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Comments
You could probably swing a new S2000 as well. RWD drop top that is quick handles super and returns 24 mpg around town.
Dennis
MSRP: $25,800
3 yr / 36K mi lease / $291 per month
Chilli Red with Black Bonnet stripes
Premium Package
Cold weather package
Anthracite roofliner
Brushed alloy interior
16" bridge spoke w/ performance tires
$2500 out-of-pocket includes first month's payment, security deposit, tax, title, fee, etc.
I remember I checked every dealer along the North-East coast and no one was willing to give that deal except Habberstad Mini NY. Talk to Maureen there (if you wish to go to NY).
6 Speed Manual
Pepper White w/ Black Roof/Mirrors
Cold Weather Package
Premium Package
Sport Package
Xenon Headlights
Auto Dimming Rear View Mirror
Universal Garage Door Opener
Chrome Line Interior
Cream White Color Line
Piano Black Interior Surface
Carpet Floor Mats
MSRP $23,445
Purchase $22,945
Hopefully it will be here just in time for Christmas!
The main thing is you got to order the colors and options you want and DID get some discount. Enjoy your new car when it arrives.
Dennis
I am wondering about Edmunds True Cost to own. The Depreciation has a graphic with a slider bar
$--------^---------$$$
Now the way I see it is if you have $------------------^$$$
You LOSE less at resale
If you have $-^-----------------$$$
You lose More
But the Mini always has terrific resale value and I figure I must be incorrect. can some one set me straight?
Which is more preferable for depreciation the ^ to be more towards the $$$ or the $?
Is that confusing enough? :confuse:
I think they are looking at the raw number on depreciation, not a percentage. So, even though the MINI might retain a higher percentage of the purchase price, it's depreciation rating is not any better than it's lower priced competitor, because of the actual depreciation in dollars.
But, I can look at two different cars, whose raw depreciation numbers are similar, and they have two very different ratings, so I'm at a loss to explain why.
Does that help? :surprise:
kyfdx
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Yeah that's how I'm reading it too, but I'd like to see Edmunds make it clearer so that $$$ = bad $ = Good
Something like this
Depreciation
$Good----------^----------$$$Bad
since it's in the middle in this case it's average.
It just doesn't make sense with some cars tho. Honda Civics are rated average to worse than average yet they sell very well and don't lose a lot of money from new so that means they should be closer to the $--^-----------$$$
end of the scale but very few cars actually are.
I'm baffled. :sick:
Maybe Edmunds can clear it all up by changing it to
Depreciation
Screwed---------^-------Great!
Something so that we know which end of the graph is the one we want to be on.
Thanks for your explanation
most of them are nightmares!
also, i want to know what a good buy $ is on a minicooper s
auto
black or white
premium package
comfort package
any good ideas?
monthy payments?
EXCELLENT OPTIONS:
comfort access, autodim mirror and automatic headlights--all excellent and you'll be glad you ahve them. the rearview mirror in particular, it doesn't make things smaller liek it does when you just flip the mirror,
bluetooth is GREAT--when it works. Although I can always hear perfectly, people I speak to say the quality is terrible. and I've called my own answering machine and left a message and it is pretty bad. If this improves it's worth it, if not..it's a feature that's helpful in an emergency but I end up not calling people because they complain about the quality--it drives them crazy, the static/in-out reception etc.
UNNECESSARY
fancy steering wheel. I never use the steering wheel--or rarely. since all the radio info is about two inches away from your right hand it's easier just to do it all from the radio/stereo buttons. both for the phone and the stereo controls it's MUCH easier to just do it all from the radio--and it's not like it's a stretch==you're in a mini
I never use cruise control. I don't know if you still have it without this steering wheel, but when I"m on the highway, I like to monitor my speed myself anyway.
