Discussion
Hi, would be grateful for a few pointers.
The missus has a Yaris and wishes to swap it for a Mini convertible and I'd be interested in any comments and opinions.
Firstly, what's the difference between a ONE, COOPER and COOPER S? Loads of information on the net, but I haven't found a comparison. Insurance looks higher between them, but the engine size looks similar.
Are there any years/models that are problematic?
Having had lots of convertible cars myself I'm not so sure on this and would rather find one with the panoramic roof. The reason is I can't see us taking it off on most of our short trips to the supermarket/station and any nice long runs we'd be in the other car.
And air conditioning - is this a standard item? I note many adverts say they have it but there again some people list power steering in ads!
One other thing, she's a new driver and very comfortable with the Yaris having learnt and passed in it. Is a Mini also nice & easy for a new driver or is she going to be smashing it into things (like she did when she drove my car for the first time 0 "new wheels please"
)
Thanks!
Ben
The missus has a Yaris and wishes to swap it for a Mini convertible and I'd be interested in any comments and opinions.
Firstly, what's the difference between a ONE, COOPER and COOPER S? Loads of information on the net, but I haven't found a comparison. Insurance looks higher between them, but the engine size looks similar.
Are there any years/models that are problematic?
Having had lots of convertible cars myself I'm not so sure on this and would rather find one with the panoramic roof. The reason is I can't see us taking it off on most of our short trips to the supermarket/station and any nice long runs we'd be in the other car.
And air conditioning - is this a standard item? I note many adverts say they have it but there again some people list power steering in ads!
One other thing, she's a new driver and very comfortable with the Yaris having learnt and passed in it. Is a Mini also nice & easy for a new driver or is she going to be smashing it into things (like she did when she drove my car for the first time 0 "new wheels please"
)Thanks!
Ben
Just to start:
One, basic car.
Copper, a bit quicker some more extras.
Copper S, Much quicker old ones are supper charged and new ones are turbo.
On all minis there are a large number of options and option sets (chilly pack etc). It would be worth posting you budget. The only thing I would say is the copper S is probably a bit high on costs for a new driver and a bit quick.
One, basic car.
Copper, a bit quicker some more extras.
Copper S, Much quicker old ones are supper charged and new ones are turbo.
On all minis there are a large number of options and option sets (chilly pack etc). It would be worth posting you budget. The only thing I would say is the copper S is probably a bit high on costs for a new driver and a bit quick.
The MINI is a similar size to the Yaris and easy to drive - driven normally it's completely benign, even in wet conditions, but it they have a great little chassis so they're good fun too!
So, yes I'm sure she would be fine moving to one from the Yaris.
The mk.2 has a 5-star EuroNCAP rating while the mk.1 has 4 stars. Most models have a bunch of electronic aids too, but you'll have to look at a few specific models to see what.
Models:
- One is the entry-level model (around 90 bhp)
- Cooper is the mid-range model (around 120 bhp)
- Cooper S is the sporty model (around 170 bhp)
Most cars are specced with option packs with include things like air con, sports seats, leather wheel, bigger wheels etc. These include the Salt / Pepper packs (mk.1 Mini One) and the Chilli pack.
My main piece of advice is to be aware that the cars ride better on smaller wheels, so 16" is probably optimum for grip-style-comfort-tyres.
For a new driver, I think the One would dish up all the safety / fun they would need - you can find out a few PH's opinions of the One here.
So, yes I'm sure she would be fine moving to one from the Yaris.
The mk.2 has a 5-star EuroNCAP rating while the mk.1 has 4 stars. Most models have a bunch of electronic aids too, but you'll have to look at a few specific models to see what.
Models:
- One is the entry-level model (around 90 bhp)
- Cooper is the mid-range model (around 120 bhp)
- Cooper S is the sporty model (around 170 bhp)
Most cars are specced with option packs with include things like air con, sports seats, leather wheel, bigger wheels etc. These include the Salt / Pepper packs (mk.1 Mini One) and the Chilli pack.
My main piece of advice is to be aware that the cars ride better on smaller wheels, so 16" is probably optimum for grip-style-comfort-tyres.
For a new driver, I think the One would dish up all the safety / fun they would need - you can find out a few PH's opinions of the One here.
