2007/8 Cooper Non-S - thoughts?

[anonymous-user]

Right. Should be buying one of these over the next few days.

Thoughts?

Only 19, so 120 brake and 60 in under 10 is very decent poke.
Interior nice enough with the right options.

What I really want to know is a) these are good fun aren't they? Most of the mags seem to rate them as being such.
b) with the newer engines and gearbox, and general refinements, these are relatively reliable? Any known problems?

Many thanks

[rosejem]

Great fun car , don't be put off by the standard 15 inch wheels most have 16 or 17 but with 15 they are ride & handle really well. Good luck!

[eatcustard]

09-10 plate minis Cooper and S have weak engines, so be careful

[anonymous-user]

eatcustard said:

09-10 plate minis Cooper and S have weak engines, so be careful

Believe that was mostly just the Cooper S from 09/10?

Edited by anonymous-user on Sunday 17th January 20:05

[Honsta]

I'm sure these are more fun than a 1.25 Fiesta, which is what I had when I was 19.

I guess you just need to be prepared for problems that may occur. Timing chains, power steering pump failure are just a couple but it's a real luck of the draw if you buy a good or bad one. The car would be coming up to eight to nine years old, so expect the worse (and put some money aside) and if things do need fixing, you won't be struggling to find the cash to fix it.

These are great cars to drive, I drive a 2006 Mini and having owned it for three years, I can't seem me wanting to replace it anytime soon. Also, the only thing that has ever gone wrong with mine was a leaking engine mount, which with the right tools is only a couple of hours on a weekend to change. I've been very lucky with mine (but can't say that for all) - it's just luck of draw as I said before.

Enjoy.

[mike9009]

Honsta said:

I'm sure these are more fun than a 1.25 Fiesta, which is what I had when I was 19.

I guess you just need to be prepared for problems that may occur. Timing chains, power steering pump failure are just a couple but it's a real luck of the draw if you buy a good or bad one. The car would be coming up to eight to nine years old, so expect the worse (and put some money aside) and if things do need fixing, you won't be struggling to find the cash to fix it.

These are great cars to drive, I drive a 2006 Mini and having owned it for three years, I can't seem me wanting to replace it anytime soon. Also, the only thing that has ever gone wrong with mine was a leaking engine mount, which with the right tools is only a couple of hours on a weekend to change. I've been very lucky with mine (but can't say that for all) - it's just luck of draw as I said before.

Enjoy.

Hi

The OP is asking about the second gen Cooper (2007/8)

First gen cars (2000-2006) suffer from power steering pump failures (all models seem susceptible reading the forums, although I suspect larger wheeled (17"+) alloys contribute to early demise??.). Leaking engine mounts affect first gen cars too.

Second gen Cooper S models suffer with timing chain tensioner issues and excessive oil consumption. Our R55 (Clubman S 2007) likes a drink of oil. The other apparent issue of Cooper S models is the thermostat housing leaking and failing. The std Cooper does not exhibit any of these issues.

Second gen Cooper models don't seem to exhibit many single point failures, based on my reading of forums.

I hope this clarifies for the OP. Honstas post seems to cover all faults of every generation but missed the weak gearboxes on 2000-2004 Coopers and Ones!

Mike

Edited by mike9009 on Monday 18th January 21:39

[anonymous-user]

Thank you very much for all the advice, have managed to get one from TMC - a Maidenhead specialist which also does good value services etc. Very straightforward salesman with a complete absence of BS. I'll have it in a couple of days so will post a pic or two.

Bloody excited really, as I took it out for a short test drive on very unexciting roads, yet had a good time as it's the first car I've driven which was clearly engineered by people who understand the concept of 'going for a drive' vs. just having to drive somewhere.

Lovely pedal weights, driving position, gearbox, steering, smooth engine that's sounds good for a relatively ordinary 4 pot, etc.

Interior has a few cheap plastics but it's got full black leather with a bit of white leather to liven things up, and is ultimately a nice and interesting place to be.

This weekend's going to be fun!

Cheers

[Honsta]

mike9009 said:

Hi

The OP is asking about the second gen Cooper (2007/8)

First gen cars (2000-2006) suffer from power steering pump failures (all models seem susceptible reading the forums, although I suspect larger wheeled (17"+) alloys contribute to early demise??.). Leaking engine mounts affect first gen cars too.

Second gen Cooper S models suffer with timing chain tensioner issues and excessive oil consumption. Our R55 (Clubman S 2007) likes a drink of oil. The other apparent issue of Cooper S models is the thermostat housing leaking and failing. The std Cooper does not exhibit any of these issues.

Second gen Cooper models don't seem to exhibit many single point failures, based on my reading of forums.

I hope this clarifies for the OP. Honstas post seems to cover all faults of every generation but missed the weak gearboxes on 2000-2004 Coopers and Ones!

Mike

Edited by mike9009 on Monday 18th January 21:39

Fair point Mike. Apologies to the OP as I forgot the second generation came out at the end of 2006, so we're talking about different models.

[Honsta]

Days Like These said:

Thank you very much for all the advice, have managed to get one from TMC - a Maidenhead specialist which also does good value services etc. Very straightforward salesman with a complete absence of BS. I'll have it in a couple of days so will post a pic or two.

Bloody excited really, as I took it out for a short test drive on very unexciting roads, yet had a good time as it's the first car I've driven which was clearly engineered by people who understand the concept of 'going for a drive' vs. just having to drive somewhere.

Lovely pedal weights, driving position, gearbox, steering, smooth engine that's sounds good for a relatively ordinary 4 pot, etc.

Interior has a few cheap plastics but it's got full black leather with a bit of white leather to liven things up, and is ultimately a nice and interesting place to be.

This weekend's going to be fun!

Cheers

You said you bought it from a TMC specialist in Maidenhead? Are you from the area? Just asking as there's a small Berkshire Mini group and we try and meet for food and a drive. Next one is in February, so if you're from the area, feel free to join.

Enjoy the car.

[mike9009]

Honsta said:

Fair point Mike. Apologies to the OP as I forgot the second generation came out at the end of 2006, so we're talking about different models.

No worries - sorry if I came across a little stroppy!