Early cooper s purchase
Discussion
Nice place to start is here:
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
From my own experience, I've had mine for about three years. It's not a daily runner but I have done plenty with it (trackdays, European road trips, Nurburgring) and is probably one of the funniest cars I've ever driven. Mines a late R53, so I'm not sure how much they differ mechanically. The main problems I've had with mine were a leaky engine mount (common) and a binding rear caliper. Other common problems (which I've had) is the power-steering pump can fail and also the timing chain tensioner needed changing.
Go in with open eyes like any other car, they are great fun cars and I can't imagine selling mine anytime soon.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
From my own experience, I've had mine for about three years. It's not a daily runner but I have done plenty with it (trackdays, European road trips, Nurburgring) and is probably one of the funniest cars I've ever driven. Mines a late R53, so I'm not sure how much they differ mechanically. The main problems I've had with mine were a leaky engine mount (common) and a binding rear caliper. Other common problems (which I've had) is the power-steering pump can fail and also the timing chain tensioner needed changing.
Go in with open eyes like any other car, they are great fun cars and I can't imagine selling mine anytime soon.
Great cars and lots of fun can be had as standard or spending a few quid on some upgrades. The link Honsta posted is a good start, and check out Mini2, Mini Mania and North American Motoring for the typical faults.
If you can try and go for a 04 facelift car if you can, as alot of the initial issues are fixed. Mines a 02 car and at 80k miles things are constantly needing fixing mainly due to age:
Valve Cover Gasket
AC Compressor
Control Arm Bushes
Windscreen Washer Bottle
Heater Matrix
Window regulator
Mine also needs a new exhaust (700 dealer, 500 stainless steel aftermarket), and also the gearchange/clutch is stiff so im hoping its a slave cylinder rather than a new clutch and flywheel. Mine has only let me down once when the heater matrix failed but as a daily its been very reliable.
Make sure you check for history, regular servicing. Also these cars got spec'd quite well by owners so you can be picky on trim and colour combo's.
The ride is very harsh and the Cooper S got sports suspension+ from the factory so its not the most comfy car in the world.
Overall i would recommend one and you will have lots of fun.
If you can try and go for a 04 facelift car if you can, as alot of the initial issues are fixed. Mines a 02 car and at 80k miles things are constantly needing fixing mainly due to age:
Valve Cover Gasket
AC Compressor
Control Arm Bushes
Windscreen Washer Bottle
Heater Matrix
Window regulator
Mine also needs a new exhaust (700 dealer, 500 stainless steel aftermarket), and also the gearchange/clutch is stiff so im hoping its a slave cylinder rather than a new clutch and flywheel. Mine has only let me down once when the heater matrix failed but as a daily its been very reliable.
Make sure you check for history, regular servicing. Also these cars got spec'd quite well by owners so you can be picky on trim and colour combo's.
The ride is very harsh and the Cooper S got sports suspension+ from the factory so its not the most comfy car in the world.
Overall i would recommend one and you will have lots of fun.
Great fun - I bought ours for a quick car to use as a shopping/station and general bit of fun, it's not disappointed!!!
It has a slight oil leak that may be coming from the crank sensor which is common by all accounts, there's a bit of a rattle that can come from the flywheel when the clutch is released but it's not a major concern and can run like that for 10k's of miles by all accounts (reading mini2 and mini torque forums)
A new clutch and flywheel weighs in about £6-800 fitted so not an insignificant cost.
This mini when I bought it was down on power and would throw an EML light when driven flat out to 6k rpm, I took the gamble that the P code, lack of power and EML light were due to a fault bypass valve and I was spot on. One new and upgraded bypass valve the car pulls really well!!! Fitted it myself in a couple of hours (including a stop for tea)
For £2500 I couldn't go wrong really - so much so I'm thinking of selling this one and buying a newer one just because I can see us having a Cooper S in our lives for quite some time.... if you want a super quick roller skate (and it really does ride like a roller skate!!) then I can't see anything this side of a Lotus Elise being as fun... especially with that Supercharger whine!!!!
If I sell our I'll be on the hunt for a last of the line 2006 R53 with one owner and around 20-30k miles to have as a keeper...