Edited by Wilburo on Tuesday 21st July 16:25
pikey said:
And air conditioning - is this a standard item? I note many adverts say they have it but there again some people list power steering in ads!
I believe it's only been a standard item since about March this year, before that Air Con was an option on all models, it's considered unwise to spec a MINI without it but obviously some may not.As covered before there's two main era's of new MINIs, the MK2 (or R56) was introduced in 2006 and it looks pretty much the same externally despite every single body panel being different. Most people seem to favour the MK2, it's criticised for having slightly less steering feedback and a rather marmite interior but the new engine and gearbox combo is a beaut.
Accelebrate said:
As covered before there's two main era's of new MINIs, the MK2 (or R56) was introduced in 2006 and it looks pretty much the same externally despite every single body panel being different. Most people seem to favour the MK2, it's criticised for having slightly less steering feedback and a rather marmite interior but the new engine and gearbox combo is a beaut.
Except that the convertible remained as the R53 until earlier this year...........mini2 has an article in the FAQ's describing the models / changes.......Wilburo said:
The MINI is a similar size to the Yaris and easy to drive - driven normally it's completely benign, even in wet conditions, but it they have a great little chassis so they're good fun too!
So, yes I'm sure she would be fine moving to one from the Yaris.
The mk.2 has a 5-star EuroNCAP rating while the mk.1 has 4 stars. Most models have a bunch of electronic aids too, but you'll have to look at a few specific models to see what.
Models:
- One is the entry-level model (around 90 bhp)
- Cooper is the mid-range model (around 120 bhp)
- Cooper S is the sporty model (around 170 bhp)
Most cars are specced with option packs with include things like air con, sports seats, leather wheel, bigger wheels etc. These include the Salt / Pepper packs (mk.1 Mini One) and the Chilli pack.
My main piece of advice is to be aware that the cars ride better on smaller wheels, so 16" is probably optimum for grip-style-comfort-tyres.
For a new driver, I think the One would dish up all the safety / fun they would need - you can find out a few PH's opinions of the One here.
And a John Cooper Works is the crazy one (around 210 bhp for an R53 mk II)......So, yes I'm sure she would be fine moving to one from the Yaris.
The mk.2 has a 5-star EuroNCAP rating while the mk.1 has 4 stars. Most models have a bunch of electronic aids too, but you'll have to look at a few specific models to see what.
Models:
- One is the entry-level model (around 90 bhp)
- Cooper is the mid-range model (around 120 bhp)
- Cooper S is the sporty model (around 170 bhp)
Most cars are specced with option packs with include things like air con, sports seats, leather wheel, bigger wheels etc. These include the Salt / Pepper packs (mk.1 Mini One) and the Chilli pack.
My main piece of advice is to be aware that the cars ride better on smaller wheels, so 16" is probably optimum for grip-style-comfort-tyres.
For a new driver, I think the One would dish up all the safety / fun they would need - you can find out a few PH's opinions of the One here.
Edited by Wilburo on Tuesday 21st July 16:25
esuuv said:
Accelebrate said:
As covered before there's two main era's of new MINIs, the MK2 (or R56) was introduced in 2006 and it looks pretty much the same externally despite every single body panel being different. Most people seem to favour the MK2, it's criticised for having slightly less steering feedback and a rather marmite interior but the new engine and gearbox combo is a beaut.
Except that the convertible remained as the R53 until earlier this year...........mini2 has an article in the FAQ's describing the models / changes.......I've got the pano roof on mine, it's no convertible but it is great when the sun's out.
Cub911 said:
Wilburo said:
The MINI is a similar size to the Yaris and easy to drive - driven normally it's completely benign, even in wet conditions, but it they have a great little chassis so they're good fun too!
So, yes I'm sure she would be fine moving to one from the Yaris.
The mk.2 has a 5-star EuroNCAP rating while the mk.1 has 4 stars. Most models have a bunch of electronic aids too, but you'll have to look at a few specific models to see what.
Models:
- One is the entry-level model (around 90 bhp)
- Cooper is the mid-range model (around 120 bhp)
- Cooper S is the sporty model (around 170 bhp)
Most cars are specced with option packs with include things like air con, sports seats, leather wheel, bigger wheels etc. These include the Salt / Pepper packs (mk.1 Mini One) and the Chilli pack.
