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Sticker price is the MSRP--the sticker you see on the car itself, or what the dealer is selling the car for. Its substantially marked up over the invoice.
For a car less in demand, the way to go is to find the invoice price, and negotiate off of it rather than the sticker price. For years, the Mini sold at MSRP--no discounts, or rare discounts. It was more common to pay sticker and have a few freebies thrown in (mats, etc). This isn't necessarily a bad thing to the owner--it helps maintain the value of the car--ie less depreciation.
However, with the 2007s officially released this weekend, dealers will be more inclined to deal on the 2006s.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
There's no reason for a car with 12 miles on the odometer to be less than perfect.
It's resale is already less than that of car with a full original factory paint job.
Which tires did you get, all-seasons or performance? If you went the all season route, you're fine--that means your using it mainly for everday driving. If you got the performance tires, you're still probably fine (especially if you got the Goodyear Excellence runonflats; these have gotten rave reviews overseas, but aren't available from dealers yet. Should be soon though now that the Mini's are hopefully shipping with them). The Dunlops are good too, but the Goodyears are supposedly the best.
If, however, you're doing anything on the track, you'll probably want a different nonrunflat tire. These are lighter, with a softer sidewall, and stickier--they perform better at the track. If, however, you're just into occasional spirited driving, I'd stick with the runflats, especially since the ride comfort problems with the previous generation runflats have been addressed with the new generation of runflats.
Just make sure its the NEW runflats/rims--the 2006 and earlier rims/tires should fit the 2007--you don't want to get stuck with these; I believe the offsets are the same, but I'm not 100% on this as there has been some conflictin information with regard to this. You don't want to get stuck with previous generation runflats on a new 2007--the quality of ride will suffer significantly (If its goodyear excellence, you'll be fine--the previous goodyears had a different name. If its the Dunlop's, be careful, because the previous generation Dunlop's had a similar name to the newer Dunlop runflats).
Out of curiosity,what is on the car now if the dealer took the rims off and sold them? Did they put 16's on there because someone wanted 17's? I'm surprised they did this on a 2007 this early in the production run.
For a car this light, 16s are quite overkill as it is. 17s just add more cost anyways.(and low profile tires are much harder on you - it feels "sporty" because you got rid of 15-20% of your cushoning. (ie - don't confuse "sporty" with rattling your teeth out)
All-season tires stink as well. They are worse than performance tires on dry and in rain. The only reason they exist at all is in case you run into mud or snow, and for someone in Southern California... yeah... not taking the Mini to the snow. The old 4-Runner "beater" is what that's for.
1. If you are purchasing a brand new one, expect to pay sticker. If looking used, you can negotiate.
2. My dealer does it at 9,000 miles. Even I think that is a bit iffy... however, it is a long drive to the dealership, so maybe it is worth it. Just check the oil level periodically and add if you need to.
3. If you put the back seats down, you'll have no problems getting a large dog in. I can fit both my 50 lb dogs. One is a chow mix and the other is a greyhound/terrior mix.
Slime btw does terrible damage to rims--you're better off with a plug, which you can also buy and store in your car if you want to go with nonrunflats.
There is a difference with ride on 16 and 17 inch wheels, but it also depends on the width of the tire as well, but it won't be as noticeable on the 2007 as it was with the 2006. The new 2007 rides just fine on 17's with the new suspension, and because of the bigger wheel arches, anything less than 17 inches looks too small in the wheel well. Alot of people run 18 or even greater on their Mini; I think 17 is the perfect choice for size/comfort (Eighteen or higher is pushing it).
I use the all seasons runflats in winter, performance nonrunflats in the summer and for the track(Goodyear F1's), although I need lighter rims--next on my agenda for this summer.
