Possibly first Cooper S....

[Rtype]

Hi Guys,

I am flirting with the idea of trading my Type R (EP3, worth bugger all, 9k miles P.A Workhorse) for something a bit more modern as it a 2003 plate.

Looking at equally fun vehicles has steered me in this direction and a particularly nice looking model here:

http://www.millfieldgarage.co.uk/used-cars/mini-ha...

I have heard of some horror storied of Mini's of this era and wondered whether purchasing an example such as this might be asking for trouble?

Whilst I am not adverse to maintaining cars, my type R has probably required (servicing aside) £800 worth of repairs in the past 6 years.

Do you think, if all checks out this looks like a good example.. is it a DSG? (didn't think they did this)

Really common horror problems to walk away from?(reading the buyers guide as we type)

Thanks in advance..

[sad61t]

Rtype said:

Hi Guys,

I am flirting with the idea of trading my Type R (EP3, worth bugger all, 9k miles P.A Workhorse) for something a bit more modern as it a 2003 plate.

Looking at equally fun vehicles has steered me in this direction and a particularly nice looking model here:

http://www.millfieldgarage.co.uk/used-cars/mini-ha...

I have heard of some horror storied of Mini's of this era and wondered whether purchasing an example such as this might be asking for trouble?

Whilst I am not adverse to maintaining cars, my type R has probably required (servicing aside) £800 worth of repairs in the past 6 years.

Do you think, if all checks out this looks like a good example.. is it a DSG? (didn't think they did this)

Really common horror problems to walk away from?(reading the buyers guide as we type)

Thanks in advance..

Looks a clean example, with a good selection of options including the 17" alloys, upgraded air-con and xenons. It's missing heated seats if bum warmers are your thing. Mid-2012 was the changeover from the N14 to the N18 engine (the former was more susceptible to the timer chain issues). More info on the differences here: http://new.minimania.com/MINI_Cooper_Engine_Compar...

Looks like it has the standard hifi which you might want to upgrade. The head unit is fixed, but changing the speakers and adding amps will improve the sound.

The sat-nav is the dealer fit accessory (about £300 fitted) that is attached behind the rev counter, and can be moved round it on an arc to best suit your eye-line. It can also be unclipped and carried with you as it's a customised Garmin Nuvi.

Auto-box is an Asin 6-speed torque converter, quite solid. There's a selection of operating modes: normal; normal+paddles (that reverts to normal after about 10 seconds); sport (by moving the stick to the left, it holds gear longer); and sport+paddles that allows you to control the gearbox manually excepting stall and over-rev. There's also a sequential mode that's similar to sport+paddles, but you move the stick forwards and backwards once in the sport position. Changes are not bad and you can smooth them quite effectively by anticipating the change and feathering the throttle momentarily (it's a case of learning the box).

The sport mode on the gearbox is different from the sport mode button (optional? look for it on one of the three buttons just in front of the gearbox selection lever) as that also reduces the servo on the steering, so it becomes heavier, and sharpens the throttle mapping.

Without stitching in the seat squab, the Gravity leather seats do sag quickly (typical for BMW leather) so don't be surprised if the driver's seat looks well used.

[mikey P 500]

Do you need an auto, I personally think a Manuel suits the cooper S alot more.

[Boogs]

Looks like a nice car and has the N18 engine.

That said it seems a tad expensive to me. To put that into context it is more expensive than my sons new car (which I consider he paid top whack for) , below. Which has all of the options of this car, plus JCW body kit, JCW steering Wheel, the rare BBS alloys, Championship leather. As an ex demo just about every option ticked and some that should only have been available on a JCW. Newer, less miles (20K), Main dealer and came with TLCXL

Edited by Boogs on Wednesday 4th May 23:45

[Rtype]

Hi All,

Thank you all for your responses, they are all very gratefully received.

Sad61t, thank you for taking the time on that response with regards to all the key components and the comparison, that really is excellent and covers my main concerns.

Ash73, Mileage is apparently 27,000 & the MOT history seems to support this. I would need to check the amount of owners it has had and presumably walk away if over 3.

Mikey - Don't need an auto at all, I am not adverse to having an automatic though either. I am after a particularly clean example with leather seats and in my nearby area (45 miles) this is the tidiest I found.

Boogs - Thanks for the comment, I agree it looks more than I was prepared to pay and am aiming for nearer the 10k mark. I know that it may be not acceptable to the dealer but overall I'm happy with it and if all seems ok I'm happy to meet somewhere with him. Can I ask what your son paid?

Rtype

[Boogs]

£12,500, but that included Servicing up for another 5 years and 12 months mini backed warranty and franchise dealer mark up! To be fair, I'd expect a "Normal" 2012 "S" to be nearer £11K at a franchised dealer. Non Franchise seemed to be around £10K - £10.5K. The one shown looks nice so I'd have thought something around £11-£11.5 would be reasonable, unless the Auto box attracts a major premium.

All just my opinion of course.

[johnoz]

Rtype, we all love minis and you will find there is a very wide choice to choose from, your best bet is to look every where and a little further away as you will always find just what you want.

Here is a couple i pulled off AT, Leather, some with nav, and a Works. see what you think.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

[martipearce]

Have you looked at leasing? You can get some from £250 a month fully kitted out (without JCW)