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| - The Mini Cooper has always been my dream car. After my faithful 2006 Scion XA was totaled in an accident, I test drove just about every high-scoring 2013 subcompact car in my price range (~$17,000 msrp: Fiat 500, Honda Fit, Mazda 2, Kia Rio, Ford Fiesta), but I didn't want to drive the Mini because I didn't think I could afford it. I was not thrilled with any of them (though I did like the retro adorableness and color choices of the Fiat 500, but it felt too flimsy, and the mazda 2 was super fun to drive, but too sporty looking). They were all good cars, but they all just felt ho-hum.
I realized that any other car besides the Mini would be settling, so I made the bold decision to finally visit the MINI of Tempe dealership. My heart sank when it was verified that new models were WELL over my budget, but then I was introduced to a certified pre-owned 2011 base model in my preferred color with only 23k miles, which was comparable in price to the others, and I got excited.
When I test drove it, I knew it was THE ONE!!! The salesman, Josh, was very personable, low-pressure, and sweet. I went home to do more research, crunch numbers, and sleep on it. I found that the asking price was on par with KBB, and Edmunds and Consumer Reports rated the mini base model very highly. Additionally, Josh had explained that MINI's certified pre-owneds come with an extended warranty, so I was sold.
The next day I met up with Josh again, made an offer,negotiated, and he worked it out with his manager behind the scenes and it was painless. I still splurged a little, but it's worth it to be driving my dream car!! I grin every time I see it, and giggle when I drive it. I can't even believe that it's mine.
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