I think I'll have to defer to the experts - I'm not sure what the package gets you for the $300... I guess it's a dealer-installed option??
Anyway... your "big" decision is done... now just a small detail!
If it's any help, I'm 26 (bought it at 25) so I don't think it's an old-person car.
My friend just bought a Mini Cooper S (used 2006) and I drove it the other day. It certainly is a fun car - but compared to the B200 Turbo felt somewhat slow to be honest. It just seemed to lack a certain urgency that I was expecting with the S-model. That being said, it definitely cornered better and had more responsive steering. All in all, a nicely put together car - youthful but lacking some of the luxury of the B200. If I didn't have a 72 Porsche for the summer sun, I would have seriously considered it myself - but I didn't need 2 cars with questionable practicality.
I enjoyed reading this thread. Funny enough, I had the same problem last year. Couldn't decide between the Mini and the B200. I was dying to get the Mini and it was a hoot to drive. The B200 was far more practical (especially with two kids and four doors) and I couldn't imagine driving carpool with the Mini. The thought of opening the door and flipping the seat forward to let kids in/out drove me nuts.
In the end I bought the B200 for one reason. The Mini dealership was totally unwilling to negotiate on the price, lease rate....anything. The guy would only sell me the Mini at list price with 8% lease financing. On the other hand, the Mercedes dealer gave me $2K off the price, paid the first two months of lease payments and financed the car at 2.9% with a very high residual. The net affect was that the two cars were the same price but the B200 was hundreds of $ cheaper per month. I just couldn't bring myself to pay list price for a car when the rest of the market is practically giving away cars.
My wife's car is coming up next year. I might trade that for a Mini and then we would have one of each. Perhaps the Mini dealers will be a bit more flexible by then.
One thing I can tell you.....there is no car on the market that matches the eye candy interior of a Mini. Very cool car.
Thank's Jeff! And mister Kalpin, it's so funny because I had the same problem of you with the dealership...
Surprisly happy with my salesperson at Mercedes, very gentle with no pressure with a good service to following my decision with a pretty good deal!
On the other way, the Mini dealership service despointed me. I guess they know that they will sell their stuff to someone else but I was not able to negociate, etc... The salesperson told me that it's a rule at BMW... The merge is only 2% and it's like that to all the BMW in Quebec. I was mad! It's like a «cartel»! He did not care and even call me at night to tell me that he has my car ready!!! To bad buddy! And I was amazed by the Mercedes service... And like you Jordan, my monthly paiement will be pretty much the same (Mini or B200). So, I'm very happy with my choice!
What should I ask before finilise the deal with Mercedes? Should I take some extra protection, bluetooth, etc. I read on an another topic that the brakes can be a problem, etc... So, because I'm a new car buyer, I don't know that much. Even if I thrust my salesperson, the fact is that he's a salesperson! He told me that I should take the protection for 1000$ and when I bring back the car after the lease, I will have no problem. Should I take too the insurance who replace the car by a brand new in case of big crash, etc.
I'M kind of impress and don't know that much what to ask.
Thank's again for your help (and support!) and again, I will wait for your always good advices, my new MB friends!
Sébastien
P.S.: Hope you are able to well understand me with my big Quebecer accent!!!
I just got my B200 2008 too (for 1 week). I changed my 1.8T Audi for a non-turbo B200. I was not sure about performances but I am very happy with this engine. It does not have the same "punch" but well enough for this type of car. With 3 adults + 1 baby you have decent accelerations and very good gas consumption.
Did you take the panoramic sunroof? I have it and it is always open when I drive. Very good option in my opinion....
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