arm rest: I was all gungho on the arm rest but it's such a TERRIBLE armrest, it's not worth the 200 bucks. IT's too low to 'rest' on, and the storage is terrible. Maybe one of those aftermarket armrests you can buy are bigger and better, this one is useless
fancy colors on the inside. I have interesting details--chrome mirrors, some color stuff on the insdie of the car. at first this was nice, now I hardly notice it' unless you are totally into the details, not worth the extra money, the car is already cute as it is.
sunroof--I hate my sunroof and I would not get one again. when you are on the highway, you can hear wind noise coming out of it--the car would be nice and quiet without that, and it doesn't block the sun during the summer--so you get uv rays on your face--if you want to avoid wrinkles like me, this is a pain. I ended up putting some cardboard between the net thinga nd roof to block the light all the summer anyway. I rarely use it and when I do I really can't tell a difference. You get more of a 'wind' feeling from rolling down the windows.
As far as being more spacious inside, the car is already roomy, so unless you are VERY tall in your seat, I can't see how the sunroof makes much of a difference. Also, since I live in NYC, the last thing I want to do is ride around town sucking in more pollution into my lungs by being more exposed to traffic.
I have the basic mini, not an S. I have not driven an S but the mini is just fine for highway. It goes faster than I intend often--like suddenly I'm at 80 before I realized it, so I don't feel like there is a lack of power. I'm a girl and not a car person so I'm no expert. But, really, the basic seems like plenty of zippiness.
Good deal on a Cooper S is a bit off MSRP - great deal is $500 off MSRP. Just order your mini.
Most people are going to want cruise control unless all they do is drive in the city. It makes long highway trips much more comfortable.
Its also nice to keep both hands on the wheel while driving even if the radio is within arms reach.
i am looking for an automatic minicooper S 2008 or 2007 (which year is recommended? 2008 is pricer for a mini cooper S options)
I am also looking for a list of options i should consider.
i live in Los Angeles.... so, do i need a sunroof?
I'm considering a premium package, i love the comfort package with the key less access key. my questions is: do i need this stuff? leather or leatherette or cloth? dynamic suspension necessary?
i am trying to keep this car as close to 24,000 as possible as it is my budget.
i am also considering the MINI Select option. Is this form of financing recommended? why or why not?
what colors look best, stripes combo? i love the white but i worry its too bland. black, i worry would get me killed on the fwy at night.
I've decided that long beach mini is the best deal for me. I'll let the forum know how that goes.
i did, however, go to assal mini in Monrovia for a test drive (that i had to push to get). and the ppl there don't know what they're doing and the sales manager is an [non-permissible content removed]. first, they told me that i couldn't order a 2007 anymore, which i can. secondly, they insulted my budget set for this car and then offered to throw in free mats. then, the sales manager pretended not to know what a mini select is.
i took the sales managers card. when i get my wonderful deal, I'll call him and let him know what i exactly think of him. maybe ill call tomorrow
so, ppl of the forum, i would really appreciate some input. I need help to buy my first car!
astro black
mini 2007
automatic
sunroof ( i live in la, it would be a waste not to)
comfort keyless entry
msrp: $25,000 - w/out tax & lic.
anyone think i can get tax etc and the car out the door for 25,000 ?
:confuse:
anyone know where i can get a deal like that? :surprise:
I would not waste your time with a dealership that did not treat you well. They really will not learn anything from you calling them back - if they have been in the business for a while they should know better.
Dennis
so u are saying that a moonroof option isnt worth it because it makes the car too hot and the drive isnt shady enough. i noticed that.
congrats on the convertible! sounds like my mini will not have a moonroof. i'm okay with that. i dont want to squint while driving, it would be a waste of an excellent driving experience.
thank you for the advice.
2. Because it adds weight/chassis flex
3. Because it throws off the balance
4. Because it's too expensive for what it does
5. Worried about breakage
If you live where it gets sunny and hot, you would need to seek out an aftermarket shade for the moonroof - I would think. Or you will need dark sunglasses and extra time to cool off the car. The backseat is about unusable, but even more light/heat gets in back there too.
