£3k Mini as cheap runabout?

[alfaspiderman2]

Hi all

I'm considering a cheapish Mini as a school run/station run about over the Winter.

Given this is a 3rd car, keen that it doesnt cost me a fortune to run.

Any tips on what to look out for and whether I can get a decent car for around £3k? (I'm thinking a Cooper with Chilli pack would be my preference).

Thanks in advance.

[alfaspiderman2]

Thanks

15 mins into looking, and I'm already considering a Cooper S instead - I like little luxuries like Xenon lights etc...plus obviously the performance of the S

Is there much difference in running costs Cooper vs S?

[Defcon5]

Well the gearbox won't break, but if its a preface lift the xenons will.

And it will consume fuel like Its going out of fashion. Worth it for the supercharger and popping from the exhaust though

[alfaspiderman2]

kapiteinlangzaam said:

Can you really get a Cooper S in the UK for £3k?

sorry, in true man maths fashion, I've already upper budget to £4k

however, the object is a cheap run about, I've got another car for speed/fun/noise so perhaps a nice Cooper is a good compromise

[Justin Cyder]

Cooper S is by definition an R53 (as distinct from the R56 generation) It'll have a getrag gearbox as opposed to the Midland explodeygearstirrer.

PAS pumps fail, electrics can be dodgy, fuel consumption is woeful, circa 28mpg, the supercharger can be easily modified by changing the pulley wheel for a smaller one = moar BHPz.

They're generally ok elsewhere, bit rattly with the acres of plastic in the cabin, electrics can be temperamental & run flats are awful - many owners get rid as a priority. I'd question whether you'd get a Cooper S for 3k though, would be a deal to find one in worthwhile condition at that budget.

[mnkiboy]

We bought a 52 plate R50 Cooper last year for £2950. Bought at 74k miles, now on 88k. Only issue is a thermostat that doesn't fully close, otherwise it has been perfectly reliable.

Not amazing on fuel but if you're not driving that far then it's not an issue.

[0llie]

I sold my 2001 Cooper in Jan/Feb of 2012 for £2950, biggest mistake of my motoring 'career' was selling it. It led a tough life with me (I had it when I was 18-21, and drove it accordingly), attended a couple of track days, Santa Pod, and general fast road driving. In that time, it did require a refurbished gearbox (I put this down to a day I spent at Santa Pod chasing rubbish 1320yd times ), and when I bought it, the thermostat housing had failed (did this myself, cheap job).

For 21k miles on a car that had done 72k and was just over 8 years old when I purchased it, I found that incredible. The condition of the car totally betrayed what the clock showed, it was almost perfect. I did maintain the car properly however (bi-annual services, OEM replacement parts as soon as required etc.), I think many suffer from neglect later on in their lives, and the state of the car shows this.

The more I think about it, the more upset I get that I sold it

I'd say go for it, but do go in with your eyes open to the faults mentioned above.

[scotty_d]

We have a 53 plate S had it for 25k 3 years now the issues we had.... Exhaust was rotten, wheel bearings on the front failed , run flats where removed for normal tyres. Rear wiper motor, The interior squeaks and rattles a bit, Brake pipes rotten but it is 10 years old now with 41k on the clock, it is used every single day By SWMBO, we can't think of anything to replace it with for the money that is as much fun. Sore on fuel round town 28-30MPG on a run over 40MPG can be had and mixed driving see's us at about 36mpg.

[Justin Cyder]

Had my 55 S for two years. In that time I've replaced exhaust, front wheel bearings & the brake lines. So there's a decent list of common faults for you.

Mind you I'm fastidious at maintenance as you'd expect around these parts & it passed it's MoT yesterday with the tester complimenting me on the condition of the car.

Edited by Justin Cyder on Tuesday 1st October 11:50