newbie to Mini
Discussion
Seeking some help.
The missus wants a Mini. 5dr, black on with white hood & stripes and heated seats - to share her requirements.
This has resulted in me searching and the rabbit hole has been well and truly found.
Getting stripes and roof covered after market makes sense as it opens up the cars on offer.
She likes the look of the Copper as opposed to Classic.
OK
Heated seats means it needs a Comfort Pack (or be an Exclusive).
OK
But then there is the 1.5 Cooper or 2.0 Cooper S.
The commute is typically 35miles each day along B roads. She doesn't really hustle her car, BUT likes the look of the Cooper S (with JCW kit).
Am I better off biting the bullet, getting the Copper S and then possibly going out and enjoying it when I can. Or should I try and convince her to get the 1.5 knowing that she is not going to try and extract the last bit of power in it, will probably be better on fuel and insurance?
2018+ model in case that matters.
Anything that I need to be aware of? Any pointers or tips to make for a happy life would be much appreciated.
The missus wants a Mini. 5dr, black on with white hood & stripes and heated seats - to share her requirements.
This has resulted in me searching and the rabbit hole has been well and truly found.
Getting stripes and roof covered after market makes sense as it opens up the cars on offer.
She likes the look of the Copper as opposed to Classic.
OK
Heated seats means it needs a Comfort Pack (or be an Exclusive).
OK
But then there is the 1.5 Cooper or 2.0 Cooper S.
The commute is typically 35miles each day along B roads. She doesn't really hustle her car, BUT likes the look of the Cooper S (with JCW kit).
Am I better off biting the bullet, getting the Copper S and then possibly going out and enjoying it when I can. Or should I try and convince her to get the 1.5 knowing that she is not going to try and extract the last bit of power in it, will probably be better on fuel and insurance?
2018+ model in case that matters.
Anything that I need to be aware of? Any pointers or tips to make for a happy life would be much appreciated.
stevemcs said:
The 1.5 is a great little engne so that wouldn't put me off. Look on Mini approved as they are often cheaper than cars outside the network.
Spec = Price, the ones with the toys command the most and sell quickly.
Thanks.Spec = Price, the ones with the toys command the most and sell quickly.
I've seen some and they do indeed move quick of they have the right packs.
I've got a couple that ticked boxes, but in there is a 2.0 as well as the the 1.5.
A 2018 cooper S vs 2019 Cooper at similar price and miles.
Struggling to decide which one will be better....
She's a teacher so needs reliability, but I'd quite like something to have fun in after selling the Boxster years ago.
Not that I drive for pleasure much, so when the opportunity arises.....
The 1.5 cooper sport would be my choice, plenty powerful enough for everyday needs, the 1499GT would be nice if you can find one.
IMO the problem with the S is for a few quid more you can have a JCW more power and better brakes, fuel consumption is not a lot less either , our JCW over 20k miles has averaged 41mpg, servicing costs would be similar to a S.
IMO the problem with the S is for a few quid more you can have a JCW more power and better brakes, fuel consumption is not a lot less either , our JCW over 20k miles has averaged 41mpg, servicing costs would be similar to a S.
Alex Z said:
I test drove a Cooper and thought it was ok, but not amazing, then bought a Cooper S which is far better and still decent on fuel.
M5-911 said:
Very uncomfortable car. We have one in the household and we never use it for anything other than driving it in town.
Gotto love opinions .... at least it is not consistently derided as one to avoid.Alex Z said:
They did reduce the power output of the Cooper S around 2019 from 192bhp to 178 in the earlier cars
It's 192 bhp (the one she has seen) so that's a good thing. GT4P said:
The 1.5 cooper sport would be my choice, plenty powerful enough for everyday needs, the 1499GT would be nice if you can find one.
Already upped budget to go from an EXCLUSIVE to a Cooper (and perhaps a Cooper S).Also, it needs to be 5dr, so that rules out that model. Same for the JCW ....
GT4P said:
Alex Z said:
They did reduce the power output of the Cooper S around 2019 from 192bhp to 178 in the earlier cars.
This is most likely due to the introduction of GPF September 2018.I would add look for a car pre GPF.
LCI 2(facelift ) is from March 2018
LCI 2 with the horrible grille was in 2021?
Cupid-stunt said:
un1eash said:
Yes LCI was from March 2018 and LCI2 from March 2021.
Have you considered the Clubman? It's more comfortable and easier to live with on long trips.
She's not a fan of the Clubman..... Have you considered the Clubman? It's more comfortable and easier to live with on long trips.
that didn't quite work out as planned ....
Car looked great.
Auto - but that's fine.
No navigation. No option to add it (without going aftermarket and even then I don't know the cost). Yes, use Waze on the phone - but the cabin is so compact that there is no logical place to put the phone and be able to view clearly.
BUT the most annoying part was the noise in the car. It was incredibly loud! Not a partoculalrly pleasant noise as well.
Yes, I'm getting old, but my 13yr old son who spends most of his waking hours with buds in his ears also agreed.
Also, (car was on 17s) the ride on inner city roads was quite crashy. Not enough to warrant not buying the car, but along with the above, it put a real downer on it. On the motorway it was as even louder - even when travelling on different surfaces.... very strange.
Took a 1.5 out and it was less noisy, and with leater seats, the crashiness (sp) was muted somewhat.