A quick google shows some cloth things you can Velcro up to block all the sun, not sure how well they work or not - but I am positive there is something out there.
You do a good deal of complaints out noise with the roof open, probably more so on the MINI with just a large opening - but that is sort of par for the course with most moonroofs.
Dennis
So this is how I optioned it out, based on my needs.
2007 MINI Cooper S (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
ZSP Sport Package (w/White Web-Spoke Wheels)
226 Sport Suspension
322 Comfort Access
2TA Limited Slip Differential
4BE English Oak Interior Trim
473 Center Arm Rest
384 White Alloy Wheels
327 Bonnet Stripes White
382 Roof/Mirror Caps in White
Total with Options $25,659
Color: Chili Red
I might rethink the arm rest and the oak interior I'd have to see those in person first.
The dealer is just so far away. :sick:
Sunroofs can be a problem for all the reasons mentioned.
Premium Pkg is ok if you want that. Leatherette is a personal choice but you will cough up a lot for leather which must be maintained with cleaners. For me Leatherette which is vinyl, really wears a lot better IMO.
As far as performance enhancing things why buy a Mini if you don't get them?
Fuel economy has me looking at the Mini as it also offers good performance.
Might have to buy a Prius if gas keeps going up.
I get 30 MPG mixed, driving hard with my 07 Cooper S. It's not prius 45 mpg on 87 octane but smiles-per-mile are way higher!
I bet your MINI dealer isn't 1.5 hours away either.
That's why I just don't bother because MINI has no interest in expanding their dealership network. So if you have a problem you are screwed. I can't take a day off of work to get my car serviced. The Prius I haven't driven, and yet next month I probably will try one out. Thing is I drive so much highway I wonder if it will really be worth getting and I've had lots of cars on long commutes and once you hit 70mph the fuel economy drops off. The MINI has a tall 6th gear so that really helps.
I do tend to actually drive my cars and I get lower mileage as a result. I can't stand hypermilers they might save a few pennies a day but annoying to be stuck behind them unable to pass.
They want to save the environment but how much extra fuel is used in passing them?
They want to save the environment but how much extra fuel is used in passing them?
I am the same way, I drive the cars as intended and the heck with the little extra cost
I can get 24-25mpg in the S2000 around town with the top down driving it like I stole it and about 28mpg on the highway with the top down.
The MINI, I am told, does nicely even if driven with spirit but all require premium fuel. The biggest problem for me is the much more desirable S has way too much torque steer when you mash on the go pedal - they need to make a RWD MINI
As far as the hypermilers go, when they tailgate someone to improve THEIR mileage does that not cause the person dragging them along to have worse mileage? And as you said, when they keep a constant throttle then you have to pass them going up hills and they may coast past on going down. Having to go around them over and over surely does not help your mileage any.
Dennis
For me to get my car serviced I schedule it weeks in advance and take the car in at the for 7 am on a Saturday and either get a loaner or go for a really, really long walk.
I've totally ignored some recall notice regarding a dash storage compartment as I don't keep anything in my car and I'm not blowing 4-5 hours of any day on something I'll never use.
I don't know what's going on with people that they experience torque steer to such a degree in this car. My wife will attest to the fact I drive my Cooper S like a mad-man and yet never have torque steer issues.
1. Do they press the S button?
2. Do they try to do WOT from a dead stop?
3. Do they not hold the wheel?
Accelerate hard with FWD and the weight shifts back, thus you end up with several problems that can be avoided The lack of weight on the front tires/axle causes a loss of traction (with a Mini Cooper S the engine can easily spin the tires, lessen the pressure over the tires and that's even more pronounced). Steering, even with S-button action, will feel lighter in this situation as the contact patch is low and momentum/weight is on the back of the car, giving the illusion of loose steering. Torque steer will feel more pronounced in this situation now as there is so little contact/weight over the front axle, there's less to keep the wheels from moving naturally to the right. Quite simply applying throttle in the wrong way for a light FWD car like this creates torque steer.
