Considering a R56 Cooper S
Discussion
First time I've ventured into this part of the forum 
I've started looking at my options for when my lease car is returned. The Cooper S is looking very appealing. I originally started looking at older 2003 versions around £4k; then brand new (£23k with the options I wanted!) and now in-between at something around 2008-2010 and around £10k. I have a few questions, if I may.
1/ Most of my mileage is A-road commuting, sitting at 70mph or so. Whilst fuel consumption is not a major concern, roughly what sort of mpg should I expect from a newer Cooper S (R56?). Websites list the extra urban as mid-50s mpg, but this seems unrealistic to me! I was expecting to see low 40s on the motorway.
2/ I have only ever driven one Mini, a 51 plate Cooper (non S). It felt very crashy and stiff. Is this a trait of the Mini? It may have been that I was used to a rather more wafty drive from my Volvo at the time!
3/ Having had a look on Autotrader, the spec of the Mini seems to be all over the place. Is there any options that should be considered essential on a used purchase? I'd like Xenons, panoramic roof, cruise and leather (heated, if possible). Cruise control seems to be a rare option but would be useful.
4/ I've heard that the standard MINI sound system is not all that good. Is that so?
My mileage is about 15k per year. Just over half of this is boring commuting to work, so looking at something comfortable with some kit to make the journey as nice as possible. The rest is a mixture of social and pleasure (all back roads) and two or three trips to the south of France (again, back roads mostly where something 'fun' would add to the experience!).
Many thanks.
I've started looking at my options for when my lease car is returned. The Cooper S is looking very appealing. I originally started looking at older 2003 versions around £4k; then brand new (£23k with the options I wanted!) and now in-between at something around 2008-2010 and around £10k. I have a few questions, if I may.
1/ Most of my mileage is A-road commuting, sitting at 70mph or so. Whilst fuel consumption is not a major concern, roughly what sort of mpg should I expect from a newer Cooper S (R56?). Websites list the extra urban as mid-50s mpg, but this seems unrealistic to me! I was expecting to see low 40s on the motorway.
2/ I have only ever driven one Mini, a 51 plate Cooper (non S). It felt very crashy and stiff. Is this a trait of the Mini? It may have been that I was used to a rather more wafty drive from my Volvo at the time!
3/ Having had a look on Autotrader, the spec of the Mini seems to be all over the place. Is there any options that should be considered essential on a used purchase? I'd like Xenons, panoramic roof, cruise and leather (heated, if possible). Cruise control seems to be a rare option but would be useful.
4/ I've heard that the standard MINI sound system is not all that good. Is that so?
My mileage is about 15k per year. Just over half of this is boring commuting to work, so looking at something comfortable with some kit to make the journey as nice as possible. The rest is a mixture of social and pleasure (all back roads) and two or three trips to the south of France (again, back roads mostly where something 'fun' would add to the experience!).
Many thanks.
x56789 said:
First time I've ventured into this part of the forum
I've started looking at my options for when my lease car is returned. The Cooper S is looking very appealing. I originally started looking at older 2003 versions around £4k; then brand new (£23k with the options I wanted!) and now in-between at something around 2008-2010 and around £10k. I have a few questions, if I may.
1/ Most of my mileage is A-road commuting, sitting at 70mph or so. Whilst fuel consumption is not a major concern, roughly what sort of mpg should I expect from a newer Cooper S (R56?). Websites list the extra urban as mid-50s mpg, but this seems unrealistic to me! I was expecting to see low 40s on the motorway.
2/ I have only ever driven one Mini, a 51 plate Cooper (non S). It felt very crashy and stiff. Is this a trait of the Mini? It may have been that I was used to a rather more wafty drive from my Volvo at the time!
3/ Having had a look on Autotrader, the spec of the Mini seems to be all over the place. Is there any options that should be considered essential on a used purchase? I'd like Xenons, panoramic roof, cruise and leather (heated, if possible). Cruise control seems to be a rare option but would be useful.
4/ I've heard that the standard MINI sound system is not all that good. Is that so?
My mileage is about 15k per year. Just over half of this is boring commuting to work, so looking at something comfortable with some kit to make the journey as nice as possible. The rest is a mixture of social and pleasure (all back roads) and two or three trips to the south of France (again, back roads mostly where something 'fun' would add to the experience!).
Many thanks.
HiI've started looking at my options for when my lease car is returned. The Cooper S is looking very appealing. I originally started looking at older 2003 versions around £4k; then brand new (£23k with the options I wanted!) and now in-between at something around 2008-2010 and around £10k. I have a few questions, if I may.
1/ Most of my mileage is A-road commuting, sitting at 70mph or so. Whilst fuel consumption is not a major concern, roughly what sort of mpg should I expect from a newer Cooper S (R56?). Websites list the extra urban as mid-50s mpg, but this seems unrealistic to me! I was expecting to see low 40s on the motorway.
2/ I have only ever driven one Mini, a 51 plate Cooper (non S). It felt very crashy and stiff. Is this a trait of the Mini? It may have been that I was used to a rather more wafty drive from my Volvo at the time!
