[ankur.dewani]

Hi Guys,

I'm considering buying a Mini Cooper and have sort of hit a roadblock with it.

Few months back I was contemplating on buying a new Mini Cooper (base of S) and was told to wait since they were releasing the new model, which got updated last Nov and first few were sold in December 14. Recently tested the car and it was a pleasure, new interiors, great handling, slightly stiff on bumps but that's with most BMW cars for some reason.

The problem is, I've also seen a mid 2013 Cooper S that has done just 2300kms, perfect service history, mint condition and looks like a new car for ~30lac vs the 43 on road 2015 model. Feels like you can get so much better for 43, if I could find the new C for 43 I'd take it in a heartbeat.

Any suggestions/insight would be extremely helpful.

Thanks
Ankur

[Naman_Ferrari]

I think you should go ahead with the new one.
The old one will start to feel dated after a couple of years.
Besides, there is nothing better than buying a new car.
The C costs a few more lakhs. Really doubt that you will get it for 43.

[KaandBaaz]

As an option you can look into the new CLA and GLA as well. You can get the diesel models of the same for below 40lacs.

[Akshay1234]

You're buying a Mini for the driving experience, and after driving both I think the new Cooper D just lacks power. The new Cooper S will be great, but that's 60 lacs or so. While I loved the interiors and quality and everything else on the new Cooper, in this case I'm gonna have to say take the used Cooper S since it will just be so much better to drive.

[GTO]

Shut your eyes and go for the used Cooper S. It's phenomenal to drive, far more fun than the new 2015 model that has become 'mature'. The 2015 Cooper is roomier and more comfortable, but it lacks the absolute driving pleasure of the older car. No one buys a Mini for comfort, one does so for smiles behind the wheel. And that's where the previous-gen is superior.

Moderator Anshuman just picked up a good Cooper S from Infinity Cars (authorised BMW showroom) for 21 lakhs for a friend of his. Odometer reading of 20,000 kms & CH registration. Look for good deals and bargain hard. Due to the unique nature of the car, nearly all used examples have low running and will be maintained at authorised workshops. There are few takers for such cars.

The 2015 is ridiculously overpriced - it's a disaster just waiting to happen.

To read our review of the brilliant Cooper S, click here.

[jezza]

From what I've read, they have softened up the suspension on the new Cooper S by quite a bit. It may have lost the go-kart feel of the old car. I would suggest buying the previous model.

Negotiate more with the dealer. 30 lakhs seems a bit overpriced for an almost 2 year old car. I'm not sure whether BMW offer BSI or equivalent for Minis. If they do, please look into getting that since maintenance will cost quite a bit for a discontinued CBU German car.

[Sahil]

Originally Posted by ankur.dewani

if I could find the new C for 43 I'd take it in a heartbeat.

If you opt for out of state registration you could squeeze the new C for 43 OTR. You can pay an annual local MH tax which is cheap.

[ankur.dewani]

Mod Note : Please use the EDIT or MULTI-QUOTE buttons instead of typing one post after another on the SAME THREAD!

To know how to multi-quote, click here.

Originally Posted by Sahil

If you opt for out of state registration you could squeeze the new C for 43 OTR. You can pay an annual local MH tax which is cheap.

Thanks Sahil, I have had discussions with Mercedez guys just, but so far doesnt look viable. I am getting quotes of 46+. But between the 2 mini's, any suggestions?

Originally Posted by KaandBaaz

As an option you can look into the new CLA and GLA as well. You can get the diesel models of the same for below 40lacs.

I test drove the GLA some time back, but honestly drive wise Mini feels far better than a lot of those cars. Just pinches too much to spend that sort of money on a Mini :(

Originally Posted by akshay1234

You're buying a Mini for the driving experience, and after driving both I think the new Cooper D just lacks power. The new Cooper S will be great, but that's 60 lacs or so. While I loved the interiors and quality and everything else on the new Cooper, in this case I'm gonna have to say take the used Cooper S since it will just be so much better to drive.

Its what im tilting towards... I just needed a little pushing

[GTO]

Originally Posted by Sahil

You can pay an annual local MH tax which is cheap.

I wasn't aware of this option. Can you please elaborate with sample calculations? I thought the one-time lifetime tax is mandatory.

Thanks!

[Sahil]

Originally Posted by GTO

I wasn't aware of this option. Can you please elaborate with sample calculations? I thought the one-time lifetime tax is mandatory.

Thanks!

I don't know how exactly its calculated annually in MH but well less than 50k a year for cars costing 1cr+

You do have to pay a lifetime tax in the state you registered such as CH,JH,WB etc to get a permanent plate. Over and above this,you can opt to pay an annual tax at one of the MH RTO offices. This receipt lets you legally drive the car here for a year.

[Akshay1234]

Originally Posted by Sahil

I don't know how exactly its calculated annually in MH but well less than 50k a year for cars costing 1cr+

You do have to pay a lifetime tax in the state you registered such as CH,JH,WB etc to get a permanent plate. Over and above this,you can opt to pay an annual tax at one of the MH RTO offices. This receipt lets you legally drive the car here for a year.

I'm not sure how legal this is after the first year? Any idea on this? Have you renewed it for the RS5 without any issues? What about cops asking?

[Sahil]

Originally Posted by akshay1234

I'm not sure how legal this is after the first year? Any idea on this? Have you renewed it for the RS5 without any issues? What about cops asking?

I haven't done it for my car nor have I ever been caught. A friend has a WB registered CLS63AMG and he get this done.
You renew is after the first year from a different RTO. For example you do it from tardeo first then andheri then thane etc.

[dhanushs]

Originally Posted by akshay1234

I'm not sure how legal this is after the first year? Any idea on this? Have you renewed it for the RS5 without any issues? What about cops asking?

You can always pay annual tax. And the vehicle will be perfectly road legal. However, the issue only after 15 years, for fitness, you might have to visit the RTO where the car was initially registered.

@OP, the cooper S is indeed a "comfortable go kart". Also, the value at which you will get it used is unbeatable (In India) for what the car has to offer. I'd suggest go for the 2013 Cooper S.

[ankur.dewani]

Here's a few pictures of the 2 options. Mostly booking the 2013 cooper S. It's done only 2500 kms and we have come down to 28(including a Zero dep till next year + transfer etc.)

[ankur.dewani]

Thank you all for the suggestions and advice, After much consideration and working out the finance etc. have confirmed the 2013 Mini Cooper S. Whilst the new mini drives smoother thanks to the softened suspension, and has all the fancy interiors and electronics, it's just not worth it.
The new Mini Cooper D is ex showroom at 38.5L. This is a plain vanilla model and has no add-ons or inclusions. The way mini sells is, every aspect of the car is billed as an Add on/Customisation. For eg the only 2 colours available in this price are white and the yellow. Any other colour is another 89,000. Bonnet Stripes are 29,000, Entertainment Unit w/screen aka Visual Boost is 65,000, HUD - 89,000, and the list goes on...by the time I customised the car to my liking, it was close to
44L ex Showroom
+1.50L Insurance
+8.45L Mumbai Registration
+7500 Depot charges
Appx. 54L Total on road Mumbai. YEAH EXACTLY!! That's what I thought, for that price you can get a new C and that would've been fully worth it. I almost considered buying the C before realising the original reason I set out looking for a Mini. Needed a great everyday car that can also backup as a fun weekend drive and was around the 25L mark.

Anyways, I could've registered in Thane and saved 2 lacs, but wasn't comforting enough. There is an option to register in another state, for eg Jharkhand or Daman etc. But you run the risk of questioning/inconvenience and most likely issues whilst selling. However that would have cost close to 49 on road. Even then, it's bloody expensive.

The 2013 Mini Cooper S on the other hand, still a bit overpriced but it's in immaculate condition and worth the slight premium. Overall: It drives like a beast, and feels like money well spent