As for the tires currently on your car, high performance tires should run no more than about 250 bucks a piece--meaning that the bulk of the cost for those wheels is in the rims. I wonder what the heck they put on there, because thats some serious money for rims/tires, unless the dealer is marking them way up, which is what I suspect, especially given the fact that the dealer should have deducted the price of the previous tires and rims. Unless you need lightweight rims or are going for a specific look, you're better off with the standard rims--they're much cheaper, so if they ever need to be replaced, it can be done at a reasonable price. I actually have MINI OEM R90 rims on mine with a performance tire for the summer, and they were significantly cheaper than 3500 with high performance tires, and the R90's aren fairly expensive.
From what it looks like, there are many on this board who are passionate about their minis!! I love the way they look, and am considering a new 2007, but since I have always had bigger cars, I have some questions.
1. The trunk space is small - has anyone had issues with that? I am a writer and a speaker, and need to take an overnight bag and a box of books with me to engagements - is it too small for that?
2. The 2007 model, from what I understand, has a new engine and some redesign. Does anyone have any impressions on the 2007? Should I be concerned about bugs/ issues in the 2007?
3. Are there any options that are a "have to have" feature? I like a pretty loaded car.
4. Any other information that anyone thinks is important for me would be enormously appreciated. I have been driving an Infiniti FX for the last four years, and that was a great car, but too big for me. I like the environmental rating on the 07 mini, so that is a big plus for me.
Thanks in advance for any help!
)
If you need to have passengers in the back seats, the trunk is close to useless. If not, you can fold the rear seats and have more room than the trunk of a very large car.
You can also wait another year and get the Clubman model that will have much more space in the back.
Tons of tweaks. The original felt a bit half-finished, like the original Miata did. Great and all, but dated from day one. This feels BMW polished and refined. Nothing you can really put your finger on instantly, but tons of small things that add up to a better car.
Now if I could only get a chromed roof... :P
The new engine is much more sophisticated, but the jury is out on wether its more reliable. Its simply too soon to tell. I personally lament that although a lot has been gained with refinement, a lot has also been lost in what made the Mini so much fun in the first place--the engine doesn't growl, pop, and whine like it did before--these are many of the sensations that got a bunch of us hooked on the Mini in the first place. As for engine reliability, I suspect the base cooper engine will be just fine, but I'm a bit leery about the twin scroll turbo on the S.
I would not buy a 2007 if you're after reliability. There have been some serious problems already with the 2007's. I'd wait until 2008 it it were me. It took BMW a few years to get the bugs worked out of the previous Mini; I'd be hesistant to buy anything built before 2004, and I'd be hesitant to buy anything with regard to the new model until 2008 at the earliest. BMW's track record simply hasn't been that good with the new Mini.
Personally, I prefer the 2006 to the 2007. I bought a 2006 to hedge my bets; I loved the car and wasn't so sure about the 2007. I bought the 2006 with the thought that if I ended up liking the 2007 better I'd trade in for it, but there's no way I'm doing that now that I've seen/driven the 2007. I'll keep my 2006 forever (just added the JCW package to it recently). It's a more visceral drivers car, but less refined and comfortable. I would agree though that the gearbox is better in the 2007. Side by side the 2006 is significantly better looking (there had to be some compromises on the 2007 to take into account the new Euro pedestrian laws), but you have to know what you're looking for. The majority of people will prefer the 2007, as its definitely the better everyday driver; but the 2006 is the more fun car to drive. Depends on what your priorities are.
You mention room. One thing to consider is the Mini Clubman--its the extended wheelbase version of the Mini Cooper, which should be available this fall. It'll have an additional 18 inches of length, which will aid both boot space and rear legroom. I may be in the market for one of these myself someday.
The current model has no real carrying space unless you fold down the rear seats. If you consider it a 2-seater and can live with that, it will be an OK car for cargo.
Even the Clubman will have marginal, smallish (as opposed to useless) rear seat room for adults. It won't exactly have the back seat of an Avalon or even a Civic sedan for that matter.