My main piece of advice is to be aware that the cars ride better on smaller wheels, so 16" is probably optimum for grip-style-comfort-tyres.
For a new driver, I think the One would dish up all the safety / fun they would need - you can find out a few PH's opinions of the One here.
And a John Cooper Works is the crazy one (around 210 bhp for an R53 mk II)......So, yes I'm sure she would be fine moving to one from the Yaris.
The mk.2 has a 5-star EuroNCAP rating while the mk.1 has 4 stars. Most models have a bunch of electronic aids too, but you'll have to look at a few specific models to see what.
Models:
- One is the entry-level model (around 90 bhp)
- Cooper is the mid-range model (around 120 bhp)
- Cooper S is the sporty model (around 170 bhp)
Most cars are specced with option packs with include things like air con, sports seats, leather wheel, bigger wheels etc. These include the Salt / Pepper packs (mk.1 Mini One) and the Chilli pack.
My main piece of advice is to be aware that the cars ride better on smaller wheels, so 16" is probably optimum for grip-style-comfort-tyres.
For a new driver, I think the One would dish up all the safety / fun they would need - you can find out a few PH's opinions of the One here.
Edited by Wilburo on Tuesday 21st July 16:25
Don't buy a JCW if you're going r53. Get a standard one and add a reduced pulley and new IC. Cheaper and better.
The original convertible kept the R53 design until only a couple of months ago - the ride is more jittery than the newer model. I have heard that the hood is a bit fragile (as in the owner was worried about going outside the warranty while waiting for the new model) and also bulky so the rear vision is non-existent; this meant that Mini included the rear park sensors as standard on the convertible. And Mini put nothing as standard (it's a BMW remember) - air-con is an option until very recently when it got included to make the car look more competitive in the credit crunch world.
The double sun-roof is very good and well worth considering vs the convertible - it makes the rear seats a far more pleasant experience. Depending on your budget you may be able to get the newer R56 model if you go for the sun-roof as the new convertible is pretty much only available as new. In addition to the extra luggage space the tintop may prove more reliable in the long term too.
Economy wise, the ONE and Cooper are very similar; the figures are better on the ONE but in real life you have to wring it out to make progress. (Avoid the R53 diesel - total slow-boat!) On a back-to-back test drive the ONE was dead below 2500 RPM and not easy to hustle out of junctions. Also heard from a neighbour with a R53 ONE that it was underpowered; the MINI is a heavy car. I went for the R56 Cooper and am 90% happy (yes the S would've been icing on the cake but the real-life consumption is mid 30s, but the Cooper is 50s). From mid-08 you get the AutoStartStop, a nice feature - it does help. It needed a few thousand miles on the clock before it gelled - engine freed up and the tires bedded in; until that happened I preferred my old 55 plate Panda 1.1!
On the options list there are various packs - older models are Salt & Pepper, later ones Pepper & Chili. The Cooper S has a stiffer suspension package. Basically until you get to look at the car, it's difficult to tell exactly what it will have. Main things to look for are air-conditioning; only a few poverty spec ONEs will be missing this as nearly everyone will have specced it or the Chili pack. Look for the extra buttons that indicate the higher spec climate control; that's the only thing I wish I had splashed out for.
Tire wise, the 16" on run-flats or 17" on normal (i.e. not from a dealer) seem to be the sweet spot; unless you are on perfect tarmac the 17" run-flats tram-line too much for my taste. I eventually down-specced to 15" non-run-flats to avoid kerbed alloys on my daily commute and am glad I did as I've nudged the kerb a couple of times threading gaps (Panda was super-skinny). Friend with Ed30 Golf has a wife, and some badly scuffed alloys after only a couple of months.
Headlights on the R53 are glimmer bright & a poor pattern - the design was form over function. The later R53s are a bit better, but until the R56 the lighting is a definite weak point. The halogen option is a good thing to look for (it can't be retro-fitted as the wiring loom is different), and is aesthetically pleasing too.
On the whole there are plenty around, so take a long look - I'm sure you will fall for it.
