Hi,
The thing is, many, many people, once they start using an ipad and learn all they can use it for, end up needing more storage space on their ipads. And you cannot increase space. So go for the most you can afford. Our younger son got a 64 gb, only thought he'd need 32 gb, and he's used more than the 32 gb in a matter of months. He's in college and he can store books, documents, etc., and more movies and music than he thought he'd need. (Videos will take up space quickly.) And you actually start out with less than 16 gb because some space is used up by apps and programs that come pre-installed and are necessary for your ipad mini to work.
Last year we bought two refurbished ipads from the Apple Refurb store on the Apple website. They are great!
They come with new covers (front and back,) a brand new battery, and a full one year warranty. Now with Apple care + ($99.00)you can get more coverage that will cover accidental damage like broken glass and wet ipads (3 incidents of damage.) I think it's well worth it. PLEASE do not buy a refurb anywhere else!
If you planned on buying a new 16 gb mini with cellular, it costs $459.00. In the refurb store the 32 gb mini with cellular is $469.00, so only $10.00 more than you planned to spend and twice as much space.
So if I were you, I'd go for the ccertified refurbished ipad 32 gb from the Apple website. Please note that the different colors and sizes come and go in the refurb store, so when you see what you want, act on it. Delivery is fast.
Please let us know what you decide.
Hope this helps.