I want to buy a Mini Cooper S - should I get an older car with lower mileage or a newer car with higher mileage?

I'm looking to buy a used Mini Cooper S JCW, and have found two that meet my budget and spec on Mini’s approved site. They are the same price, but one is one year old with 8500 on the clock, while the other is two years old with 3000 on the clock. All things being equal, would you suggest a newer car with higher mileage, or older with lower mileage?

Asked on 28 April 2012 by PW, Oxford

Answered by Honest John
The year-old car, obviously, because it's actually worth a lot more than the two-year-old as well as having more warranty. 3000 miles in two years is bad news, not good news.
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