Advice on 2103-ish MCS
Discussion
EDIT; can the mod's change the typo in the title? It shpuld be "2013" not "2103"
My wife is back in the market for a car to replace her ancient runabout. She needs a city car that does 2,000 miles a year, mainly short hops often with 2 x adults in the front and 2 x teens in the back (tube run/school run). I've suggested all manner of alternatives inc 4 door hatches, hybrids, EV's and so on but she really really wants a MINI. Budget is £7-8k.
I have a load of questions and know there are lots of people on here who know these cars inside out so here goes
I tried an R53 auto a couple of years ago and loved the look and spec (grey/pano/black leather/privacy/Nav/lots of toys) but didn't get on with the gearbox. So this time I'll look for a manual.
I also struggled with the ride quality/ground clearance. But the R56 is a bit better, no?
And I thought there was very little rear leg room in the R53. But also there's a bit more leg room in the R56, isn't there?
In terms of what she's looking for my wife's mate had an R56 in cream with black fluted and piped leather. Two questions; what's the correct name for that paint colour? And is the fluted leather called Oxford leather?
In terms of getting a late R56 were all the engine woes sorted by then? (the early ones had all sorts of timing chain issues if the oil had been left to run low IIRC)
And generally, what else should I consider? The early F56's start appearing in that sort of price bracket. I guess they're improved in a ton of (and there's a 4 door) but I'm not a massive fan of the styling and they look pretty big (looking for a city car, remember).
Or maybe I should look at at an R56 Cooper rather than the S? It's probably brisk enough for what we need. It's just that MCS's seem to be far more likely to have a big spec. And part of me wants the 190bhp. Because why not?
Finally, the ride quality. I'm assuming I'll have to ditch the runflats but what about wheel size? 17's look good but is it a better idea to get one on 16's? And is it possible to get either a Cooper or a Cooper S without the Sports suspension?
Thanks in advance.
My wife is back in the market for a car to replace her ancient runabout. She needs a city car that does 2,000 miles a year, mainly short hops often with 2 x adults in the front and 2 x teens in the back (tube run/school run). I've suggested all manner of alternatives inc 4 door hatches, hybrids, EV's and so on but she really really wants a MINI. Budget is £7-8k.
I have a load of questions and know there are lots of people on here who know these cars inside out so here goes
I tried an R53 auto a couple of years ago and loved the look and spec (grey/pano/black leather/privacy/Nav/lots of toys) but didn't get on with the gearbox. So this time I'll look for a manual.
I also struggled with the ride quality/ground clearance. But the R56 is a bit better, no?
And I thought there was very little rear leg room in the R53. But also there's a bit more leg room in the R56, isn't there?
In terms of what she's looking for my wife's mate had an R56 in cream with black fluted and piped leather. Two questions; what's the correct name for that paint colour? And is the fluted leather called Oxford leather?
In terms of getting a late R56 were all the engine woes sorted by then? (the early ones had all sorts of timing chain issues if the oil had been left to run low IIRC)
And generally, what else should I consider? The early F56's start appearing in that sort of price bracket. I guess they're improved in a ton of (and there's a 4 door) but I'm not a massive fan of the styling and they look pretty big (looking for a city car, remember).
Or maybe I should look at at an R56 Cooper rather than the S? It's probably brisk enough for what we need. It's just that MCS's seem to be far more likely to have a big spec. And part of me wants the 190bhp. Because why not?
Finally, the ride quality. I'm assuming I'll have to ditch the runflats but what about wheel size? 17's look good but is it a better idea to get one on 16's? And is it possible to get either a Cooper or a Cooper S without the Sports suspension?
Thanks in advance.
Edited by AC43 on Sunday 29th September 09:28
Actually, just writing all that out has helped; that budget can gets an F56 (am I using the right designation?) Cooper.
That might actually be decent answer I could get (i) a newer car which is (b) a warm hatch and (c) with i can find with leather, pano and plenty of toys.
The point about getting a newer one is that we'll probably keep it for a long time.
I think I need to wander down to a dealer to have a look at some.
That might actually be decent answer I could get (i) a newer car which is (b) a warm hatch and (c) with i can find with leather, pano and plenty of toys.
The point about getting a newer one is that we'll probably keep it for a long time.
I think I need to wander down to a dealer to have a look at some.
My wife has a 2013 R56 MCS. We had a very similar choice and decided on the R56 over the newer model because we preferred the shape to the latest model and a newer S would have been out of budget anyway.
We have owned the car for 3.5 years now and have taken the miles from 17k to 40k. I bought the longer term Mini service plan and we have an oil change carried out as an extra mini Mini service.
Without wishing to jinx things, the car has been 100% reliable and has only needed consumable service items. We both find it fun to drive and we have no immediate plans to change it.
As an easy to look after and low miles car it has worked well for us.
We have owned the car for 3.5 years now and have taken the miles from 17k to 40k. I bought the longer term Mini service plan and we have an oil change carried out as an extra mini Mini service.
Without wishing to jinx things, the car has been 100% reliable and has only needed consumable service items. We both find it fun to drive and we have no immediate plans to change it.
As an easy to look after and low miles car it has worked well for us.
AgentM said:
My wife has a 2013 R56 MCS. We had a very similar choice and decided on the R56 over the newer model because we preferred the shape to the latest model and a newer S would have been out of budget anyway.
We have owned the car for 3.5 years now and have taken the miles from 17k to 40k. I bought the longer term Mini service plan and we have an oil change carried out as an extra mini Mini service.
Without wishing to jinx things, the car has been 100% reliable and has only needed consumable service items. We both find it fun to drive and we have no immediate plans to change it.
As an easy to look after and low miles car it has worked well for us.
Thanks.We have owned the car for 3.5 years now and have taken the miles from 17k to 40k. I bought the longer term Mini service plan and we have an oil change carried out as an extra mini Mini service.
Without wishing to jinx things, the car has been 100% reliable and has only needed consumable service items. We both find it fun to drive and we have no immediate plans to change it.
As an easy to look after and low miles car it has worked well for us.
AC43 said:
Thanks fellah.
Out of interest which version have you got - the previous or latest one? (R56 or F56 I think?)
We have 2 mini’s in our household. A f55 and f56. Previously we have also owned a r53 r56 and r57 so we’ve had a few. Lounge leather is very nice make sure it’s heated. Out of interest which version have you got - the previous or latest one? (R56 or F56 I think?)
Edited by mh125 on Sunday 29th September 20:32
We've had our 2010 N18 (LCI) MCS auto for 6 years now. It was a MINI Used approved at 3 years old with 28k. Now on 74k.
It's the longest we've ever kept a car. On top of regular servicing I've changed the oil every 7.5k, and it doesn't use any in between.
The only faults have been:
Rocker cover gasket seeping (replaced under warranty)
High Pressure Fuel Pump (they all go at sometime on the R56, cost £350)
Rear Parking Sensor (£15)
Also had to replace both Front Shock Absorbers, plus front brakes and pads 2 years ago.
Replaced the runflats for non-runflats 3 years ago, but will probably go back to them soon. The mileage was only 3k last year.
So overall, pretty reliable. We've been looking at F56s, but can't justify it for a small mileage. The build quality looks good along with better materials, but there is something about the R56 I prefer.
It's the longest we've ever kept a car. On top of regular servicing I've changed the oil every 7.5k, and it doesn't use any in between.
The only faults have been:
Rocker cover gasket seeping (replaced under warranty)
High Pressure Fuel Pump (they all go at sometime on the R56, cost £350)
Rear Parking Sensor (£15)
Also had to replace both Front Shock Absorbers, plus front brakes and pads 2 years ago.
Replaced the runflats for non-runflats 3 years ago, but will probably go back to them soon. The mileage was only 3k last year.
So overall, pretty reliable. We've been looking at F56s, but can't justify it for a small mileage. The build quality looks good along with better materials, but there is something about the R56 I prefer.
Maracus said:
We've had our 2010 N18 (LCI) MCS auto for 6 years now. It was a MINI Used approved at 3 years old with 28k. Now on 74k.
It's the longest we've ever kept a car. On top of regular servicing I've changed the oil every 7.5k, and it doesn't use any in between.
The only faults have been:
Rocker cover gasket seeping (replaced under warranty)
High Pressure Fuel Pump (they all go at sometime on the R56, cost £350)
Rear Parking Sensor (£15)
Also had to replace both Front Shock Absorbers, plus front brakes and pads 2 years ago.
Replaced the runflats for non-runflats 3 years ago, but will probably go back to them soon. The mileage was only 3k last year.
So overall, pretty reliable. We've been looking at F56s, but can't justify it for a small mileage. The build quality looks good along with better materials, but there is something about the R56 I prefer.
Thanks It's the longest we've ever kept a car. On top of regular servicing I've changed the oil every 7.5k, and it doesn't use any in between.
