Can't for the life of me find the issue with the Mini Cooper Buyers Guide in it...
There was one, wasn't there? 
Anyone point me in the right direction?
Not to start a huge debate, but anyone have opinions on which year/model to get started with for a daily driver? (sorry, no solo/track plans...at this time...
Miata. 
I got nothing obviously. Where's Per?
I've tried just about every one.
First off, they don't depreciate very quickly, so you might find that you're better off ordering a stripped-down version with just a few sporty options rather than a gussied up one that they have on the lot. We've found that we can buy a new stripped one and trade it in after 2 years, losing about 2500-3k per year---which is cheaper than a lease for the mileage we do.
I like the 2005-2006 years for the earlier cars. The MCS has a LSD option after 2005 and the MC has a better Getrag transmission.
As far as the later cars, they're both good.
Options to look out for: MCS: LSD Sport suspension (on R56)
MC: sport suspension sport seats
Note: avoid the big sunroof..it weighs a ton (about 100 lbs)
I've had an 03 and a 06. The 06 has a far better transmission.
The 03 seemed to always have little things go wrong with it too. PS hose leak, PW motor failed, dashlights would blink occationally, etc. Traded it for the 06 at 32k and so far no issues or gremlins at all with the 06 at 22k.
The 06 is a better car than the 03 was. Later cars almost always have better build quality.
The only thing I miss from the 03 is I liked the chrome package bumper more that what came on the later cars and I liked the quality of the "hounds tooth" seat fabric better in the 03.
Per Schroeder wrote:I've tried just about every one.
First off, they don't depreciate very quickly, so you might find that you're better off ordering a stripped-down version with just a few sporty options rather than a gussied up one that they have on the lot.
I have to agree with that one. I bought a 2002 (actually the first one delivered in MD, VIN #5 overall) non S with the cold weather package as the only ad on for $18,200. I sold it 3 years later for $18,000. It looks like the 02's are still selling in the low teens. I just spec'd out a new non S on miniusa.com. If you get one with sport suspension and sport seats it is $19,950. If you feel the need to get the heated seats as I did (with the "leatherette interior" it is $20,450. That is a lot of bang for the buck and a very fun car. Once you add options it can get to $25-$28K quickly, not as much value for the money to me. Personally I think the non S is quick enough as it is and saw no need for the S.
No options and it is only $19,200
We just spec'd out a Cooper Clubman (the baby seat fits fine!) with just the sport suspension/sports seat and cruise...for about 22k. A little more than the regular Cooper, but it would make it usable for Kim and the munchkin.
Even the S's are reasonably priced. Would the dealer usually honor the price quoted on the web site for a car you spec?
Yes, they'll even go a bit under, a few hundred bucks, typically. Sure, it's not the GM 8k off..........
The order process takes 6-8 weeks for delivery.
Oh, and I thought this was going to be about Mini's not MINI's.
In that case, I would buy new since the used ones are just about the same price.
Thanks for the input so far. Lots of good points.
Think we'll do some searches for an '05-'06 and see what turns up.
Our 07 MCS is for sale, as we are getting ready to trade. It can come nearly stock, or prepped for autocross with extra wheels.
Oh, now you're just tempting me...
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