Buying a Cooper S...
Discussion
Hi All,
I'm thinking of buying a Cooper-S once I've finished with a few very intensive 'tip run' involving projects, and a Cooper-S has made my shortlist. Its pretty much the only car on there that could be considered sporty... the only thing near it BHP wise is a Focus Ecoboost 180 but I can't get one next year when I think my patience with my current car will run out.
I'm hoping to find some answers to the following questions:
1. Can the 'death rattle' occur on cars at any point? Is there a preventative fix that should eliminate the possibility (as much as say, changing a timing belt would) of the thing going?
2. My price range will be around 8-10k, if I were to limit myself to Mini dealers I'm not going to have much choice, is it worth it considering the cars I'm looking at are going to be 08/58 plates?
3. The Clubman... any views? I quite like the rather funky rear end, not so sure about the rear passenger door arrangement. *No snickering you at the back!*
4. What are the general running costs on the Mini like?
5. Is serving generally straight forward? I'd be wanting to do as much as I could myself, but probably wanting to maintain a dealer history as well. Is it best to use Mini/BMW/independents?
6. Is the mini for girls? A quick go compare brings up Sheilas Wheels as the cheapest quote (and cheaper than my Grp 5 soot machine)! Then again they provide my buildings insurance, and I'm no Sheila and my house ain't got no wheels!
I'm thinking of buying a Cooper-S once I've finished with a few very intensive 'tip run' involving projects, and a Cooper-S has made my shortlist. Its pretty much the only car on there that could be considered sporty... the only thing near it BHP wise is a Focus Ecoboost 180 but I can't get one next year when I think my patience with my current car will run out.
I'm hoping to find some answers to the following questions:
1. Can the 'death rattle' occur on cars at any point? Is there a preventative fix that should eliminate the possibility (as much as say, changing a timing belt would) of the thing going?
2. My price range will be around 8-10k, if I were to limit myself to Mini dealers I'm not going to have much choice, is it worth it considering the cars I'm looking at are going to be 08/58 plates?
3. The Clubman... any views? I quite like the rather funky rear end, not so sure about the rear passenger door arrangement. *No snickering you at the back!*
4. What are the general running costs on the Mini like?
5. Is serving generally straight forward? I'd be wanting to do as much as I could myself, but probably wanting to maintain a dealer history as well. Is it best to use Mini/BMW/independents?
6. Is the mini for girls? A quick go compare brings up Sheilas Wheels as the cheapest quote (and cheaper than my Grp 5 soot machine)! Then again they provide my buildings insurance, and I'm no Sheila and my house ain't got no wheels!
If you don't need 4 seats, get a 2006 R53 GP.
Here's why: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=717t2oYLGkU
Here's why: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=717t2oYLGkU
1. Can the 'death rattle' occur on cars at any point? Is there a preventative fix that should eliminate the possibility (as much as say, changing a timing belt would) of the thing going?
Yes, you just need to hammer it every so often
2. My price range will be around 8-10k, if I were to limit myself to Mini dealers I'm not going to have much choice, is it worth it considering the cars I'm looking at are going to be 08/58 plates?
08/58 or newer is best the first ones out where unreliable
3. The Clubman... any views? I quite like the rather funky rear end, not so sure about the rear passenger door arrangement. *No snickering you at the back!*
Not my cup of tea
4. What are the general running costs on the Mini like?
Not too bad on the turbo mini, you should get 35mpg+
but if it does brake down, expect BMW repair costs
5. Is serving generally straight forward? I'd be wanting to do as much as I could myself, but probably wanting to maintain a dealer history as well. Is it best to use Mini/BMW/independents?
My mini is a 2004 S I still go to BMW to service it, as the difference in price is minimal
6. Is the mini for girls? A quick go compare brings up Sheilas Wheels as the cheapest quote (and cheaper than my Grp 5 soot machine)! Then again they provide my buildings insurance, and I'm no Sheila and my house ain't got no wheels!
I am with Sheilas Wheels as well
MCS are not as girly as some say they are, just drive it like you stole it and the world will be happy.
Yes, you just need to hammer it every so often
2. My price range will be around 8-10k, if I were to limit myself to Mini dealers I'm not going to have much choice, is it worth it considering the cars I'm looking at are going to be 08/58 plates?
08/58 or newer is best the first ones out where unreliable
3. The Clubman... any views? I quite like the rather funky rear end, not so sure about the rear passenger door arrangement. *No snickering you at the back!*
Not my cup of tea
4. What are the general running costs on the Mini like?
Not too bad on the turbo mini, you should get 35mpg+
but if it does brake down, expect BMW repair costs
5. Is serving generally straight forward? I'd be wanting to do as much as I could myself, but probably wanting to maintain a dealer history as well. Is it best to use Mini/BMW/independents?
My mini is a 2004 S I still go to BMW to service it, as the difference in price is minimal
6. Is the mini for girls? A quick go compare brings up Sheilas Wheels as the cheapest quote (and cheaper than my Grp 5 soot machine)! Then again they provide my buildings insurance, and I'm no Sheila and my house ain't got no wheels!
I am with Sheilas Wheels as well
MCS are not as girly as some say they are, just drive it like you stole it and the world will be happy.
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