Goodbye MINI Cooper S

Goodbye MINI Cooper S

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Discussion

AndyT77

Original Poster:

1,755 posts

161 months

Friday 26th September 2014
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Well, sorry to say guys but I've just traded my mint 07 MCS for a MkV Golf GTI.

I owned the MINI for around 14 months, and in that time it served me well. I originally purchased it from Williams in Manchester, so paid top dollar for a car from a franchised dealer. I was ok with this, as it was a pleasant experience, and the first time I'd bought a car from a main dealer. I must say, I was very happy with them and the service provided. They prepped the car beautifully, and even removed the union jack roof decals at my partners request.

Over the 14 months of ownership, I took it to a closer franchise to have a look at an engine noise I was a bit sceptical about (having read all the internet horror stories abouth death rattle), and it tunred out it only needed an oil top up. From then on, I religiously checked the oil every week and kept it topped up with Castrol OEM spec oil.

It had OE Continental SSR 3 runflats on, and having swapped fronts to rears after 11 months, I'm sure another 11 months could be had from the set.

On one occasion of spirited driving in the Lake District (my home county), I hit a pheasant, and knocked one of the fog lights out of kilter. I planned on sorting it, but never did as I rarely used the lamps anyway.

Fuel economy was a real advantage of this car, over the 14 months I averaged 34mpg, very good I believe considering the power on tap. And yes I worked this out properly, not just relying on the computer.

The stereo system has come in for a lot of flack, and I believe MINI made some kind of error with hi passing the rear speakers (6x9's), and not the fronts. I must admit, having a bit of a back ground in car audio, I was a little disappointed with the set up, but having grown out of aftermarket systems, I learned to live with it, mostly setting the fader to around 6 or 7 towards the front.

AndyT77

Original Poster:

1,755 posts

161 months

Friday 26th September 2014
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Sorry, wasn't quite finished!

My MCS was specced quite basically, not Multi Function Steering wheel, no climate, no auto dimming mirrors, no blue tooth etc, but it did have Xenon lights, half leather and some rather nice wheels (see pics), which although were refurbed by the dealer prior to handover, started flaking after approx. 6 months. I suppose I should have took it back to them to sort, but I let it slide.

Now onto the driving experience.

Thrilling.

Not much more to add except to say I believe it could have handled a bit more power (175bhp as standard), and that the run flats did make it a bit 'harsh'. I would have swapped for non run flats had I chose to keep it longer.

Interior space was adequate for driver and pax, but I wouldn't have liked to spend much time in the rear seats, even though me and pax are not very tall. The boot space was just enough for a weekend away or a weeks shopping (for two).

So why did I change? Well, a couple of reasons really, paramount being I've always kept my cars for about 3-4 years and with my advancing years I'd like to own a few more interesting pieces of kit before I hang up my proverbial driving gloves, and secondary because I wanted something as quick, but more comfortable,and the Golf GTI fits that bill well.

Would I recommend an R56 MCS to anyone, yes, but you must be aware of its shortcomings and be prepared to keep on top of the maintenance.





Maracus

4,229 posts

167 months

Saturday 27th September 2014
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We've got a later R56 Cooper S, bought from a MINI main dealer. Previous to this we had a MK5 GTI, so went the other way!

It's a second car, so space isn't an issue. For a hoon the MINI would be the choice, for commuting to work it would have been the GTI, it is definitely more refined and comfortable with enough go for making progress.

You'll probably see similar economy, I averaged around 34 in my Golf with 40 possible on a run. Then again, I can see high 40s in the MINI.

Check the aircon is working properly in the Golf, they are prone to compressor failure.

I wish I could run both as a 2nd and 3rd car laugh

Pints

18,444 posts

193 months

Saturday 27th September 2014
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That's almost exactly what Mrs Pints wants to get (it just needs the go faster stripes).

Hope the GTI gives you as much pleasure.

mike9009

6,917 posts

242 months

Saturday 27th September 2014
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Hi

Good to read your end-of-term review. We have an early Clubman S (owned for 3 years) and have a similar spec and ownership experience to you. The stereo is disappointing!

Mike