It has a slight oil leak that may be coming from the crank sensor which is common by all accounts, there's a bit of a rattle that can come from the flywheel when the clutch is released but it's not a major concern and can run like that for 10k's of miles by all accounts (reading mini2 and mini torque forums)
A new clutch and flywheel weighs in about £6-800 fitted so not an insignificant cost.
This mini when I bought it was down on power and would throw an EML light when driven flat out to 6k rpm, I took the gamble that the P code, lack of power and EML light were due to a fault bypass valve and I was spot on. One new and upgraded bypass valve the car pulls really well!!! Fitted it myself in a couple of hours (including a stop for tea)
For £2500 I couldn't go wrong really - so much so I'm thinking of selling this one and buying a newer one just because I can see us having a Cooper S in our lives for quite some time.... if you want a super quick roller skate (and it really does ride like a roller skate!!) then I can't see anything this side of a Lotus Elise being as fun... especially with that Supercharger whine!!!!
If I sell our I'll be on the hunt for a last of the line 2006 R53 with one owner and around 20-30k miles to have as a keeper...
rigga said:
I think they will, as the r53 just looks right, the 56 took it on a bit, but lost some of the original cars appeal, the latest f56 has lost the plot completely.
I kind of agree. I think the supercharged unit has a bit of a cult following. It's obviously not as efficient and you get non of the low-range torque compared to the turbocharged units, but I prefer the supercharged 'cheekiness' and suits the character of the R53 really well.Saying that, I do love the technology and obvious improvements in the interior, on the later models.
I owned my R53 for 8 years - it was awesome.
Over that time I had to: replace the exhaust (Milltek unit cost £480 at 1320mini), swap tyres (fairly regularly), gave it two new batteries and replaced the supercharger (it's recommended that they be changed at 95k miles as they are fairly catastrophic when they fail on the motorway as I found out one wet January evening on my way home from work).
Even after the supercharger went pop and I was towed home :-( I loved it and was sorry to see it go.
Make sure you can see receipts and service history. If you're able to do a lot of work on cars yourself it will be fine, otherwise you may become quite friendly with your local mini specialist given the age and mileage you are looking at!! Great car. Enjoy.
Over that time I had to: replace the exhaust (Milltek unit cost £480 at 1320mini), swap tyres (fairly regularly), gave it two new batteries and replaced the supercharger (it's recommended that they be changed at 95k miles as they are fairly catastrophic when they fail on the motorway as I found out one wet January evening on my way home from work).
Even after the supercharger went pop and I was towed home :-( I loved it and was sorry to see it go.
Make sure you can see receipts and service history. If you're able to do a lot of work on cars yourself it will be fine, otherwise you may become quite friendly with your local mini specialist given the age and mileage you are looking at!! Great car. Enjoy.
and is just a much better car than the R56I'm also thinking of buying one - a Cooper S with JCW package, for commuting to / from work (about 40 miles mostly A roads / dual carriageway each way). How would you rate the comfort and usability for this day to day drive? I have seen some people say the ride is hard, but when I test drove I thought the comfort with the soft leather seats wasn't bad? Also what kind of MPG could I expect, and how reliable would it be?
Thanks for your answers!
Thanks for your answers!
They like a drink. Mixed driving i get around 30mpg which is not great. The Early R53's came with Sports Suspension Plus as standard which means its a hard ride. Ditch the run flats and it gets alot better.
I'm used to mine, but there are times on rough roads that i wince over bumps.
Fun cars though and worth owning one if you get the chance. If you hate it sell it.
I'm used to mine, but there are times on rough roads that i wince over bumps.
Fun cars though and worth owning one if you get the chance. If you hate it sell it.
RVVUNM said:
eatcustard said:
Fiat 500 faster/better car, my arse.
The S is and will always be the better car.
Yes its noisy and drinks fuel, but its a much more fun car, and thats what Minis are about
Oh, and you wont see 150 of the Abarth each day. The S is and will always be the better car.
Yes its noisy and drinks fuel, but its a much more fun car, and thats what Minis are about
mike9009 said:
RVVUNM said:
eatcustard said:
Fiat 500 faster/better car, my arse.
The S is and will always be the better car.
Yes its noisy and drinks fuel, but its a much more fun car, and thats what Minis are about
Oh, and you wont see 150 of the Abarth each day. The S is and will always be the better car.
Yes its noisy and drinks fuel, but its a much more fun car, and thats what Minis are about
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