So, yesterday I ordered a 2007 Cooper S, Mellow Yellow with sport, nav, convenience, and premium. I cannot wait to get it - but it will be about 8 weeks! I am excited about being a mini owner - actually more excited than I have been about any car I have ever had!
On another note, I can't say enough about the people at Tom Bush BMW/ MINI in Jacksonville. If you are going to contact via internet - talk to Steve Aten. You will have the most pleasant, low pressure, and honest experience you have ever had buying a car. If you are going to the dealership, either talk to Steve, or talk to Nick at MINI - he is passionate about these cars, and, although we were already working with Steve, he had nothing but great things to say about Nick. In fact, Nick was more than happy to answer all my questions and be available to help, even though it was not his sale!
I will post again when I get the MINI in a few weeks - until then, thank you all so very much!
The S is not quite as forgiving, but its relatively easy to shift as manuals go too. If you're buying the car for fun, I'd recommend throwing caution to the wind and get the S. You'll pick it up in no time, and its definitely worth it, especially for what you're getting the car for. A little practice, and you'll be shifting with no problems.
Oh, and I'm assuming you're right handed--its a bit tougher for a lefty to learn a manual--not impossible, but its a bit tougher.
Everyone should know how to swim, how to call 911 and how to drive a stick shift, but not everyone needs to own a stick shift car.
Anyone know of mini dealership that isn't marking up leases? They're essentially making it impossible to lease the car.
Just wondering how you found out that the MINI S has a money factor of .00280. I just ordered a MINI and the dealer is giving me a money factor of .0034 - obviously, much higher.
I'd like to be able to tell them that the standard MF is .00280 and get them down. We have good credit and are already leasing a BMW, so obviously, we should be getting some consideration here.
Thanks in advance for your help!
I've been fantasizing about owning a Mini for about 6 months now. Test drove a 2006 last fall. I went to the NYC dealer yesterday to try to test drive a 2007 and met a guy who owned a 2005 who was bringing it in to see what they'd give him for it. He wanted to trade it in for a bigger BMW. We were just chatting at first and I was asking him about the car, he said he loved it, no probs, it was just too small.
Anyway, then it occurred to me to give him my card just in case he wasn't going to sell it to them. So he called yesterday and (not surprisingly) they offered him less than he wanted to take to trade it in.
He offered it to me 2005 Cooper S, all black, 'fully loaded' with 6-CDs, automatic and only 14,000 miles. (He doesn't use it much.) He said the bluebook was 19-20,000 and said he wanted 18,000. He said it had a 3 year warranty, so one year left.
It did have a few small scratches on driver's side door but other than that looked good. I'm going to meet iwth him to test drive and discuss, but what does everyone think? I think that he was honest about it being in good ocniditon because he told me before we even thought of it being a possible sale, just in chatting about the car.
My thoughts are this--
1. It's low mileage...so theoretically not likely to have major probs till around 50K right? But then again, not much of a warranty.
2. 18,000 seems hi for a 2 year old car, even if it's loaded, esp as there is no warranty to speak offf
3. Would it be better just to get the non-S mini in a new 2006 or 2007 for 4000-5000 more and then also get the 4 year warranty and brand new plus better features, etc.?
I imagine I can talk him down a little...17? Is it worth it then?
I have NO EXPERIENCES with cars (have never owned one), so I am curious--what was the dealer likely to have offered him...10k?
any opionions appreicated!
thanks!
tica
PS--someone on this post recently said that they got an upstate NY dealer offereing 2.9% financing for 2006s. Is that for sale or lease? nad which dealer?
also, I think I read and these posting that 2005s break a lot...?
tica
They still normally sell for MSRP anyway. Most dealers gouge and sell over MSRP to people too desperate to walk away and look elsewhere.
As long as you don't go crazy with options and end up with a $30K Cooper or $34K Cooper S, you will get alot of your money back at resale.
I wonder what kind of real world resale value people have when they have a fully loaded model and try to sell in a couple years? I think many buyers would just buy a new one with less options instead of paying over $25K-30K for a loaded 2 year old Mini with nav and all the expensive options.
