R53 Cooper S as a winter hack, good/bad idea?

[Nick_MSM]

I am seriously thinking of buying myself a winter hack so I can keep my 997 off the salty/pot holed roads. We have a new Leon FR as a family car so I only need something to take my daughter to pre school once a week, and for the gym/football matches/training. I suspect maybe 100 miles a week tops so a diesel isn't really necessary and being a PH'er would like something semi fun of course

I had an almost new JCW about 10 years ago which proved to be the most unreliable car I've ever owned! Was I unlucky or are there reliabilty issues? I've seen a nice looking (on the face of it) S locally at cheap money but I am keeping my eyes wide open.

Having read the PH buyer's guide, can any one else chip in with experiences please? For the record this particular car (why it's cheap!) has done over 100k - is this a no no? I'd be looking to use the car probably until spring then get rid..

[rfn]

I'd buy on history, then spec, to be honest. Colour less of a consideration.

I bought my '05 on 81k in June. It's now done 87k and has been faultless thus far - just fitted a set of rear pads and discs.

A friend recently - 2 months ago - bought an '04 with 93k (I think). That's similar, faultless thus far though this one has the advantage of having a documented clutch change. It's also got a better spec than mine but it's not such a nice colour (I'm biased of course).

Also - I LOVE it!

[Nick_MSM]

Thanks, I have found a nice one locally with 90k on the clock which is obviously better than the other car I saw. Will go and look at it this weekend with eyes wide open. History sounds good so here's hoping.

[CarsOrBikes]

'Any' engine rattles, walk away. The only potential rattle could be the gear chatter some display, which like the old Mini, goes with clutch depression.

Start it from cold, 'any' blue smoke, walk away. Heavy clutch? Same, or plan for the short term, it is a time consuming job.

Only my2p

[Defcon5]

If it's a winter car, try get one with the heated front screen option - not sure if it was part of a pack or stand alone though

[Nick_MSM]

Thanks for the tips. I went armed with those & a couple of buyers guides plus my mechanically minded friend - and thus did a deal on the 90k mileage car. It has a few scuffs here and there but looks a decent honest car (1 owner). Spec wise is fairly decent with Chili pack, panoramic roof, rear sensors, multi function wheel, xenons, heated seats/mirrors etc. History is a little light over the past 18 months, but there are no knocks/funny noises and it drives well. Minor leak around sump but a friend who runs a Mini tuning firm is happy with it.

I am thinking of changing the s/c belt and bypass valve though as it seems a little sluggish to me - could be that I am used to my 911 though and it's 10 years+ since I had my JCW! Changing the tyres as the rear has a nick in it, is anyone running Avon ZV5's? found a set of four for £270 fitted which seems very good.

Here's hoping it'll be a reliable run about!

[Dicky Knee]

As a winter hack, have you looked at winter tyres? Should keep you going in all conditions.

[Nick_MSM]

Didn't think of it but will have a look at the options thanks.

[eatcustard]

Wide tyres + lots of power + ice/snow = much fun

[Dicky Knee]

...taking daughter to pre school...kids change everything!

[AKDC]

Defcon5 said:

If it's a winter car, try get one with the heated front screen option - not sure if it was part of a pack or stand alone though

Mine has one and I think it's part of the 'visibility pack'

Edit: just re-read and saw you've done a deal so ignore me! And enjoy tearing around in it!

[smn159]

I'm on the lookout for something similar. Popped in to see a 2003 one today on 70k miles with a good spec and history which all seemed good except for a busted sunroof. Was £3.5k too, so I've passed for now - the search continues.