Mini Cooper S first test drive

[nickfrog]

I have always hated the way Minis look, sorry. I can't stand anything retro and they're way overstyled for me, particularly with the hideous decals people put on them everywhere.

BUT, as an ownership/running cost proposition, they're hard to ignore.

I purposely never driven one either as I had a feeling they were great to drive. Until this morning. Drove a 08 Cooper S and I loved it. Never had so much fun since my Clio Williams !! So much grip, balance and torque all nicely working together. Traction is a bit iffy (even in third!!!) but maybe softer tyres would help (T1Rs?).

One question = if I buy a 08 privately where the 3-year warranty has elapsed, would an official Mini dealer be happy to sell me their warranty despite that ? Or is it too late and I'd have to use a third party.

I am keen on a warranty because of the French engine, the rattle and the presence of a turbo.

[Onemcs]

T1r's are the way forward ... literally!

and the mini dealer should offer a years dealer warranty with the car.

Happy motoring

[nickfrog]

Cheers. Just to clarify, are you saying that the Mini dealer would sell me a 1-year warranty DESPITE the car being out of warranty as I am buying privately and it's over 3 years (and obviously not been extended) ? I asked the Mini dealer and he didn't know if I could do it ?

[Onemcs]

Normally when buying a BMW / Mini they offer a year's warranty with the car?

That's why most people like to buy from a dealer with the piece of mind that if anything goes wrong.

Maybe ring another mini dealer ship and see what they say?

[Eviltad]

Onemcs said:

Normally when buying a BMW / Mini they offer a year's warranty with the car?

Nick is buying Private so think his dealer warranty will be stuck. Anyway a third party warranty would be the way forward on this occasion IMO.

[nickfrog]

Thanks for the support, yes indeed I am buying privately as I always like to judge the previous owner's driving habits and assess how careful an owner he/she has been. Should I have to go for third party warranty, who would you suggest ? My main area of need for protection are turbo and obviously camshaft/chain/tensioner areas for potential future weakness.

[jonnydrama]

Try calling the number here http://www.miniwarranty.co.uk/Pages/Information.as...

I know BMW now let you renew warranties that have lapsed (as long as it has FSH) so MINI may likely be the same?