The only faults have been:
Rocker cover gasket seeping (replaced under warranty)
High Pressure Fuel Pump (they all go at sometime on the R56, cost £350)
Rear Parking Sensor (£15)
Also had to replace both Front Shock Absorbers, plus front brakes and pads 2 years ago.
Replaced the runflats for non-runflats 3 years ago, but will probably go back to them soon. The mileage was only 3k last year.
So overall, pretty reliable. We've been looking at F56s, but can't justify it for a small mileage. The build quality looks good along with better materials, but there is something about the R56 I prefer.
We have an R55 clubman and an F57 Convertible, the R series cars have better steering and feel like a Mini, the F series cars feel like BMWs. The R55 can seat 4 - well actually 5 but you wouldn't want to. Mine has been reliable too, it had the HPFP, however these are now £450 from Neo's and £700 from Mini.
If you want extra space go for a Clubman Cooper S I've had mine 6 years and the only car I can find to change it for is a V8 Mustang.
If you want extra space go for a Clubman Cooper S I've had mine 6 years and the only car I can find to change it for is a V8 Mustang.
stevemcs said:
We have an R55 clubman and an F57 Convertible, the R series cars have better steering and feel like a Mini, the F series cars feel like BMWs. The R55 can seat 4 - well actually 5 but you wouldn't want to. Mine has been reliable too, it had the HPFP, however these are now £450 from Neo's and £700 from Mini.
If you want extra space go for a Clubman Cooper S I've had mine 6 years and the only car I can find to change it for is a V8 Mustang.
Thanks. Space isn't as important as a small footprint is important as as this is going to be very much a city car. I have a V8 E Class Estate for load lugging and distance work.If you want extra space go for a Clubman Cooper S I've had mine 6 years and the only car I can find to change it for is a V8 Mustang.
To be honest my wife is now veering towards a Fiat 500. There happened to be a line of them near the MINI's at the place we went at the weekend.
I'd been clambering in and out of the back of an F56 and struggling badly. My wife was trying to get me interested at a 4 door MINI but I though it was too long for our purposes (it's Mondeo-sized) so then she pointed at one of the 500's and said "try one of them". I laughed, got the keys to one, tipped the back set forward and I was in the back seat no bother.
They're surprisingly spacious for such a tiny car and at the same time they're much shorter and narrower car, too. They're actually not competitors to a MINI at all - more with the likes of Up's, 108's and Aygo's. Nothing like the safety structures of a MINI of course either. Wouldn't want to get hit by anything but then again I didn't want to get hit in the Clio over the last 15 years either.
Anyway, the 500 is a totally different proposition from the MINI but turns out to be the format that might suit the pair of us better.
R55 Clubman is longer in the wheelbase than the R56, overall length is just under 4mtrs.
On the Fiats, you need the twin air, the exhausts rust, the front lower arms last around 3 years and are a faff to swap. Servicing is a bit more expensive as you need more specific oil for the multi air. They eat daytime running lights and you will lose skin changing them.
Personally the Hyundai i10 is a better car as is the VW UP, if its practicality you want both are better cars. Neither have the character of the 500 or Mini though
On the Fiats, you need the twin air, the exhausts rust, the front lower arms last around 3 years and are a faff to swap. Servicing is a bit more expensive as you need more specific oil for the multi air. They eat daytime running lights and you will lose skin changing them.
Personally the Hyundai i10 is a better car as is the VW UP, if its practicality you want both are better cars. Neither have the character of the 500 or Mini though
stevemcs said:
R55 Clubman is longer in the wheelbase than the R56, overall length is just under 4mtrs.
On the Fiats, you need the twin air, the exhausts rust, the front lower arms last around 3 years and are a faff to swap. Servicing is a bit more expensive as you need more specific oil for the multi air. They eat daytime running lights and you will lose skin changing them.
Personally the Hyundai i10 is a better car as is the VW UP, if its practicality you want both are better cars. Neither have the character of the 500 or Mini though
I've suggested all sorts of alternatives - the Up!, the Panda, Aygo's and all manner of sensible city 4 doors be they petrol, hybrid or electric. I've tried Suzuki Swift, i10's, fiestas and Polos. On the Fiats, you need the twin air, the exhausts rust, the front lower arms last around 3 years and are a faff to swap. Servicing is a bit more expensive as you need more specific oil for the multi air. They eat daytime running lights and you will lose skin changing them.
Personally the Hyundai i10 is a better car as is the VW UP, if its practicality you want both are better cars. Neither have the character of the 500 or Mini though
But it always comes back to a MINI or a 500.
It's a style thing. It's what my wife wants to be seen driving and that's it.
