# Mini coopers, cheaper to buy new or used?

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/mini-coopers-cheaper-to-buy-new-or-used/29353>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Created:** [April 19, 2009, 4:55pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mini-coopers-cheaper-to-buy-new-or-used/29353 "2009-04-19T16:55:19Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Majoong](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ec9cab/32.png) [@Majoong](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Majoong)\
**Post date:** [April 19, 2009, 4:55pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mini-coopers-cheaper-to-buy-new-or-used/29353/1 "2009-04-19T16:55:19Z")

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I looked into financing a mini cooper, and they are offering low interest rates now (1.7% till end of the month)  
  
 and it seems like it is cheaper to buy a new base price mini than it would be to buy a used one with low miles. Mainly because of the financing deal (which is for new cars only). I have never bought a new car, I always thought it was stupid. I have always thought slightly used cars were a much better deal. But minis seem to have a very high re sale value, and I am thinking I should just go for it. Does anyone out there have any advice for me?

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**Author:** ![wentwest](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/wentwest/32/6073_2.png) [@wentwest](https://community.cartalk.com/u/wentwest)\
**Post date:** [April 19, 2009, 5:26pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mini-coopers-cheaper-to-buy-new-or-used/29353/2 "2009-04-19T17:26:30Z")

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Sounds like you are doing your homework. On the other hand, the sale price of used cars is very negotiable. Also, financing through something like a credit union is pretty reasonable. So, why not search a bit more for loans, then make a very low offer on a used Mini. You might be surprised.

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**Author:** ![jtsanders](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c2a13f/32.png) [@jtsanders](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jtsanders)\
**Post date:** [April 19, 2009, 8:45pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mini-coopers-cheaper-to-buy-new-or-used/29353/3 "2009-04-19T20:45:27Z")

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You may be able to get a better deal by financing through your bank or credit union. I believe that you have to pay MSRP to get the low rate, so it isn’t as good as it looks. You can negotiate a loan on a lower principal at the credit union, allowing to you to have a higher annual percentage rate (APR) for an equivalent monthly cost. The rates will be lowest for a new one, and you will get a better warranty for a new one. Not total miles, but the spread between the miles at purchase and the expiration miles.