The double sun-roof is very good and well worth considering vs the convertible - it makes the rear seats a far more pleasant experience. Depending on your budget you may be able to get the newer R56 model if you go for the sun-roof as the new convertible is pretty much only available as new. In addition to the extra luggage space the tintop may prove more reliable in the long term too.
Economy wise, the ONE and Cooper are very similar; the figures are better on the ONE but in real life you have to wring it out to make progress. (Avoid the R53 diesel - total slow-boat!) On a back-to-back test drive the ONE was dead below 2500 RPM and not easy to hustle out of junctions. Also heard from a neighbour with a R53 ONE that it was underpowered; the MINI is a heavy car. I went for the R56 Cooper and am 90% happy (yes the S would've been icing on the cake but the real-life consumption is mid 30s, but the Cooper is 50s). From mid-08 you get the AutoStartStop, a nice feature - it does help. It needed a few thousand miles on the clock before it gelled - engine freed up and the tires bedded in; until that happened I preferred my old 55 plate Panda 1.1!
On the options list there are various packs - older models are Salt & Pepper, later ones Pepper & Chili. The Cooper S has a stiffer suspension package. Basically until you get to look at the car, it's difficult to tell exactly what it will have. Main things to look for are air-conditioning; only a few poverty spec ONEs will be missing this as nearly everyone will have specced it or the Chili pack. Look for the extra buttons that indicate the higher spec climate control; that's the only thing I wish I had splashed out for.
Tire wise, the 16" on run-flats or 17" on normal (i.e. not from a dealer) seem to be the sweet spot; unless you are on perfect tarmac the 17" run-flats tram-line too much for my taste. I eventually down-specced to 15" non-run-flats to avoid kerbed alloys on my daily commute and am glad I did as I've nudged the kerb a couple of times threading gaps (Panda was super-skinny). Friend with Ed30 Golf has a wife, and some badly scuffed alloys after only a couple of months.
Headlights on the R53 are glimmer bright & a poor pattern - the design was form over function. The later R53s are a bit better, but until the R56 the lighting is a definite weak point. The halogen option is a good thing to look for (it can't be retro-fitted as the wiring loom is different), and is aesthetically pleasing too.
On the whole there are plenty around, so take a long look - I'm sure you will fall for it.
Thanks for all the feedback, especially Sad61T !
Where I'm coming round to is the Cooper. Reason being that the One sounds just too slow, whereas the S would be more expensive on insurance. When we choice the Yaris they had a 1.0, 1.3 and 1.6 and it was the same the 1.0 was wheezy, 1.6 too much for what she needs & insurance and the 1.3 just right.
Also very much staying with my original thought of panoramic roof, rather than convertible.
Cheers, will let you know how I get on.
Where I'm coming round to is the Cooper. Reason being that the One sounds just too slow, whereas the S would be more expensive on insurance. When we choice the Yaris they had a 1.0, 1.3 and 1.6 and it was the same the 1.0 was wheezy, 1.6 too much for what she needs & insurance and the 1.3 just right.
Also very much staying with my original thought of panoramic roof, rather than convertible.
Cheers, will let you know how I get on.
pikey said:
Regarding the roof, is there one option of two sunroofs and another of a full glass sunroof?
In a search with "panoramic roof" and looking at the images it seems two types are available..
On the R53 & R56 Mini the outside looks like there's a single cut-out in the roof, but it's actually in two parts with a beam between the B-pillars. You can either tilt both:In a search with "panoramic roof" and looking at the images it seems two types are available..
(This is a Clubman pic, but it's the same concept.)
or open the front one fully -_ so it winds back over the rear one (that closes) and pops up a wind-deflector:
There was an aftermarket 'Panoramic' sunroof for the R53:
(more info here) so maybe that's the other one you've seen.
sad61t said:
pikey said:
Regarding the roof, is there one option of two sunroofs and another of a full glass sunroof?
In a search with "panoramic roof" and looking at the images it seems two types are available..
On the R53 & R56 Mini the outside looks like there's a single cut-out in the roof, but it's actually in two parts with a beam between the B-pillars. In a search with "panoramic roof" and looking at the images it seems two types are available..
Thanks
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