Just another Mini (R56)
Discussion
Picked it up on Monday after having a miserable Sunday of wasted time and mileage with a big chain dealer and a bunch of crooks posing as "trade salespeople" who were actually a bunch of scumbags trying to flog their family and friend's old s
tboxes literally on the streets or from their own driveways.
Anyway, it's just a bog standard 2012 Cooper 1.6 petrol but the misses loves it (first car I've ever half owned with anyone) and apparently Minis are bit special where she's from.
I got it from a Mini specialist in Maidenhead and couldn't believe how good their stock was. The inside is mint and you'd never believe the age/mileage given how clean it is.
Already replaced the antenna as it was old and corroded. Also have a set of new centre wheel caps in the post as the ones on there now are worn to hell. There's also a set of nice replacement LED side indicators I've seen on Amazon which might be making an appearance soon.
We're really liking it so far and I used to lease a couple of Gen 3 Minis through my old job so this has reminded how fun they can be.
It's been a good first week with it and hopefully it'll serve well.
The only "mod" made so far, little bee-sting antenna
This was the gift tin the dealer also gave us with the car
tboxes literally on the streets or from their own driveways.Anyway, it's just a bog standard 2012 Cooper 1.6 petrol but the misses loves it (first car I've ever half owned with anyone) and apparently Minis are bit special where she's from.
I got it from a Mini specialist in Maidenhead and couldn't believe how good their stock was. The inside is mint and you'd never believe the age/mileage given how clean it is.
Already replaced the antenna as it was old and corroded. Also have a set of new centre wheel caps in the post as the ones on there now are worn to hell. There's also a set of nice replacement LED side indicators I've seen on Amazon which might be making an appearance soon.
We're really liking it so far and I used to lease a couple of Gen 3 Minis through my old job so this has reminded how fun they can be.
It's been a good first week with it and hopefully it'll serve well.
The only "mod" made so far, little bee-sting antenna
This was the gift tin the dealer also gave us with the car
Very nice, looks so clean.
I bought a later F55 Cooper S last year. I’d been running only Alfas for years, however I needed to rationalise running and servicing costs. I was told the Mini would be unreliable, and 12 months later I’ve done 20,000 miles, It’s been serviced, had front tyres and rear pads and nothing else!
Still got one Alfa as a toy, however the Mini has been a revelation to me.
I bought a later F55 Cooper S last year. I’d been running only Alfas for years, however I needed to rationalise running and servicing costs. I was told the Mini would be unreliable, and 12 months later I’ve done 20,000 miles, It’s been serviced, had front tyres and rear pads and nothing else!
Still got one Alfa as a toy, however the Mini has been a revelation to me.
Lovely car! I had the same R56 1.6 n/a and it was a hoot to drive, albeit not particularly fast.
I expect you already know about the channel swap but if not, get it done as it costs £0 and gives much better sound.
For a cheap exterior upgrade you can swap the standard spoiler for the Cooper S one, only involves undoing 4 bolts and the spoiler is a direct replacement. Looks much better IMO.
LED projector puddle lights are a bit of fun, I put some £12 ones in from ebay and they project the mini logo on the floor.
The halogen headlights are pants to the point of almost being dangerous but I don't think there's much you can do about that. I think Philips do an LED replacement that claims to be road legal as it has a built in reflector shield thing but they're like £100+
Oh and for the trim you'll be wanting https://www.gtechniq.co.uk/shop/auto/wheels-trim/c...
I expect you already know about the channel swap but if not, get it done as it costs £0 and gives much better sound.
For a cheap exterior upgrade you can swap the standard spoiler for the Cooper S one, only involves undoing 4 bolts and the spoiler is a direct replacement. Looks much better IMO.
LED projector puddle lights are a bit of fun, I put some £12 ones in from ebay and they project the mini logo on the floor.
The halogen headlights are pants to the point of almost being dangerous but I don't think there's much you can do about that. I think Philips do an LED replacement that claims to be road legal as it has a built in reflector shield thing but they're like £100+
Oh and for the trim you'll be wanting https://www.gtechniq.co.uk/shop/auto/wheels-trim/c...
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