Mini Cooper S (R53)
Discussion
After selling my Vauxhall Astra (http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=1176764) I was searching for something different, a bit quicker and something to enjoy at the weekend. A friend mentioned he was selling his Mini and I knew about the car and decided it was worth a look. The car was low mileage when I purchased it so paid a little over the top, but it was in great condition so worth the price.
The car is a 2002 Mini Cooper S in dark grey with a black roof and 17" alloys. I have done about 14k miles in the car with an average of 25mpg. Its not great, but the majority of my driving is stop start in town. On a run I can see over 30mpg which is good enough for me.
The car has been pretty reliable and only once let me down when the heater matrix failed. Apart from that its just been standard servicing, new rear pads, 4 new tyres to replace the run-flats. I have also changed the Xenon headlight as these are know to fail, and just recently the central locking actuator is playing up which I need to fix.
The car is going up in the classifieds soon but as I spent a few hours cleaning it at the weekend thought it would be good to get some photo's.
The car is a 2002 Mini Cooper S in dark grey with a black roof and 17" alloys. I have done about 14k miles in the car with an average of 25mpg. Its not great, but the majority of my driving is stop start in town. On a run I can see over 30mpg which is good enough for me.
The car has been pretty reliable and only once let me down when the heater matrix failed. Apart from that its just been standard servicing, new rear pads, 4 new tyres to replace the run-flats. I have also changed the Xenon headlight as these are know to fail, and just recently the central locking actuator is playing up which I need to fix.
The car is going up in the classifieds soon but as I spent a few hours cleaning it at the weekend thought it would be good to get some photo's.
Challo said:
25mpg and just over 30 on a run rounds really bad? is that normal for a car like this?
my 265bhp astra vxr gets me 25 around town and between 35-50 on a run depending on how im driving. if i did the entire motorway journey at over 100 i will still expect to see 28
Pixelpeep said:
Challo said:
25mpg and just over 30 on a run rounds really bad? is that normal for a car like this?
my 265bhp astra vxr gets me 25 around town and between 35-50 on a run depending on how im driving. if i did the entire motorway journey at over 100 i will still expect to see 28
I can probably get more on a long trip if I cruise at 65.
delays said:
Following with interest, these are on my ownership radar!
Make sure you buy a facelift with the shorter ratio gearbox (better in gear acceleration), sat nav is desirable because the speedo is relocated to the right place, and post-55 plate cars come with a factory LSD although it's not that good anyway Yours looks a tidy example OP, Dark Silver is the right colour for the R53 IMO
aspirated said:
delays said:
Following with interest, these are on my ownership radar!
Make sure you buy a facelift with the shorter ratio gearbox (better in gear acceleration), sat nav is desirable because the speedo is relocated to the right place, and post-55 plate cars come with a factory LSD although it's not that good anyway Yours looks a tidy example OP, Dark Silver is the right colour for the R53 IMO
Challo said:
carpetsoiler said:
Challo said:
carpetsoiler said:
Did you used to drive a 206 GTi?
Yes I did a Blue one. If I remember you had a grey 206 at the time. Short Update:
After 2 weeks of waiting for the part I managed to fix the drivers door lock accutator on Sunday. Took nearly 3 hours as after replacing the part and putting it all back together I realized I hadn't connected one of the wires correctly so had to take it all apart again.
Much frustration, and a left hand with cuts and scratches looks like I have gone 10rounds with Rocky its all done and working perfectly.
Ad gets placed tonight.
After 2 weeks of waiting for the part I managed to fix the drivers door lock accutator on Sunday. Took nearly 3 hours as after replacing the part and putting it all back together I realized I hadn't connected one of the wires correctly so had to take it all apart again.
Much frustration, and a left hand with cuts and scratches looks like I have gone 10rounds with Rocky its all done and working perfectly.
Ad gets placed tonight.
Challo said:
Short Update:
After 2 weeks of waiting for the part I managed to fix the drivers door lock accutator on Sunday. Took nearly 3 hours as after replacing the part and putting it all back together I realized I hadn't connected one of the wires correctly so had to take it all apart again.
I replaced my passenger door actuator a couple of weeks ago. After 3 days, the part failed, and I had to swap it out again. It's a tricky job, but just as I was putting the 2nd one in, I realised I could have removed the window rail bolt under the door for easier access.After 2 weeks of waiting for the part I managed to fix the drivers door lock accutator on Sunday. Took nearly 3 hours as after replacing the part and putting it all back together I realized I hadn't connected one of the wires correctly so had to take it all apart again.
rufusruffcutt said:
Very nice OP, if you can resist the temptation to modify it and hang on to it, these early cars have future classic written all over them - its already 12 years old!
It actually went up for sale last night. I do love the car but just need more room to be honest. If I didn't need the extra space then I would be changing the pulley and a few other modifications. Challo said:
rufusruffcutt said:
Very nice OP, if you can resist the temptation to modify it and hang on to it, these early cars have future classic written all over them - its already 12 years old!
It actually went up for sale last night. I do love the car but just need more room to be honest. If I didn't need the extra space then I would be changing the pulley and a few other modifications. Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff