2013 Cooper SD would you?
Discussion
Mrs Darren9 has decided that she no longer likes her bmw 1 series. We’ve recently moved to a more rural location and rwd has resulted in a couple of slides on wet/muddy/icy roads which has unnerved her.
She previously had an R53 checkmate which she absolutely loved and we’ve found a 2013 Cooper S diesel locally which has a very nice spec.
What should we look for on these cars? I understand the engine is the same as the diesel 1 series so we’re aware of issues with that (chains, egr etc but as the 1 series we have has been fairly reliable were ok with that risk) what mini specific things should we look for if we decide to view?
She previously had an R53 checkmate which she absolutely loved and we’ve found a 2013 Cooper S diesel locally which has a very nice spec.
What should we look for on these cars? I understand the engine is the same as the diesel 1 series so we’re aware of issues with that (chains, egr etc but as the 1 series we have has been fairly reliable were ok with that risk) what mini specific things should we look for if we decide to view?
My wife went from a 2012 bmw1 diesel convertible to a 2012 mini SD convertible so same engine she loves it, and when I give it a clear out it’s great bags of torque pretty quick in sport mode it’s an auto! Handles well you can get the rear to rotate a bit under spirited driving! Most importantly coz it’s so small no parking damage and other cars door damage as it actually fits in the 3m parking spaces! And it only cost 5k six m ago! We’re keeping it till we have to drive a washing machine!
2012 SD owner from new.
Check the MOT History online using the registration number, to help verify the mileage & see all previous MOT's & advisories.
Check the service history bills & receipts.
Check the OBC while stationary with engine running, for miles remaining before next oil service due, front brakes due, rear brakes due, vehicle check due, MOT due - and verify with the service booklet stamps & bills.
Check for clutch slip when you test drive it - put it in 5th gear and floor it from 45mph - if it slips, new clutch (£££) (and/or dual-mass flywheel possibly required ££££).
Turbos typically need replacing somewhere around 100-120k miles - look for oil on the heatshield at the back of the engine.
No worries with the timing chain, ime.
They're cheap as chips to run & service - value service & value brake pads & discs at main MINI dealers are even inexpensive too.
Check the tyres - hopefully not an assortment of different chinese ditchfinders on every corner, and hopefully not runflats either...
Ditch the ditchfinders / horrible tramlining rough-riding runflats (if fitted), and put some PS4's on to gain a far smoother ride & better steer, with loads of extra grip - you won't regret it.
They are great fun to drive, you'll enjoy every mile if you get a good one.
Hth.
Check the MOT History online using the registration number, to help verify the mileage & see all previous MOT's & advisories.
Check the service history bills & receipts.
Check the OBC while stationary with engine running, for miles remaining before next oil service due, front brakes due, rear brakes due, vehicle check due, MOT due - and verify with the service booklet stamps & bills.
Check for clutch slip when you test drive it - put it in 5th gear and floor it from 45mph - if it slips, new clutch (£££) (and/or dual-mass flywheel possibly required ££££).
Turbos typically need replacing somewhere around 100-120k miles - look for oil on the heatshield at the back of the engine.
No worries with the timing chain, ime.
They're cheap as chips to run & service - value service & value brake pads & discs at main MINI dealers are even inexpensive too.
Check the tyres - hopefully not an assortment of different chinese ditchfinders on every corner, and hopefully not runflats either...
Ditch the ditchfinders / horrible tramlining rough-riding runflats (if fitted), and put some PS4's on to gain a far smoother ride & better steer, with loads of extra grip - you won't regret it.
They are great fun to drive, you'll enjoy every mile if you get a good one.
Hth.
Thanks for the help. We missed out on the car we’d seen but the wife has decided it’s exactly what she wants. So the search is on for a Cooper SD with the jcw body kit and wheels.
The only problem is autotrader shows 3 of an acceptable spec for sale in the country, the closest is 75 miles away ...
The only problem is autotrader shows 3 of an acceptable spec for sale in the country, the closest is 75 miles away ...
Good choice!
I'm on my 4th Mini - current one is in fact a 2013 SD, with JCW kit and alloys!
Bought it 2 years ago in March, It's done 75k now.
I actually went looking for a petrol S. Saw this, and it was a better spec than any other (pretty much every option ticked when new) - plus, the remap possibilities offer great potential. Given the future of the diesel, my reckoning was that I can get a petrol S at any other time in the future much easier. The SD gives me around 55 mpg+, often more.
When I bought it, I was lucky - it was around 40 minutes away from home, and had a full Mini dealer history. Everything had been done - new clutch, DPF cleared, the works.
Under my ownership, first job was a stage 1 remap and air filter (took it from 143bhp to just under 200!), and I had a roof graphic applied, something I'd never had done before, and fancied a bit of a change.
Besides regular servicing, I had a rattle for while - took a bit of time to diagnose, but it was one of the chains in the engine (not the main one).Cost around £800 IIRC.
Other than that, I never do tiny journeys, always make sure I get it hot, and only use Premium diesel. Managed to get it into the readers cars' section of Performance Mini last year as well!
Good luck with your search, and enjoy the ride!
I'm on my 4th Mini - current one is in fact a 2013 SD, with JCW kit and alloys!
Bought it 2 years ago in March, It's done 75k now.
I actually went looking for a petrol S. Saw this, and it was a better spec than any other (pretty much every option ticked when new) - plus, the remap possibilities offer great potential. Given the future of the diesel, my reckoning was that I can get a petrol S at any other time in the future much easier. The SD gives me around 55 mpg+, often more.
When I bought it, I was lucky - it was around 40 minutes away from home, and had a full Mini dealer history. Everything had been done - new clutch, DPF cleared, the works.
Under my ownership, first job was a stage 1 remap and air filter (took it from 143bhp to just under 200!), and I had a roof graphic applied, something I'd never had done before, and fancied a bit of a change.
Besides regular servicing, I had a rattle for while - took a bit of time to diagnose, but it was one of the chains in the engine (not the main one).Cost around £800 IIRC.
Other than that, I never do tiny journeys, always make sure I get it hot, and only use Premium diesel. Managed to get it into the readers cars' section of Performance Mini last year as well!
Good luck with your search, and enjoy the ride!
I have a 2012 Mini one, and would buy a 2012/13 in a heart beat.
Mine is on 176k, still on first clutch, only ever had to buy pads and discs, which you would expect. If serviced as required and ignore the "one lady owner" profile would be a good bet
Not looking forward to when clutch dies, as more than likely be worth as much as the car owing to it's age/miles
Mine is on 176k, still on first clutch, only ever had to buy pads and discs, which you would expect. If serviced as required and ignore the "one lady owner" profile would be a good bet
Not looking forward to when clutch dies, as more than likely be worth as much as the car owing to it's age/miles
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