RE: Mini Cooper S JCW (R56) | PH Fleet
Discussion
Taz73 said:
So much negativity towards the Mazda 3, these were highly rated as great drivers cars, I get it's no GTi or ST/RS, but it is still a great drive even if not massively quick. Far more interesting than a comparable golf, focus, Leon, 1 series etc.
Agreed, I think they would make quite a nice daily car. I considered one a few years back,but ended up getting a manual BMW 330i wagon. When that recently expired and I wanted another manual daily car with a balance of practicality and involvement, I gave serious consideration to a Mazda 3 Sport 160.
I have only driven a 120bhp one but in my head liken the 160 to the simpler warm hatch cars from a generation ago. Quite light and reasonable power. Possibly similar statistics to a Mk1 Focus ST170.
I can empathise. Recently swapped my mint TTRS Plus for a rather slower Q2. At 150 bhp it's roughly 205 bhp down on theRS+, but 8 years and 20k miles younger. Sobbed all the way to the part-ex, 😪, but needed something more practical that my Mrs could get out of and - as it had only done 190 miles in 4 months - I or the car had to go. 🤣 Still, the 1.5 TFSI Q2's a nice sensible drive, she who must be obeyed is happy and can see over the hedges. Could be interested in an SQ2 tho'....
86wasagoodyear said:
Seems like Matt's living my life !
I used to have an R56 Cooper S. It was great fun on the test drive so bought it - and quickly hated living with it. Too bumpy, absolutely zero steering feel through the wheel, so it went after a few months.
Currently my daily hack is a Mazda 3, but the 2.2d. Got it 6 years ago, never thinking I'd keep it this long, but there's no reason to change it. Maybe the best bit is the controls - perfectly laid out, functional, nice weights, and not too much of anything. I appreciate that every day.
For what I need it for, if I did swap it, top of the list would be the same but petrol like Matt's. They're noticeably lighter at the front than mine, and less understeery. A modded 2.0 petrol would be a lot of fun, despite appearances.
I'm finding just the same thing, just a very nicely done car! Good to hear.I used to have an R56 Cooper S. It was great fun on the test drive so bought it - and quickly hated living with it. Too bumpy, absolutely zero steering feel through the wheel, so it went after a few months.
Currently my daily hack is a Mazda 3, but the 2.2d. Got it 6 years ago, never thinking I'd keep it this long, but there's no reason to change it. Maybe the best bit is the controls - perfectly laid out, functional, nice weights, and not too much of anything. I appreciate that every day.
For what I need it for, if I did swap it, top of the list would be the same but petrol like Matt's. They're noticeably lighter at the front than mine, and less understeery. A modded 2.0 petrol would be a lot of fun, despite appearances.
Leins said:
Sorry to hear of the car woes Matt
Just to note the previous gen MINI (R53) does actually have an engine temp gauge. (Just seen Riccardo’s post above saying the same thing) There’s also an auxiliary JCW pod available with oil temp and battery voltage:
I knew that's the one I should have got! Will edit the story now as well.Just to note the previous gen MINI (R53) does actually have an engine temp gauge. (Just seen Riccardo’s post above saying the same thing) There’s also an auxiliary JCW pod available with oil temp and battery voltage:
samoht said:
Truckosaurus said:
350Matt said:
... RX8 ...
Fortune Favours The Brave!...but he bought this Mini instead...
...because he was worried the Mazda's engine might blow up expensively.
Or as Alanis didn't quite sing -
Mr Play-it-safe was afraid of rotaries
He packed in the sports car, kissed his rear-drive dream goodbye
He spent his whole damn savings to buy that Mini
And as the steam hissed out
He thought "well bugger, that's finished"
j555 said:
Taz73 said:
So much negativity towards the Mazda 3, these were highly rated as great drivers cars, I get it's no GTi or ST/RS, but it is still a great drive even if not massively quick. Far more interesting than a comparable golf, focus, Leon, 1 series etc.
Agreed, I think they would make quite a nice daily car. I considered one a few years back,but ended up getting a manual BMW 330i wagon. When that recently expired and I wanted another manual daily car with a balance of practicality and involvement, I gave serious consideration to a Mazda 3 Sport 160.
I have only driven a 120bhp one but in my head liken the 160 to the simpler warm hatch cars from a generation ago. Quite light and reasonable power. Possibly similar statistics to a Mk1 Focus ST170.
Fun to hustle along and feels much nippier than its 120hp would suggest. Smart looking thing too and equipped with cruise control, A/C, bluetooth phone and heated seats.
Ours is just touching 95k and still feels tight, would highly recommend.
Although it's an n/a engine I gather these 120 models can also be remapped to a considerably higher figure too.
I'm an R53er (the earlier Gen 1 Cooper S, the superchargered one). If only you invested the £80 or so in an Ultragauge you'd have seen your coolant temp wasn't right and not done the head gasket. My thermostat started going a bit silly about 18 months ago - actually not closing fully, so it was running too cool, underheating, not overheating - and I spotted that immediately. 
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