Cooper buying advice
Discussion
Hi. Have just got back from test driving a "mk1" 55 plate Cooper, my first one, and have to say it was a great little drive. I'm drawn to the comfort factor of buying from a main dealer, but am wondering about the real value of paying the dealer premium and whether the warranty for example is worth it. Being told about £120+vat/hr for labour, I nearly choked on my coffee and thought am i going to end up spending out on labour charges for repairs that aren't covered by the warranty just so as not to invalidate it.
Any advice from other PHers?
I like the Park Lane model too, mainly cos it's close to the Cooper S grey that I love.
I've also heard that the new shape is much better and more reliable than the old. Is this true?
Cheers guys, and hope to be joining the long list of Mini owners soon!
Any advice from other PHers?
I like the Park Lane model too, mainly cos it's close to the Cooper S grey that I love.
I've also heard that the new shape is much better and more reliable than the old. Is this true?
Cheers guys, and hope to be joining the long list of Mini owners soon!
Hi Gavin......still haven't taken the plunge yet? Looks like you still have the TVR then.
Bought a late 2007 Cooper S last month to replace Sue's 2005 Cooper which was rear-ended and written off in November by an 18 year old in a Corsa. When do they learn??
So, have experience of old and new model Coopers. We were going to buy another Cooper but ended up with such a spectacular deal on a Cooper S, that we hardly paid much more than a basic Cooper of similar vintage.
Email me with your phone number and will point you in the right direction but take it from me, the new model is light years better than the old one.
Cheers
Brent
Bought a late 2007 Cooper S last month to replace Sue's 2005 Cooper which was rear-ended and written off in November by an 18 year old in a Corsa. When do they learn??
So, have experience of old and new model Coopers. We were going to buy another Cooper but ended up with such a spectacular deal on a Cooper S, that we hardly paid much more than a basic Cooper of similar vintage.
Email me with your phone number and will point you in the right direction but take it from me, the new model is light years better than the old one.
Cheers
Brent
looks a bit less tidy some how - especially from the rear - too much exposed suspension and exhaust.
also the bonnet arrangement looks a bit naff now they have change the the way the wheel arch trim isnt part of the opening section.
suspect its cheaper to manufacture that way
should have left it as it was
also the bonnet arrangement looks a bit naff now they have change the the way the wheel arch trim isnt part of the opening section.
suspect its cheaper to manufacture that way
should have left it as it was
err IMHO still uglier
and it's that good ehh....
"his old chestnut? MINI will deny strenuously there's anything amiss and there probably isn't but the old line 'they all do that mate' is a bit worn out these days. My wife's old MCS did this on start up which was exacerbated by cold weather and is something to do with the direct injection system failing to lubricate on initial start up - sounds like a Massey Ferguson to begin with and disappears when warmed up?
The present factory JCW has also started exhibiting this behaviour three months into ownership, possibly as it spent Christmas in a warmer climate and was suddenly returned to -10c and then to the UK's current weather. I'm fairly disappointed as the factory JCW is significantly different to the stock internals found on the MCS Works version but as there have been numerous 'fixes' none of which seemed to have worked, I think you'll have to put up with it."
BMW still manage to get away with it
and it's that good ehh....
"his old chestnut? MINI will deny strenuously there's anything amiss and there probably isn't but the old line 'they all do that mate' is a bit worn out these days. My wife's old MCS did this on start up which was exacerbated by cold weather and is something to do with the direct injection system failing to lubricate on initial start up - sounds like a Massey Ferguson to begin with and disappears when warmed up?
The present factory JCW has also started exhibiting this behaviour three months into ownership, possibly as it spent Christmas in a warmer climate and was suddenly returned to -10c and then to the UK's current weather. I'm fairly disappointed as the factory JCW is significantly different to the stock internals found on the MCS Works version but as there have been numerous 'fixes' none of which seemed to have worked, I think you'll have to put up with it."
BMW still manage to get away with it
If you are looking to buy an R50 Cooper, then the best bit of advice is to make sure its the facelifted model.
As well as the cosmetic updates that were made to exterior bumpers, and internal dash layout parts to decrease the rattles, the key thing that was changed was the gear box.
Pre-facelift you will have the very unreliable midlands gearbox, a contract that BMW were stuck with thanks to the Rover days, and the facelifted model has a much more trustworth Getrag box.
and as you can imagine the gearbox is not a cheap bit to have go on you.
Then if you are considering the R56 model, the main difference here is that you don't want a launch car, there were numerous problems with them to start with such as fuel pumps, inner wheel arch liners falling off, clutch problems on some and timing chain recall too.
