any and all suggestions welcome. Thanks.

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

You've certainly covered all of the essentials, although a lot of people swear by the multi function steering wheel and I've never been a fan of auto aircon and I wouldn't buy a car like this without an alarm.

The Union Flag decal is a matter of personal taste, but I'm not sure how well it will go with black

How do you know that the dealer is offering you £2,000 "less than it is worth"?

Tigger.

[envy]

Seems like my R53 Mini Cooper

Yes MFSW is required - Cruise & Stereo Controls are a must.

Be aware that IF you do want rid of the MINI in a year, you will take a large loss. Options specced when new, dont really affect the 'trade in' value - its a MINI Chilli Pack unfortunatley for trade in values. Will be worth around £12,500 - £13k when you drive it off forecourt

If your paying 17k, then why not pay the extra grand and get a low spec Cooper S?

[owends9]

I considered MFSW, got one on my current car and don't really use it that much. I use climate control a lot so don't mind paying for it. Thanks for the advice about the residuals, I know extras count for nothing when you come to sell, but as I said I'm not going to be doing that for a long while (touch wood). How do I know it's worth 2k more than they quoted me? I was offered £6800 by an Audi dealer about a month ago (Had a look at an Audi A3, decided I wasn't that fussed), Whatcar's online valuer states that it's worth £7095 as a part ex and parkers online valuation came out at £6825 as a bottom book part ex value. Mini only offered me £5000, not sure if they'll budge, certainly going to try but they're not getting it off me for that. I'm still not sure about the union jack, theres a pic of a black mini with union jack flag roof on Mini's website, only a top down view though. Thanks for the info.

[zyo]

Don't worry about the Union Jack roof just yet, spend on the things you need on the car and you can get the roof done aftermarket at a later date and considerably cheaper than the dealer will charge you.

[laura f]

It might be worth trying another dealer for a better part ex, might work, might not. As for the UJ hang fire and live with it blank for a while, you might end up deciding for something more custom than a standard UJ (there are lots of ideas on here in galleries & threads).

As for thigns being a *must* I'd say options are only a must of you want them, the only wise things to add for resale are one of the packs, chili or pepper.

Welcome too

[berty]

I would definately add the Hifi upgrade. It worth the extra money.

[mister.t]

Cool spec!!! Id only add MFSW, but if you dont use it, then why bother

[owends9]

Thanks, Oh one thing that I forgot to ask, ASC+T = any use or not? Thanks for all your help.

[dalboyne]

Have you considered the Cooper Diesel? If you are going to keep the car for a long time, then you may benefit from the extra economy.....and resale value too one day?

I do use my MFSW a lot - for the radio/CD controls. Have used the cruise control only a few rimes, to remind myself how it works....

Ian

[KenL]

Quote: Originally Posted by Tigger, Eeyore & Roo (original)

...and I've never been a fan of auto aircon and I wouldn't buy a car like this without an alarm.

How do you know that the dealer is offering you £2,000 "less than it is worth"?

MINI comes as standard with an alarm.

MINI always offer much less than a non-MINI is worth as they often get prices from traders who will only offer "auction" prices.

Shop around (playing dealers off against one another), place an order with the best one and try to sell your car privately.

When getting the R56, I got offers from £8.1k to £9k for my Golf, I sold it privately for £9750.