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Mini Cooper 07 is this a good price?

Hi, just need a bit of advice really I am thinking about changing my car and would like a mini. I have seen one I quite like:

From a Mini Dealer with service pack (4 years service left included) and 20 months left on warranty

Mini Cooper 1.6 July 07
mileage 15K
Pepper pack included
metalic paint and alloys

Price £11,234

I have tried to look to see whether this is a fair price but don't seem to be able to get anywhere! I am absolutely useless at haggling though would give it a good try!
Debtfree JUNE 2008 - Thank you MSE:T

Comments

  • markelock
    markelock Posts: 1,735 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    have you looked on autotrader?

    a search for cars less than 20k and 1 year old brings up quite a few at less than the above price.
    Remember the time he ate my goldfish? And you lied and said I never had goldfish. Then why did I have the bowl Bart? Why did I have the bowl?
  • MX5huggy
    MX5huggy Posts: 7,080 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    What car shows £10470 for the dealer price but what is the service pack worth? to you?

    http://www.whatcar.co.uk/valuation-summary.aspx?MA=65&MV=25620&ED=54467&UP=1817785&ML=15000

    Seems like a fair ish price but no bargain offer £10k and walk at £10700.
  • movilogo
    movilogo Posts: 3,227 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    IIRC Mini production has been stopped as people are not buying this enough. It's not that practical car so during recession, its demand has fallen.

    Considering that you can reduce the price a lot from the asking price.
    Happiness is buying an item and then not checking its price after a month to discover it was reduced further.
  • orb_3
    orb_3 Posts: 31 Forumite
    No harm in going in at a lot less. The advice of MX5huggy looks good, maybe even start a bit lower and try to make sure they include a full tank of fuel and a year's tax.

    If you're anywhere remotely near Blackpool, I'd recommend Derek Woodman as a dealer. I'm on my third Mini and they're the best of the three dealers I've used. Have a look at the dealer feedback forums on the mini2.com website. Lot's of other useful info on there too.

    BTW, Mini production hasn't been stopped but the Christmas shutdown is being extended due to lack of demand and they've stopped production for a couple of weekends - not bad compared to Vauxhall.
  • themaccas
    themaccas Posts: 1,453 Forumite
    Thanks for all your comments, have now looked at Autotrader and done a wider search on the mini used dealer website. I think there is room to manoevre so will think about it some more. I found the salesman really disinterested and struggled to even make him open the car so I could look inside. Total apathy!!! I think I would shop round quite a bit more then play a few dealers off each other or get my OH to anyhow.

    However now I'm home I am struggling to justify buying or changing my car. I don't need to but I have been promoted and am starting a new job. At the moment I drive a Kia Picanto that I have had from new (now 3 years old). It's economical, an excellent runabout and touch wood have had no problems it's also completely paid for and it's all mine.

    I think I have just talked myself out of changing it!! Will definately take my time in thinking it through, I'm in no hurry.
    Debtfree JUNE 2008 - Thank you MSE:T
  • MX5huggy
    MX5huggy Posts: 7,080 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    I would keep with the Kia, looking at your signature thingy you have done an amazing job sorting all debt, and you dont want to go back.
  • themaccas
    themaccas Posts: 1,453 Forumite
    Thanks MX5, yes I will take my time to think it over, it is almost a year ago I was nearly going to change my car (for the first time) and looked at getting a Honda Civic, test drove a few but in the end the thought of spending/taking another loan in the end seemed madness when my car was ok. It is a bit of deja vue....new job, and 'thinking' I now have extra money!!

    I have had a look at loan deals and it is put me right off and the thought of taking out a 9K loan after all we have been through is quite frankly stupid - for us anyhow. I'll continue to love the mini from afar until I can pay with cash (i.e. never)!!
    Debtfree JUNE 2008 - Thank you MSE:T
  • themaccas wrote: »
    I found the salesman really disinterested and struggled to even make him open the car so I could look inside. Total apathy!!!
    In that case, think what the dealership would be like if you had any problems after buying the car!

    If you do decide to change cars, I would definitely look for a better dealership to buy it from.
    Philip
  • vansboy
    vansboy Posts: 6,483 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts
    You could be into an 07 or 57 plate, around 6-10k, for under £10000, if you were prepared to buy in auction.

    BMW have their own 'branded' fleet sales, end of lease/early termination vehicles, at selected http://www.british-car-auctions.co.uk

    You'd be unlucky if you were to buy a bad one, as you've still warranty remaining, anyway.

    But rather than MINI, have you considered Fiat 500 - this is the current retro style, easily personailzed, supermini. & it's holding valkues, too!!

    Or better still, save more £$£$ & get a Suzuki Swift. Looks better than MINI & lots cheaper!!

    Or keep the 'sensible' paid for car, you have now!!

    Or get an MX5 & you'll REALLY find some fun in motoring again - they ARE ASTONISHING value, used, just now!!

    VB
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