Personally I prefer the old R50/R53 model, its more fun, its more involving, its more like a mini. But the R56 model is good in the aspect that its more of a modern car, more of a little BMW than the previous model was, a lot more refined.
As well as the cosmetic updates that were made to exterior bumpers, and internal dash layout parts to decrease the rattles, the key thing that was changed was the gear box.
Pre-facelift you will have the very unreliable midlands gearbox, a contract that BMW were stuck with thanks to the Rover days, and the facelifted model has a much more trustworth Getrag box.
and as you can imagine the gearbox is not a cheap bit to have go on you.
Then if you are considering the R56 model, the main difference here is that you don't want a launch car, there were numerous problems with them to start with such as fuel pumps, inner wheel arch liners falling off, clutch problems on some and timing chain recall too.
Personally I prefer the old R50/R53 model, its more fun, its more involving, its more like a mini. But the R56 model is good in the aspect that its more of a modern car, more of a little BMW than the previous model was, a lot more refined.
Edited by Rakey on Wednesday 21st January 12:03
Rakey said:
If you are looking to buy an R50 Cooper, then the best bit of advice is to make sure its the facelifted model.
As well as the cosmetic updates that were made to exterior bumpers, and internal dash layout parts to decrease the rattles, the key thing that was changed was the gear box.
Pre-facelift you will have the very unreliable midlands gearbox, a contract that BMW were stuck with thanks to the Rover days, and the facelifted model has a much more trustworth Getrag box.
and as you can imagine the gearbox is not a cheap bit to have go on you.
Then if you are considering the R56 model, the main difference here is that you don't want a launch car, there were numerous problems with them to start with such as fuel pumps, inner wheel arch liners falling off, clutch problems on some and timing chain recall too.
Personally I prefer the old R50/R53 model, its more fun, its more involving, its more like a mini. But the R56 model is good in the aspect that its more of a modern car, more of a little BMW than the previous model was, a lot more refined.
Thanks Rakey. I wasn't aware there was a facelift R50 model. I thought there was an old new Mini, and the new new Mini which has a seemingly higher mounted body, different headlights, side indicators that touch the bonnet/wing join etc. If there's a facelift old shape Mini, when did that come in, and how can i tell it is one apart?As well as the cosmetic updates that were made to exterior bumpers, and internal dash layout parts to decrease the rattles, the key thing that was changed was the gear box.
Pre-facelift you will have the very unreliable midlands gearbox, a contract that BMW were stuck with thanks to the Rover days, and the facelifted model has a much more trustworth Getrag box.
and as you can imagine the gearbox is not a cheap bit to have go on you.
Then if you are considering the R56 model, the main difference here is that you don't want a launch car, there were numerous problems with them to start with such as fuel pumps, inner wheel arch liners falling off, clutch problems on some and timing chain recall too.
Personally I prefer the old R50/R53 model, its more fun, its more involving, its more like a mini. But the R56 model is good in the aspect that its more of a modern car, more of a little BMW than the previous model was, a lot more refined.
Edited by Rakey on Wednesday 21st January 12:03
Cheers
Gavstar said:
Rakey said:
If you are looking to buy an R50 Cooper, then the best bit of advice is to make sure its the facelifted model.
As well as the cosmetic updates that were made to exterior bumpers, and internal dash layout parts to decrease the rattles, the key thing that was changed was the gear box.
Pre-facelift you will have the very unreliable midlands gearbox, a contract that BMW were stuck with thanks to the Rover days, and the facelifted model has a much more trustworth Getrag box.
and as you can imagine the gearbox is not a cheap bit to have go on you.
Then if you are considering the R56 model, the main difference here is that you don't want a launch car, there were numerous problems with them to start with such as fuel pumps, inner wheel arch liners falling off, clutch problems on some and timing chain recall too.
Personally I prefer the old R50/R53 model, its more fun, its more involving, its more like a mini. But the R56 model is good in the aspect that its more of a modern car, more of a little BMW than the previous model was, a lot more refined.
Thanks Rakey. I wasn't aware there was a facelift R50 model. I thought there was an old new Mini, and the new new Mini which has a seemingly higher mounted body, different headlights, side indicators that touch the bonnet/wing join etc. If there's a facelift old shape Mini, when did that come in, and how can i tell it is one apart?As well as the cosmetic updates that were made to exterior bumpers, and internal dash layout parts to decrease the rattles, the key thing that was changed was the gear box.
Pre-facelift you will have the very unreliable midlands gearbox, a contract that BMW were stuck with thanks to the Rover days, and the facelifted model has a much more trustworth Getrag box.
and as you can imagine the gearbox is not a cheap bit to have go on you.
