Mini Cooper S

[bighop]

I'm looking at picking one of these up in the new year. Budget of around 12K.

Was looking at something along these lines:-

https://www.hiltongarage.co.uk/used-mini-hatch-coo...

It'll be used daily for work which is 20odd miles each way on mostly back roads. Good choice or not? Anything I should be looking out for?

Thanks.

[pb8g09]

On my phone that link takes me to a selection of Countryman(men)

What’s the reason for purchase?- looking for Mini experience or do you have a specific brief?- reason being, why not get an older mini (late R56 or late R53) and save £6k+ for a better driving experience?

[bighop]

Just fancied a change tbh. Never thought about the older models, just looked for something newish and nippy for around that price. I'm all ears to suggestions at this point, I'm in no rush but would like a change next year at some point.

[jonwm]

I've just bought a R53 to get me through the lease drought, I've fallen in love with it, best £2k I've.spent on a car! Get an older one

[bighop]

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010155...

Should have been the car linked orginally.

[esuuv]

They’re great - i did 50k in a 65 plate JCW, mix of motorway and cross country.

Get rid of the runflats if it has them - mine had a few strange electrical gremlins but all good apart, just routine service parts taking it from 10k to 60k.

You can retrofit carplay for £200 - we’ve just done this on my girlfriends 16 plate convertible S - brings the nav right up to date.

[ChrisH72]

The mini was on my list. They look great but ultimately I was put off by potential BMW running costs (I had a BMW).

I went for the Fiesta ST3 which was cheaper and had a better reputation as a driver's car. The interior isn't as good as the mini though.

Also consider the 208 GTi by Peugeot sport which is a bit more exclusive.

[cerb4.5lee]

bighop said:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010155...

Should have been the car linked orginally.

I've had my F56 Cooper S 3dr over 3 years now and I still love it. They are great fun to throw down a nice back road, but they also do long distances well too. Mine does 40mpg as well which I think is pretty decent given the performance that it offers.

Mine originally had the factory fit Michelin Primacy 3 tyres on it(not run flats), but they were totally crap. I've swapped to Michelin PS4 now, and it has transformed the feel of the car and they are loads better. It just grips and goes now, whereas the Primacy tyres would just spin up everywhere in comparison.