Mini GP1 - should I?

[PompeyPaul]

Hi everyone,

I am currently looking at getting a new car. Budget is 15-20k. I had not even considered a mini until yesterday, when a mate suggested a GP1 which is sub 15k.

WHat are peoples thoughts on them? I have been in an R53 and the supercharger noise is so addictive! Do they drive much better and what are they like as a daily, plus reliability?

I am going to guess around 20MPG daily? Is the ride reasonable on the road and do they justify the premuim over a standard works in peoples opinion?

I only need 2 seats so not worried about practicality. Are they a potential future classic and should values stay consistent or set to drop a lot more?

Thanks in anticipation,

Paul/

[addz86]

Yes do it, I'm on my second after wandering to a Exige and couldn't wait to get back into one!

Ride is good but the runflats ruin it, as soon as mine are dead I'll be going for some Michelin super sports, super charger whine is addictive, I've got a ITG filter and de flapped mine and sounds excellent!

Did my first track day at Cadwell in mine on Saturday and it was faultless, loads of fun and plenty fast enough to keep up with bigger stuff

[dycecooper]

Do it!

I'm on my second too after regretting selling the first one

[hughcam]

I would go for a low mile standard MCS for half the price. If you get a 2005 checkmate or runout model you also get the same lsd as the gp1. One you have changed the pulley to a 15% and ditched the runflats you have 95% of the car for half the price. And you dont have the gash bodykit. All in my opinion.

[cronk-flakes]

I just picked up my GP1 on Saturday. Absolutely incredible fun.

Agree that the run-flats are awful. My old JCW had run-flats and the ride was terrible, but I have Goodyear Eagle F1s on the GP and it rides so much nicer.

Also, get the airbox deflapped for MOAR WHINE

[terryb]

Paul, you could get into a GP2 at the upper end of your budget. I assume you're in Portsmouth - if you are then I could show you my GP2 and take you out for a blast

[PompeyPaul]

terryb said:

Paul, you could get into a GP2 at the upper end of your budget. I assume you're in Portsmouth - if you are then I could show you my GP2 and take you out for a blast

Hi Terry. Thanks for the kind offer, I sure am!

[PompeyPaul]

hughcam said:

I would go for a low mile standard MCS for half the price. If you get a 2005 checkmate or runout model you also get the same lsd as the gp1. One you have changed the pulley to a 15% and ditched the runflats you have 95% of the car for half the price. And you dont have the gash bodykit. All in my opinion.

Thanks for the input. Another interesting consideration!

[terryb]

PompeyPaul said:

terryb said:

Paul, you could get into a GP2 at the upper end of your budget. I assume you're in Portsmouth - if you are then I could show you my GP2 and take you out for a blast

Hi Terry. Thanks for the kind offer, I sure am!

Although mine is running a good few horses more than standard thanks to my friends at DMS

[Marchutch]

You could have a look at my build thread for a little inspiration regarding where these cars can be taken performance wise.

You do pay a premium over a Cooper S but, in my opinion, it is a premium worth paying if you can afford one, for the rarity and cool factor. Even if you mod the crap out of it, it's still a GP.....

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...