Then if you are considering the R56 model, the main difference here is that you don't want a launch car, there were numerous problems with them to start with such as fuel pumps, inner wheel arch liners falling off, clutch problems on some and timing chain recall too.
Personally I prefer the old R50/R53 model, its more fun, its more involving, its more like a mini. But the R56 model is good in the aspect that its more of a modern car, more of a little BMW than the previous model was, a lot more refined.
Edited by Rakey on Wednesday 21st January 12:03
Cheers
Have a read of this http://www.mini2.com/2006/11/04/the-new-mini-a-bri...
Gives a good overall summary of model changes and how to spot the differences. Bumpers give it away most of all on the Cooper when looking from the outside, then changes to lights etc.
Anything else just ask
I have had both Coopers (R50 &R56) and both have their good and bad points. The R50 I found has a bit more feel in the handling, induction noise which I loved. Also lots of independent tuners and servicing around. neg points were compared to the R56 the R50 only has 5 gears, not as good on fuel & tax, not as safe as the 5 star NCAP that the new MINI has achieved.
The pos points on the R56, has a more modern predictable feel and bmw build, great on fuel and tax, a lot more refined on the motorway with a sixth ratio. As for styling - the R56 really has grown on me, it needs to be lowered for that sleeker look... Oh and you def need 16" plus wheels on the R56 as the 15"s just look lost.
The pos points on the R56, has a more modern predictable feel and bmw build, great on fuel and tax, a lot more refined on the motorway with a sixth ratio. As for styling - the R56 really has grown on me, it needs to be lowered for that sleeker look... Oh and you def need 16" plus wheels on the R56 as the 15"s just look lost.
Gavstar said:
Brilliant, thanks for the link to that guide - very useful!
I'm now looking for a low mileage R50 facelift Cooper with Chili pack and as many extras as possible, in silver or black, on a 55 or 05 plate. There's a lot of high milers out there but i'm holding out....
Not sure where you are or what you budget is, but if you want to buy from a dealer I highly recommend Derek Woodmans near Blackpool, thats where I've brought our last 2 from and we travel up from Swindon to do so.I'm now looking for a low mileage R50 facelift Cooper with Chili pack and as many extras as possible, in silver or black, on a 55 or 05 plate. There's a lot of high milers out there but i'm holding out....
They currently have a black Cooper on their site too.
Price:£8,490
Derek Woodman
Whitehills Business Park
Blackpool FY4 5PQ
01253 765500
www.derekwoodmanmini.co.uk
Mileage:37,212
Transmission:Manual
Fuel:Petrol
Exterior:Black II
Interior:Clth/Lea OCTAGON Black
Reg. Date:April 2005
Supermega said:
I have had both Coopers (R50 &R56) and both have their good and bad points. The R50 I found has a bit more feel in the handling, induction noise which I loved. Also lots of independent tuners and servicing around. neg points were compared to the R56 the R50 only has 5 gears, not as good on fuel & tax, not as safe as the 5 star NCAP that the new MINI has achieved.
The pos points on the R56, has a more modern predictable feel and bmw build, great on fuel and tax, a lot more refined on the motorway with a sixth ratio. As for styling - the R56 really has grown on me, it needs to be lowered for that sleeker look... Oh and you def need 16" plus wheels on the R56 as the 15"s just look lost.
Agree on the lowering, and larger wheels, another option to make the R56 look a bit better is the body colour the arches, as the size of these on the R56 is much larger than on the old model The pos points on the R56, has a more modern predictable feel and bmw build, great on fuel and tax, a lot more refined on the motorway with a sixth ratio. As for styling - the R56 really has grown on me, it needs to be lowered for that sleeker look... Oh and you def need 16" plus wheels on the R56 as the 15"s just look lost.
Rakey said:
Gavstar said:
Brilliant, thanks for the link to that guide - very useful!
I'm now looking for a low mileage R50 facelift Cooper with Chili pack and as many extras as possible, in silver or black, on a 55 or 05 plate. There's a lot of high milers out there but i'm holding out....
Not sure where you are or what you budget is, but if you want to buy from a dealer I highly recommend Derek Woodmans near Blackpool, thats where I've brought our last 2 from and we travel up from Swindon to do so.I'm now looking for a low mileage R50 facelift Cooper with Chili pack and as many extras as possible, in silver or black, on a 55 or 05 plate. There's a lot of high milers out there but i'm holding out....
They currently have a black Cooper on their site too.
Price:£8,490
Derek Woodman
Whitehills Business Park
Blackpool FY4 5PQ
01253 765500
www.derekwoodmanmini.co.uk
Mileage:37,212
Transmission:Manual
Fuel:Petrol
Exterior:Black II
Interior:Clth/Lea OCTAGON Black
Reg. Date:April 2005
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