The search continues - but in 1.5l flavour.... and in black, with Navigation Pack?
Car looked great.
Auto - but that's fine.
No navigation. No option to add it (without going aftermarket and even then I don't know the cost). Yes, use Waze on the phone - but the cabin is so compact that there is no logical place to put the phone and be able to view clearly.
BUT the most annoying part was the noise in the car. It was incredibly loud! Not a partoculalrly pleasant noise as well.
Yes, I'm getting old, but my 13yr old son who spends most of his waking hours with buds in his ears also agreed.
Also, (car was on 17s) the ride on inner city roads was quite crashy. Not enough to warrant not buying the car, but along with the above, it put a real downer on it. On the motorway it was as even louder - even when travelling on different surfaces.... very strange.
Took a 1.5 out and it was less noisy, and with leater seats, the crashiness (sp) was muted somewhat.
The search continues - but in 1.5l flavour.... and in black, with Navigation Pack?
Cupid-stunt said:
that didn't quite work out as planned ....
Car looked great.
Auto - but that's fine.
No navigation. No option to add it (without going aftermarket and even then I don't know the cost). Yes, use Waze on the phone - but the cabin is so compact that there is no logical place to put the phone and be able to view clearly.
BUT the most annoying part was the noise in the car. It was incredibly loud! Not a partoculalrly pleasant noise as well.
Yes, I'm getting old, but my 13yr old son who spends most of his waking hours with buds in his ears also agreed.
Also, (car was on 17s) the ride on inner city roads was quite crashy. Not enough to warrant not buying the car, but along with the above, it put a real downer on it. On the motorway it was as even louder - even when travelling on different surfaces.... very strange.
Took a 1.5 out and it was less noisy, and with leater seats, the crashiness (sp) was muted somewhat.
The search continues - but in 1.5l flavour.... and in black, with Navigation Pack?
A couple of us told you that before. Very uncomfortable car. Glad you tried it and thought exactly the same as I feel every time I have to drive ours. Car looked great.
Auto - but that's fine.
No navigation. No option to add it (without going aftermarket and even then I don't know the cost). Yes, use Waze on the phone - but the cabin is so compact that there is no logical place to put the phone and be able to view clearly.
BUT the most annoying part was the noise in the car. It was incredibly loud! Not a partoculalrly pleasant noise as well.
Yes, I'm getting old, but my 13yr old son who spends most of his waking hours with buds in his ears also agreed.
Also, (car was on 17s) the ride on inner city roads was quite crashy. Not enough to warrant not buying the car, but along with the above, it put a real downer on it. On the motorway it was as even louder - even when travelling on different surfaces.... very strange.
Took a 1.5 out and it was less noisy, and with leater seats, the crashiness (sp) was muted somewhat.
The search continues - but in 1.5l flavour.... and in black, with Navigation Pack?
M5-911 said:
Cupid-stunt said:
that didn't quite work out as planned ....
Car looked great.
Auto - but that's fine.
No navigation. No option to add it (without going aftermarket and even then I don't know the cost). Yes, use Waze on the phone - but the cabin is so compact that there is no logical place to put the phone and be able to view clearly.
BUT the most annoying part was the noise in the car. It was incredibly loud! Not a partoculalrly pleasant noise as well.
Yes, I'm getting old, but my 13yr old son who spends most of his waking hours with buds in his ears also agreed.
Also, (car was on 17s) the ride on inner city roads was quite crashy. Not enough to warrant not buying the car, but along with the above, it put a real downer on it. On the motorway it was as even louder - even when travelling on different surfaces.... very strange.
Took a 1.5 out and it was less noisy, and with leater seats, the crashiness (sp) was muted somewhat.
The search continues - but in 1.5l flavour.... and in black, with Navigation Pack?
A couple of us told you that before. Very uncomfortable car. Glad you tried it and thought exactly the same as I feel every time I have to drive ours. Car looked great.
Auto - but that's fine.
No navigation. No option to add it (without going aftermarket and even then I don't know the cost). Yes, use Waze on the phone - but the cabin is so compact that there is no logical place to put the phone and be able to view clearly.
BUT the most annoying part was the noise in the car. It was incredibly loud! Not a partoculalrly pleasant noise as well.
Yes, I'm getting old, but my 13yr old son who spends most of his waking hours with buds in his ears also agreed.
Also, (car was on 17s) the ride on inner city roads was quite crashy. Not enough to warrant not buying the car, but along with the above, it put a real downer on it. On the motorway it was as even louder - even when travelling on different surfaces.... very strange.
Took a 1.5 out and it was less noisy, and with leater seats, the crashiness (sp) was muted somewhat.
The search continues - but in 1.5l flavour.... and in black, with Navigation Pack?
It could so easily have been a costly mistake....
The idea of more power is alluring - but ultimately it's going to be used by my wife to get to wrok, ferry kids to various activities.
The lower power, higher spec model will be more suited to that purpose.
OP F56 LCI Minis from 2108 are exceptionally quiet and refined for the class - IF - and only if, you avoid the big wheels and especially the run flat tyres.
Get a Cooper with 15" 195/65 normal tyres - super drivers car
If one of those is noisy it's got mechanical issues and should be avoided
Get a Cooper with 15" 195/65 normal tyres - super drivers car
If one of those is noisy it's got mechanical issues and should be avoided
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