3/ Having had a look on Autotrader, the spec of the Mini seems to be all over the place. Is there any options that should be considered essential on a used purchase? I'd like Xenons, panoramic roof, cruise and leather (heated, if possible). Cruise control seems to be a rare option but would be useful.
4/ I've heard that the standard MINI sound system is not all that good. Is that so?
My mileage is about 15k per year. Just over half of this is boring commuting to work, so looking at something comfortable with some kit to make the journey as nice as possible. The rest is a mixture of social and pleasure (all back roads) and two or three trips to the south of France (again, back roads mostly where something 'fun' would add to the experience!).
Many thanks.
I have owned various iterations of Mini and currently have a 2007 clubman S.
1) people report various mpg values for the R56 from low 30s to high 40s. If on a steady drive at 80mph I usually get about 41mpg. At a steady 60 mph I have seen 50mpg. Around town i get about 37 mpg. Hooning I will get lower.
2) the suspension set up is stiff, but it is even worse with run flat tyres. Many owners take the run flats off(I have). I found it has spoilt the handling, but improved the ride comfort and grip.
3) chilli pack is considered essential - anything else personal preference.
4). The standard sound system is pants and difficult to upgrade. I started a topic several years ago which I have been updating on what can be done. Still not great - but better. Newministuff do some recommended upgrade packages but they are too far away from me, so I have done some stuff myself.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
HTH
Mike
Edited by mike9009 on Tuesday 20th August 19:13
My wife has an 08 and my mum an 09.
It's a hoot to drive but:
We live out in the sticks and are getting c32-35mpg.
It's been back to the dealer c5 times in 18months with various issues.
In my experience TLCXL and the warranty have been useful.
It's a hoot to drive but:
We live out in the sticks and are getting c32-35mpg.
It's been back to the dealer c5 times in 18months with various issues.
In my experience TLCXL and the warranty have been useful.
Edited by jonlk on Tuesday 20th August 19:20
[quote=mike9009]
Hi
I have owned various iterations of Mini and currently have a 2007 clubman S.
1) people report various mpg values for the R56 from low 30s to high 40s. If on a steady drive at 80mph I usually get about 41mpg. At a steady 60 mph I have seen 50mpg. Around town i get about 37 mpg. Hooning I will get lower.
2) the suspension set up is stiff, but it is even worse with run flat tyres. Many owners take the run flats off(I have). I found it has spoilt the handling, but improved the ride comfort and grip.
3) chilli pack is considered essential - anything else personal preference.
4). The standard sound system is pants and difficult to upgrade. I started a topic several years ago which I have been updating on what can be done. Still not great - but better. Newministuff do some recommended upgrade packages but they are too far away from me, so I have done some stuff myself.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
HTH
Mike
Yup. Agree with Mike. If you're prepared to take easy on your commute then 40mpg+ is easily doable.
We have cruise which I like but the Wife doesn't. Standard audio is poor.
We've got the sat nav which also quite nifty.
All options personal preference.
Hi
I have owned various iterations of Mini and currently have a 2007 clubman S.
1) people report various mpg values for the R56 from low 30s to high 40s. If on a steady drive at 80mph I usually get about 41mpg. At a steady 60 mph I have seen 50mpg. Around town i get about 37 mpg. Hooning I will get lower.
2) the suspension set up is stiff, but it is even worse with run flat tyres. Many owners take the run flats off(I have). I found it has spoilt the handling, but improved the ride comfort and grip.
3) chilli pack is considered essential - anything else personal preference.
4). The standard sound system is pants and difficult to upgrade. I started a topic several years ago which I have been updating on what can be done. Still not great - but better. Newministuff do some recommended upgrade packages but they are too far away from me, so I have done some stuff myself.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
HTH
Mike
Yup. Agree with Mike. If you're prepared to take easy on your commute then 40mpg+ is easily doable.
We have cruise which I like but the Wife doesn't. Standard audio is poor.
We've got the sat nav which also quite nifty.
All options personal preference.
x56789 said:
First time I've ventured into this part of the forum
I've started looking at my options for when my lease car is returned. The Cooper S is looking very appealing. I originally started looking at older 2003 versions around £4k; then brand new (£23k with the options I wanted!) and now in-between at something around 2008-2010 and around £10k. I have a few questions, if I may.
1/ Most of my mileage is A-road commuting, sitting at 70mph or so. Whilst fuel consumption is not a major concern, roughly what sort of mpg should I expect from a newer Cooper S (R56?). Websites list the extra urban as mid-50s mpg, but this seems unrealistic to me! I was expecting to see low 40s on the motorway.
I've only managed 2 tanks in the month and a half I've owned my 09. The first averaged just south of 27mpg, the second 34. I have seen 49mpg on a hilly A-road run driving Miss Daisy...I've started looking at my options for when my lease car is returned. The Cooper S is looking very appealing. I originally started looking at older 2003 versions around £4k; then brand new (£23k with the options I wanted!) and now in-between at something around 2008-2010 and around £10k. I have a few questions, if I may.
