Which model for 50 mile commute ?
Discussion
That will be R56 territory and I believe the Cooper Ds of that era are pretty reliable. The R55 clubman is also an option for a slightly more versatile loading space.
I had the R55 MCS for six years and it was fine despite some horror stories with that particular engine and it's timing chain.
We now have a 2015 F55 Cooper D which seems good so far too. You do pay a little premium with the MINIs but the driving experience is worth it IMO.
The R56 can be a little low rent in terms of spec. So, check it has what you want. For example Bluetooth was a cost option and was missing on my car. Changing the stereo is nigh on impossible as it is all integrated with the Speedo.
Then everything else will be the same checks as with any 10 year old car.
I had the R55 MCS for six years and it was fine despite some horror stories with that particular engine and it's timing chain.
We now have a 2015 F55 Cooper D which seems good so far too. You do pay a little premium with the MINIs but the driving experience is worth it IMO.
The R56 can be a little low rent in terms of spec. So, check it has what you want. For example Bluetooth was a cost option and was missing on my car. Changing the stereo is nigh on impossible as it is all integrated with the Speedo.
Then everything else will be the same checks as with any 10 year old car.
Turn7 said:
Thanks for the reply !
Do you know which models/engines are to be avoided ?
Internet is failing me today.
All the diesel models/ engines are fine (sorry, I don't know the engine codes for the diesel models)Do you know which models/engines are to be avoided ?
Internet is failing me today.
N14 and to a lesser extent N18 engines are to be avoided. ( Basically the petrol MINI Cooper S engines). But even they can be okay but check out 'death rattle' threads in you are considering one.
Mike
I have a mini 1 "Baker Street". 2012. it looks like a cooper. I have a diesel, it is brilliant on fuel. I use it for learners who as you imagine are not easy on fuel and still get 52-55 mpg teaching. when i drive it (sensibly) i can get near on 70 mpg but that is not fun
It costs nothing to tax, the model i have ran until 2013 so you should get a decent one within your budget.
Mine is on 192k, still on it's first clutch. make sure you get it serviced as required and i think you'll find it a decent car to run and drive.
If you can try to get one with a spare wheel. (I had a puncture at the start of a bank holiday weekend and had to wait 5 days for a new tyre, so a pain)
it only has a 40 litre tank, but that should last you between 400-500 miles
rear leg room is "POOR", boot is small. Ideal 2 person car.
It costs nothing to tax, the model i have ran until 2013 so you should get a decent one within your budget.
Mine is on 192k, still on it's first clutch. make sure you get it serviced as required and i think you'll find it a decent car to run and drive.
If you can try to get one with a spare wheel. (I had a puncture at the start of a bank holiday weekend and had to wait 5 days for a new tyre, so a pain)
it only has a 40 litre tank, but that should last you between 400-500 miles
rear leg room is "POOR", boot is small. Ideal 2 person car.
Probably going to anger a lot of PH with this post but...
Have you looked at using that £6k as deposit and some payments on the MINI electric? a 50 mile commute with occasional A/B road fun is perfect for a small electric car, you'll have minimal 'fuel' costs if you charge at home, and full warranty/tiny running costs on top of that.
I've not run the numbers but for relative certainty of cost over three years could be a good way to go?
Just a thought
Have you looked at using that £6k as deposit and some payments on the MINI electric? a 50 mile commute with occasional A/B road fun is perfect for a small electric car, you'll have minimal 'fuel' costs if you charge at home, and full warranty/tiny running costs on top of that.
I've not run the numbers but for relative certainty of cost over three years could be a good way to go?
Just a thought
Gassing Station | New MINIs | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff