Menu
Cancel

Browse over 9,000 car reviews

    Sorry, there are no models that match your search

  • guides

    adventureguide

    evguide

    familyguide

    tradieguide

    urbanguide

    • 0 Manage My Ad Logout

    Browse over 9,000 car reviews

    Sorry, there are no cars that match your search

    What do I need to know when buying a new car?

    Asked by Danai

    I found a 2020 Mini 5D Hatch Cooper F55 Update for sale. What does “F55 Update” mean? And “New available to order”? Are there any other costs I should be aware of when buying a new car?

    Answered by CarsGuide

    17 Feb 2021 David Morley

    The R55 Mini five-door hatch was given a facelift in July 2020, so `F55 Update’ should indicate the fact that the car in question is a post-update model. The facelift wasn’t a huge one and didn’t affect the basic vehicle, but depending on what version of the car was involved, there were a few minor changes to help keep the car current and competitive with its peers. ‘New available to order,’ meanwhile, suggests that a car is a brand-new one and not a second-hand car or – and it’s quite common – a demonstrator model.

    As far as extra costs go when buying a new car, it’s all a bit of a minefield. Dealers love charging delivery fees (often simply a wash and vacuum) and you should make sure that any extras – like floor mats or slimline number-plates – are either requested specifically by you or are thrown in by the dealer to sweeten the deal. And don’t be sucked into the other extras like paint protection, upholstery protection and rust-proofing. If a car maker can’t sell you a car in 2021 that won’t fade, rot or rust, then they don’t deserve your money.

    Then there are the inevitable government charges. These vary from state to state but can include stamp duty, registration and more. Make sure the dealer spells out all these extras and budget for them. The best advice is to insist that the car dealer is absolutely upfront with the final figure you’ll be asked to hand over before driving off in the car. Regardless of what 'discounts’ and deals the dealer offers, the only number you need to worry about is the drive-away, no more to pay figure.

    Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.

    Other Mini problems

    SEE ALL MINI PROBLEMS

    How can we help?

    Please note: Questions cannot be answered privately. All answers will be published on CarsGuide.com.au

    By clicking on the 'Submit' button you acknowledge you have read and agree to abide by the CarsGuide Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy. Carsguide reserves the right to not answer any questions for any reason. You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice.
    View cars for sale

    Over 8,000 questions answered by CarsGuide

    Search

    Complete Guide to Mini
    5D Hatch

    Reviews, price, specs and more

    Most viewed in advice

    1. 10 best hybrid vehicles in Australia

    2. Best 10 Vehicles for Towing

    3. Best small cars under $20,000

    4. 10 of the most reliable used cars in Australia

    5. 10 cheapest new cars for sale in Australia

    6. Vehicle weights explained | tare, kerb, GVM, payload and trailer figures

    7. What's the difference between diesel and petrol cars?

    8. How to find the owner of a car in Australia?

    9. Who invented the first car and when was it made?

    10. Top 7 Australian-made camper trailers

    Comments