You can't fight that with logic. It's pointless :-)
Edited by AC43 on Tuesday 1st October 12:38
AC43 said:
I've suggested all sorts of alternatives - the Up!, the Panda, Aygo's and all manner of sensible city 4 doors be they petrol, hybrid or electric. I've tried Suzuki Swift, i10's, fiestas and Polos.
But it always comes back to a MINI or a 500.
It's a style thing. It's what my wife wants to be seen driving and that's it.
You can't fight that with logic. It's pointless :-)
Been there!But it always comes back to a MINI or a 500.
It's a style thing. It's what my wife wants to be seen driving and that's it.
You can't fight that with logic. It's pointless :-)
Edited by AC43 on Tuesday 1st October 12:38
A few points which may help you...
As it happens beyond our current Cooper S we own a VW Up! which is used by our eldest daughter. The Up! is a really good car and is better to drive and seems better built than the previous Fiat 500 that we owned. The issue with the Fiat for me was that bits started to fall off and it just didn't feel that it was going to last. As it happens it didn't last as it was written off in an accident where thankfully my daughter walked out of it without any injury or whiplash. That was impressive seeing the state of the car and the Ford Focus involved in the crash so it can't be all bad.
The Fiat is cute but its not a mini and not even an Up! in my opinion. However my wife will drive the Up! under sufferance when the only other available option is walking which is somewhat unfair on this good little car.....
AgentM said:
AC43 said:
I've suggested all sorts of alternatives - the Up!, the Panda, Aygo's and all manner of sensible city 4 doors be they petrol, hybrid or electric. I've tried Suzuki Swift, i10's, fiestas and Polos.
But it always comes back to a MINI or a 500.
It's a style thing. It's what my wife wants to be seen driving and that's it.
You can't fight that with logic. It's pointless :-)
Been there!But it always comes back to a MINI or a 500.
It's a style thing. It's what my wife wants to be seen driving and that's it.
You can't fight that with logic. It's pointless :-)
Edited by AC43 on Tuesday 1st October 12:38
A few points which may help you...
As it happens beyond our current Cooper S we own a VW Up! which is used by our eldest daughter. The Up! is a really good car and is better to drive and seems better built than the previous Fiat 500 that we owned. The issue with the Fiat for me was that bits started to fall off and it just didn't feel that it was going to last. As it happens it didn't last as it was written off in an accident where thankfully my daughter walked out of it without any injury or whiplash. That was impressive seeing the state of the car and the Ford Focus involved in the crash so it can't be all bad.
The Fiat is cute but its not a mini and not even an Up! in my opinion. However my wife will drive the Up! under sufferance when the only other available option is walking which is somewhat unfair on this good little car.....
On any objective level it makes no sense.
BUT my wife is determined. And, oddly enough, after having sat in one for the first time the other day, I actually liked it too. A feeling which might well fade one I've fixed the umpteenth door handle/suspension arm/DRL etc etc etc.
My wife even took a picture of the version she wants; a dark blue metallic one with the pale interior. A tiny 500 to go with mine. LOL.
stevemcs said:
Its the DRL's that will get you.
Has she considered the Abarth ? Which engine have you chosen ?
My wife's not bothered about the engine. On balance I'd have the 1.4 as it's pretty bombproof and I could pick one up for peanuts.Has she considered the Abarth ? Which engine have you chosen ?
BUT she'd rather have something a bit newer which means a Twinair to get the same errr "power".
I was originally tempted by an Abarth as the typical bloke/PH response but then decided it was overkill for the job in hand which is entirely doing short trips in Zone 2 London bouncing over speedbumps. Sounds like the ride in the standard 500 is hardly limo like. Plus with a more basic 500 you get all the cheapness on insurance/fuel/tax/parts and so on. And in a couple of years my elder kid will want to learn to drive.
It's intended to replace a Clio which has done the urban thing for a very surprising 15 years. It still scrubs up well but the a/c compressor has packed up. Otherwise we'd keep it going until ULEZ arrives in this part of town.
Edited by AC43 on Tuesday 1st October 21:32
stevemcs said:
Would it not be cheaper to put the compressor on the Clio ?
Yes it would be cheaper. But a new compressor for the Clio is £600-ish which is way more than the car's "worth". Plus I just happen to have the cash at the moment.stevemcs said:
The 1.4 is a cracking little car, i had one as a rental in Jersey many years ago, it loved to be thrashed.
Stop it. Now my wife's given me the colour she wants all I can find are 1.2's...........Edited by AC43 on Tuesday 1st October 23:10
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