This isn't some 4k lbs caddy STS. Roll off the light and apply steadily increasing power. You can easily smoke just about every normal person off the line still. By 4k you should be nearing or at WOT. Hit the 1-2 shift, now go ahead with WOT as the weight won't be thrown off - weight over the front tires, good contact patch, zero torque steer, zero wheel spin.
I don't even like FWD but all this whining about torque steer from Edmunds.com and others makes me wonder how people are driving any car that's FWD.
My snow day xB even has some torque steer but with a lot less ponies under the hood not enough to bother me.
Cars should be RWD or at least AWD - once you have driven performance RWD cars getting in any FWD is a compromise and it really "glares" in the S with a manual tranny. If you are used to FWD then it just more of the same and may not bother you as much. Good thing I didn't drive the demo with all the JCW stuff on it
Dennis
I understand the differences - I've gone from two BMW 330is (e46 ZHP 6MT, e90 ZSP 6MT) in a row to a R56 Cooper S 6MT. I didn't experience any torque steer with a Mazdaspeed3 but then again, unlike in a RWD car, I won't punch WOT unless I'm over 15-20 mph because quite frankly WOT in a powerful FWD car is pretty illogical. Heck, even in a cheese Chevy rental with a 4 pot and 4-speed auto WOT from a standstill can attempt to wrench the wheel.
I'm not a FWD fan - as I clearly stated in my original post to you - but I don't think it's the least bit difficult to retrain your foot to massage the throttle from a standstill. Hell, you have to enter corners in a totally different way too. Press the S-button, massage the throttle, brake extremely late into corners...part of the R56 driving experience and 180 degrees from pushing an S2000 hard. You can't use the throttle to steer with a FWD...unless you want to end up in a ditch.
For me to get my car serviced I schedule it weeks in advance and take the car in at the for 7 am on a Saturday and either get a loaner or go for a really, really long walk.
So you are in about the same position I am in, distance wise. Is it worth going through all that for it?
Thanks, I've heard some horror stories and if something bad happens it's a lot of back and forth. I agree it shouldn't need much if all is well with it.
Lexus IS250 -
V6
RWD
Cannot be ordered to spec
Similar horsepower to the Mini, but 500+ lbs of extra weight
Expensive maintenance from day one
Decent resale
Hard to find a manual
Soft suspension/handling
Luxury car features
Luxury ride
Semi-Luxury branding
Bottom model of the brand
Cooper S
Turbo 4
Included maintenance for the first few years, expensive thereafter
FWD
Exceptional resale
totally customizable
Cult-like brand
Little to no luxury
Exceptional handling
Harsh ride
Great gas mileage
The cars/brands are designed and marketed to very different personality types/market segments. Heck, throw in an Eos and complete the trifecta of cars in massively different segments being forced to compete.
Two completely different segments, MINI in the "cult-like" brand with small car performance, no luxury, and good mileage bumping up to entry luxury car costs.
Trust me, I would love to buy a MINI...I would like to think it fits my personality more than a Lexus, but I do want some things I consider basics such as leather, a sunroof, wheels. I am glad to see that car companies realize their is a market for people who don't need bigger cars, but still want to be able to have nice features, etc. rather than buying Hondas. But am having a real hard time pulling the trigger on a $30K MINI.
Where are you finding an IS250 for only 30k? For that price, that IS250 lacks a sport package and xenon headlights - two things you're definitely finding in a Mini for 30k.
Like I said, they're different types of cars aimed at an entirely different segment.
I am in New York City area.
