I'm new to the group and ready for a new car. I'm honeing in on the MINI because it's a unique-looking car. All other cars look like each other unless one gets into the high-end sports model.

I'm in NE Ohio and there aren't any local dealers I can go to to have a look. But Midwest Auto Group in Columbus (http://www.magcars.com/) lists 25 new 2006 MINI's. Looking them over, the prices range from $19,170 to $29,500. Other than the convertable issue I can't see the difference between them. They all have about 20 to 25 miles (all new) on them. The convertables range from $19,700 to $29,500 and the non-convertables range from $19,150 to $26,400.

The question is, and maybe someone can lead me to a MINI buyers guideline, what should I be looking for? I've seen both 5- and 6-speed transmissions, but there doesn't seem to be any other difference in the listings.

This auto place is 100 miles from me and if I travel there I need to be familiar with the car and the models.

I'm not looking for a 2007 and I'm not looking for a used car.

If this should be posted in another forum, let me know...

Thanks,
The Old Martian

 

Hi Oldmartian, the answer depends upon what you are looking for in a car. Minis have a very big options list.

The models are
Mini One - 90 bhp
Mini Cooper -115 bhp
Mini Cooper S -170 bhp
Mini Cooper S JCW - 210 bhp
Mini Cooper S JCW GP - Limited edition (2000 worldwide) 218 bhp (no rear seats)

www.mini.com will have specs of exact numbers etc.

Optional extras range from leather interior, metallic paint, climate control etc to bonnet stripes, mirror covers, wheels and carpet mat sets. The percentage of purchase price spent on extras is generally higher for a mini that other cars (often over 25% of list price).