Mini Cooper S

[MISTADOBALINA]

Morning gents ,

Looking to be spending around 4-5k on a car as a daily , the cooper s has caught my attention , which is the best model to go for?

maybe someone can point me in the right direction on what to look out for

thanks

[MDifficult]

I'd start here - then I'm sure folks will be happy to help with any additional questions?

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

[Challo]

MISTADOBALINA said:

Morning gents ,

Looking to be spending around 4-5k on a car as a daily , the cooper s has caught my attention , which is the best model to go for?

maybe someone can point me in the right direction on what to look out for

thanks

The buying guides are a good source of information and should help. Your budget gets you good examples of both so really its up to you. I have owned both so can add my thoughts:

2002-2006 - R53
Supercharge whine very addictive
Well built cars, with reliable engines and gearboxes
Easy to modify for more power, very easy to customise
Ride is hard, especially on runflats
Not great on fuel compared to the later car
Prices are going up for good examples
Interiors are not great, lots of squeaks / rattles

2006-2013 - R56
Turbo provides different power delivery.
Improved build quality over the 1st Gen cars
The N14 and N18 engines both have issues (Valve Stems, Fuel Pumps, Chain Tensioners) which can be expensive when fail. Alot will have been replaced by now (check service history) Needed to have regular oil changes to minimise the issues.
The N18 is the more reliable engine
R56 has a much improved interior
More comfortable as a daily
Good MPG
With this generation of Mini they also made a R55 Clubman with a Cooper S engine. Same performance figures but you get a boot as well to make it more practical.

Both cars have huge followings, lots of ways to get more power and modify your car. They are very spec dependent as well, and some owners went crazy on the options lists.

Like anything check the service history, and make sure its been looked after.

I had an early R53, and I drive a R55 Cooper S at the moment, so feel free to ask any questions. While I loved the R53 and the supercharger noise, as a daily I prefer the later 2nd gen cars as they are more comfy as a daily.

[MISTADOBALINA]

Challo said:

The buying guides are a good source of information and should help. Your budget gets you good examples of both so really its up to you. I have owned both so can add my thoughts:

2002-2006 - R53
Supercharge whine very addictive
Well built cars, with reliable engines and gearboxes
Easy to modify for more power, very easy to customise
Ride is hard, especially on runflats
Not great on fuel compared to the later car
Prices are going up for good examples
Interiors are not great, lots of squeaks / rattles

2006-2013 - R56
Turbo provides different power delivery.
Improved build quality over the 1st Gen cars
The N14 and N18 engines both have issues (Valve Stems, Fuel Pumps, Chain Tensioners) which can be expensive when fail. Alot will have been replaced by now (check service history) Needed to have regular oil changes to minimise the issues.
The N18 is the more reliable engine
R56 has a much improved interior
More comfortable as a daily
Good MPG
With this generation of Mini they also made a R55 Clubman with a Cooper S engine. Same performance figures but you get a boot as well to make it more practical.

Both cars have huge followings, lots of ways to get more power and modify your car. They are very spec dependent as well, and some owners went crazy on the options lists.

Like anything check the service history, and make sure its been looked after.

I had an early R53, and I drive a R55 Cooper S at the moment, so feel free to ask any questions. While I loved the R53 and the supercharger noise, as a daily I prefer the later 2nd gen cars as they are more comfy as a daily.

thanks for all that , iv just seen this one and im not sure if the MOT is any good?

https://www.rapidcarcheck.co.uk/mot?RegPlate=lr08+...

[Challo]

MISTADOBALINA said:

thanks for all that , iv just seen this one and im not sure if the MOT is any good?

https://www.rapidcarcheck.co.uk/mot?RegPlate=lr08+...

MOT history looks good for the last few years, shows that its been looked after.

Is there an advert you can share?

[MISTADOBALINA]

Challo said:

MOT history looks good for the last few years, shows that its been looked after.

Is there an advert you can share?

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103240534460?model=HATCH&price-to=5000&aggregatedTrim=Cooper%20S&price-from=2000&postcode=bb115fa&radius=50&sort=relevance&onesearchad=New&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=Used&make=MINI&year-to=2010&advertising-location=at_cars&include-delivery-option=on&page=1


THANKS

[Challo]

MISTADOBALINA said:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103240...


THANKS

Price looks ok, but does seem a little light on the spec front. As its an N14 car, you need to really check the history and confirm if the tensioner has been replaced, and also the fuel pump.

If you have FB join the R56 and R53 owners club groups. Loads of information, and often lots of cars for sale.