You can test drive to see exactly how it is.
its just not worth the price. the 2008 models price a sunroof @ 1000. that is insane. it was 850 on the 2007. all the prices are going up on the 2008 as well as the package contents are changing. the premium is missing a few things as are other packages.
if i were u, id find a mini S 2007 (no technical changes btw 2008 and 2007) with the features u want or close to it.
i wanted the keyless access comfort feature, astro black, dynamic stability control and instead i've settled for Astro Black, xenon lights & arm rest. i guess i wasnt asking for much to begin with but i've settled on a compromise that is going to get me a car that is fun to drive and still affordable.
as much as i'd love to get anything i want, it is too easy to build a mini S into a 35k + car. too easy, really.
keep it basic. just ask yourself if you really need all that stuff. i have a car that has none of that, i wont miss it at all.
mini is a fun car. enjoy it and good luck!
btw, my car is coming in on the 4th!!!!
Also, I fell in love with the combo of sparkling silver body color with the tan leather seats. I realize that they will take more care, but can someone with the tan leather seats tell me how you like them and how they are holding up.
thanks!
I could go for fewer features, but I have the cash if I want the options, problem is I personally can't get past the price of a MINI. I want someone to tell me it is "OK" to buy one when I could get an IS instead. It is the practicle side of me holding me up.
As far as an getting an IS around $30K, I believe I can get a dealer to come down to $30K and yes, it would have no extras, but the standard items are comparable to the MINI built the way I want it. (I.e. -Standard wheels are 17's, sunroof, 6 disk CD, Leather, you get the picture).
I don't know what I am going to do...I might just buy a bus pass.
I do not like my sunroof at all. I don't think it's worth the 850 bucks on my 07. I got it cuz I bought off the lot but if I reorder after my lease is up I will DEF> NOT get it again. You get more breeze rolling down the windows and the air comes thru (a tiny bit, granted) but stillmakes noise on the freeway. Going on a long drive it's nice to feel peaceful in the car, not like you're on the road, if you know what I mean. I also have a 17 year old cat I travel with. He's already freaked out by being in the car and this little bit of noise makes the difference. Of course it depends on how good/bad the roads are too and a smooth road makes no noise but overall I'd NOT get the sunroof--although I know that some people love theirs.
ALSO, if you have the choice--TOTALLY get Comfort Access!!!! It is the BEST feature ever, and I got it by accident because it was with the car. I can't tell you how many zillions of times you're carrying something and the last thing you can do is dig for your key--or if you're in a hurry to get in--or if you're in a dark, scary parking lot--basically yuou simply open the door by pressing the button on the handle--so you can get in fast and lock it fast when you get out too. IT's the best.
I would NOT get the arm rest. It sucks. I was 300% into this darn arm rest initially and it was making or breaking my choice of cars I looked at on the lot. Now I realize it's such a terrible armrest I shouldn't have bothered. First of all, it's too low to 'rest' on. I NEVER use it to hold my elbow on. I'm a female and 5'6". Maybe if you are super tallwith long arms it would work, but generally it doesn't function as a 'rest'. As far as storage, it sucks too. There is enough room to fit a few coins in there, and maybe a pen or pencil. It's a very flat space and you can't even open the space up properly, the top slides back, but not all the way, so you only can access the front part easily.
I've seem some of the aftermarket armrests that look like big, roomy kind. If you are going to have one there, why not have one that actual does all you need it to? For 200 bucks it's certainly not worth it. Seems weird to have an empty space there but it's really not doing much anyway. I'd skip that, get Comfort Acess, and if you can afford it, get the aftermarket bigger arm rest. As far as the cupholder--both arm rests I believe block it, but really, you don't use this cupholder much anyway. I use the front too--one for change and the other for drinks--but it's small and doesn't fit most of the drinks you might get anyway. That back cupholder is not so useful except for people in the back.
GET COMFORT ACCESS!!! You WILL NOT regret it! I promise!!!
My other FAVE unexpected feature is autodim rearview mirror--it's the BEST.
This sounds about average price?
(i leased because i am reluctant buying such a small car but its too cool to ignore!)
thanks for your thoughts.
It depends on what you are looking for but they are very different types of cars and one is RWD and the other FWD. I think you need to specify what your needs are and what you want in a car and then it's easier to answer your question.