The new one feels more like a .... er.... CAR....(if you know what I mean!?!?) That's how I see it.
By the way, I don't have either model sitting in my garage.
Comfort Access
I despise having to fish for my keys - I had an 06 330i with Comfort Access and you get used to it really fast.
LSD goes without saying.
Here goes - my list:
first off, get the S. Worth every penny. And let's face it - everyone wants a used S and not he standard model as well.(true with most cars - always get the upper-end engine if you buy new).
- I like dark colors. I would personally opt for dark blue with all of the chrome exterior bits for a few hundred more. I also like the clear rear lenses, which is how they look n Europe.(350 total)
- No packages. No sunroof. It kills the clean looks of the car and makes it into an oven inside, plus it's so far back that you can't see up and out of it while driving unless your seat is so far back that you have no rear seat. Get the items separately.
- Sport suspension, DSC, limited slip.
- Bridge Spoke wheels(look better, no extra money)
- Rear fog light(amazed this isn't standard in the U.S. yet)
(fog light are std - and the xenon aren't any better than the regular lights(as opposed to HID) - and they look less attractive - not worth $550 in any case)
- Arm rest
- Cloth seats. Leatherette is Vinyl and hot as hell in the summer.
- Interior trim is your choice - I'd opt for chrome lined interior(keep it simple) ($200) and that's it.
- A/C - $300 - much better deal than getting a package
- I don't think ANY of the instrument options are good for the money. Pass entirely.(the remote access is nice, but $500 is way too much)
- Multi-function wheel is nice. Ignore the "do you want his package - you save roughly $500 this way by not getting the terrarium roof option.
- Stock audio. Upgrade later yourself with a few good Alpine speakers instead.(cabin is so small 4 speakers is more than enough)
$25,500 for a S with all of the necessary goodies and no fluff. This includes $1500 in suspension and handling options.
Accessories I like:
Chrome Exhaust(matches the rest of the chrome nicely)
Mud flaps are nice.
Glovebox organizer.
Map Light
Rubber Floor Mats - front, rear, and boot. ($134) - Well worth it, IMO, to protect the carpet.
Bumper Protector.
Accessories I don't like:
Driving lights are nice, but pass - $550 is more than you'll ever need to install some Hela driving lights if you want - and they'll look and work better as well)
Invisishield and so on - just do it yourself. Look online for Novus. They make plastic polishes that keep your plastic looking good as new - and lots cheaper too.
****
Extras/JCW - this is where your miserly approach pays off.
JCW Strut Brace - nice - stiffens it up a lot.
JCW Drilled Rotors - you can never have too good brakes. I'd rather have these two options than bigger wheels anyday.
*note* the audio jack is available but isn't listed - it's not too pricey, though.
I get $26,419 like this, or $25,394 with no chrome and a basic color like white. Outfitted this way, it's a superb performer AND it has maximum resale value, being that it has all of the performance options and little or none of the bling.(appeals to the performance minded enthusiast)
The non-s runs about $22-23K after you add in all of the packages and such to make it look like this, so the S is a no-brainer.
Otherwise:
Sport Package (can't live without xenons) - sadly it came with 17 inch RFTs. They're not bad actually. i was surprised after my experience with the BMW RFTs last year. Still a swap will come.
Sport suspension
Leatherette - black/gray (it never gets that hot here)
Brushed Alloy trim
Cold Weather Package - my fiancee loves this as it includes heated seats
Anthracite headliner (missed that from my 2003 330i)
PDC (weird)
Lightning Blue (dark blue)
White roof/mirror caps
I totally want the JCW strut brace. I told my fiancee if I haven't bought it by my B-day, easy gift.
Still wish it had the CA and LSD though. But it's soooo much fun, I can live with it as is. And CA won't add to resale anyway.
Motor on!!! :shades: