>> Based on the above, it sounds like MINIman is going to win your business!
>>
>> You haven't mentioned the Merc A-class. Hasn't the model recently been updated? Probably loads of
>> pre-reg and run-out stock of the old model out there..?
>>
If it wasn’t outside the self imposed budget then yes, I could have stock car almost immediately, at a list price of £28ish K and one closer to budget in 4/6 weeks with a sensible spec. But I can’t believe no one else can offer a smallish petrol auto for delivery in less than 12 weeks! Although, the MINI is built in the UK...maybe that really does make a difference.
The Merc A class is a good shout though, and I assume being a Merc autos are likely to be more prevalent. Will call my local dealer tomorrow, albeit it’s a larger car than a supermini. Though, to be fair, as I’ve discovered, so is a MINI Clubman!
On the price front, I thought I’d do a quick look back...
In 2002 we took delivery of a brand new MINI Cooper (3 door only back then)
List price from memory was £11,600, and we added what I thought was an obscene £2,600 of extras to give an on the road price of £14,200. No discount.
Using an online inflation calculator that’s £22,300 in today’s money
But a 3 door MINI Cooper in standard paint (ours was red, but that’s now optional), a CHILI Pack, part leather seats, cruise, floor mats and auto dimming rear view mirror is now £20,255. And you’ll get 10% off through a broker, and another £1,300 if you take their finance (albeit at 5.9%, but pay it off in a month or so and that’s still at least £1,200 off). So around £17,000. Cheaper in real terms by a large margin! And also comes with Nav, Bluetooth, ESP, climate control and a whole lot more that the 2002 didn’t. I think a CD player was optional back then. Today it’s almost a bargain.
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