Mini Cooper S

[Norman Verona]

I currently have a Honda Civic Type R for everyday use. Fantastic car but I can't get comfortable in it. To sit comfortably with the seat set so I can see the speedo and Tacho means I'm stretching to reach the clutch pedal. If I move the seat closer I have to raise the wheel and I'm not comfortable. I've been driving it for a year so no chance it will get better.

 

I've been looking at an alternative and stumbled across the Mini Cooper S. I can get one for circa £4,500 with 45-60k mileage and FSH.

 

Anyone got any experience with them and can advise what to look out for.

 

Thanks

[Dommo]

There was a thread on here recently but I think the general idea is the ones to get are the facelift, so 05 onwards I think. Has the rear fog in the bumper not the reverse lights.

[Norman Verona]

Dommo, is that a cosmetic or mechanical choice?

[Captain Colonial]

http://forum.wscc.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic/107355-thinking-of-buying-a-mini/

[Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman)]

Cosmetically worse, (to many), but electrically much better. Not sure mechanically.

[Rhett Turner - Black Country AO]

The early one's had a super charger and the later are turbo, for the Cooper S that is.

[Dommo]

Dommo, is that a cosmetic or mechanical choice?

Mechanical - post facelift (so still the supercharger version) they fitted the later generation superchargers plus different gear ratios (one and cooper got stronger boxes full stop).

[Norman Verona]

Dommo, many thanks. So I'm looking for a fog lamp in the bumper and the modular rear lights.

[Dommo]

This has pretty pictures

http://www.minitorque.com/forum/f29/r53-cooper-s-prefacelift-vs-facelift-guide-29996/

[blue ass fly]

Early ones used a crappy peugeot derived gbox

Face lift used a ford derived one

Supercharged ones very thirsty - get a turbo

[Norman Verona]

BAF, Not to concerned about fuel, only do about 5000 miles a year.

 

I think I've worked it out. 

 

163 BHP with reverse light in rear bumper is mark 1 up to 2004/5     }

170 BHP with fog light in rear bumper is mark 2 . from 2005 to 2006 } both are supercharged 

175 BHP with twin rear fog lamps in bumper is turboed. from 2006

 

Main options seem to be. 

Full Leather

6 cd player

twin instruments

sat nav

trip computer

sun roof(s)

 

 

I'd prefer the 2004/6 170 bhp s/charged model with full leather, twin instruments, trip computer and sun roof. Price between £5000 & £6000.

 

However, before even looking for one I've got to sell the Honda. If it was LHD it would be worth 9,500€ so I'm advertising it at 7,500€. One would think it'd go like poo off a shovel (it does, but that's not what I mean). However this is France and they are a nightmare to sell to.

 

So far the ad has been looked at 322 times and I haven't had one phone call yet.

 

The fall back position is, if it doesn't sell, to make some brackets and raise the seat, which may help.

[Rhett Turner - Black Country AO]

Norm,

 

have you tried we buy any car and the like to see what you would get if you popped it back over the channel. 

[blue ass fly]

Worth a punt

However they offered me 8k for a brera that was booked at 12k trade in

No wonder they stand on with their offers

[Norman Verona]

Problem with bringing it home to sell is that it's got French plates. It's against UK law to drive it in the UK if you live in the UK. So, it's £55 registration fee, an MOT, RFL, insurance cert and a 10 day wait to get a new V5c. I'd get about £3,000 for it in the UK whereas, in France they are worth much more. The web site (www.lacentrale.fr) values mine at 9,500€ so I've now got it at 7,500€. 322 views but still no phone call.

[Speed Freak]

get yourself a mazda 3 mps. its front wheel drive like the others, but has ample power @ 247 bhp- is extremely comfortable- infact Id say its the most comfortable car Ive ever driven- I did lots of miles in it, as I drove it from Germany to England every year- I owned the civic type r before that, and I used to be crippled when I arrived in England- so for comfort and power, the mazda 3 mps wins hands down... spec is really good as well- bose sound, 6 cd changer in dash NOT BOOT! xenon lights- go for the half leather like I had, then you have heated seats as well--- you can pick up a good second hand one, for roughly the same prices as youre quoting.

 

hope this helps.

Tim

 

p.s oh and forgot to say, that in 3 years ownership, had not one problem with it!