1/ Most of my mileage is A-road commuting, sitting at 70mph or so. Whilst fuel consumption is not a major concern, roughly what sort of mpg should I expect from a newer Cooper S (R56?). Websites list the extra urban as mid-50s mpg, but this seems unrealistic to me! I was expecting to see low 40s on the motorway.
x56789 said:
2/ I have only ever driven one Mini, a 51 plate Cooper (non S). It felt very crashy and stiff. Is this a trait of the Mini? It may have been that I was used to a rather more wafty drive from my Volvo at the time!
Yes. My S is really very stiff and crashes about an awful lot. If you're expecting it, then it's not a problem really. Only hardship really is having to really watch out for bigger bumps. I've got a loaner Cooper on 17s at the moment and its a lot more compliant, and the One loaner I spent the last month in was still a bit stiff but never an issue on its 16s.x56789 said:
3/ Having had a look on Autotrader, the spec of the Mini seems to be all over the place. Is there any options that should be considered essential on a used purchase? I'd like Xenons, panoramic roof, cruise and leather (heated, if possible). Cruise control seems to be a rare option but would be useful.
Chilli Pack is an absolute must, especially for resale, a Cooper S without Xenons is a rare thing too. The leather can wear fairly quickly on the outer bolster, but most seem to have the half leather sports seats. I think Cruise comes with the multifunction Wheel etc and therefore may not be listed. Best way to check is to press the button and watch for the light to come on whilst the engine is running. I had a few requirements and found it very, very hard to find the right car. x56789 said:
4/ I've heard that the standard MINI sound system is not all that good. Is that so?
Awful. It's very weak and has no depth to it. I've got the HiFi Speaker System in mine, so, so, SO much better. Clarity, Power etc are vastly improved with that. NewMINIParts can offer A-Pillar Tweeters which I'd imagine would improve, as well as a Channel Swap fix, but in honesty, I'd really rather hold out for a car with HiFi or Harmon/Kardon.Watch the oil closely and try to find out if its had a new Timing Chain Tensioner or the entire gear as it seems to be a fairly prolific issue. Listen for rattling on a cold start. Newer 'N18' engined cars, MY11 LCI-on models don't suffer from this.
Do your research and you shouldn't find any surprises, they really are cracking cars.
Thanks, chaps.
After browsing the web and Autotrader I've decided I want a 2010 or later Cooper S in blue, red or grey. Must haves include Xenons, half-leather and climate. Wants would be cruise, panoramic roof, heated seats and nav.
I have yet to drive one, however, so will pop into the dealership when I'm next in the area for a look. I've still got a few months to make up my mind and knowing me will probably opt for something completely different!
What exactly does the Chilli pack include on the 2010ish cars?
After browsing the web and Autotrader I've decided I want a 2010 or later Cooper S in blue, red or grey. Must haves include Xenons, half-leather and climate. Wants would be cruise, panoramic roof, heated seats and nav.
I have yet to drive one, however, so will pop into the dealership when I'm next in the area for a look. I've still got a few months to make up my mind and knowing me will probably opt for something completely different!
What exactly does the Chilli pack include on the 2010ish cars?
12TS said:
IIRC xenons, auto air con multi functional steering wheel and maybe cruise
If you go full leather I think you got heated seats as well.
MFSW includes cruise (right hand) and hifi volume and channel/track-skip (left-hand). It also has hands-free phone control if you have included the Bluetooth option (the buttons are always there, but non-functional without the BT).If you go full leather I think you got heated seats as well.
Heated seats are extra with leather, included with Recaros.
/blatentadvertmode
n sounds like you are looking for my car
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/m...
/blatentadvertmodeff
The HK system is fantastic a huge step up from the Mini HiFi that I had on the previous car, combined with the Visual and radio makes for a cool setup.
John
n sounds like you are looking for my car http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/m...
/blatentadvertmode
ffThe HK system is fantastic a huge step up from the Mini HiFi that I had on the previous car, combined with the Visual and radio makes for a cool setup.
John
Hi,
On my second mini - a JCW Clubman, previously a Cooper S clubman.
I agree Chilli pack is essential - everything else is a nice to have, my current JCW is fully loaded and the HK stereo and DAB is a great combination.
From a driving point of view I agree with other posters that moving off of run-flats makes a big difference to the ride, my car has the sports suspension option and now is about perfect for road use i would say. I am on Conti Sport Contact 5s for what it is worth. Someone also said it spoilt the handling, when i first made the change I would have agreed but in fact after about 8k miles on the Contis I have re-found the limit and prefer the feel of the car having recently driven another JCW with runflats.
One other upgrade if you go for the Cooper S, I bought the JCW big brake kit for mine which I now have as standard on the JCW. The Brembos are stunning and well worth the extra. Might be hard to find them pre-fitted second hand but you can get the retro fitted at a dealer I am sure.
Enjoy, and if you are a good haggler and can stretch to a few thousand more get a JCW :-)
On my second mini - a JCW Clubman, previously a Cooper S clubman.
I agree Chilli pack is essential - everything else is a nice to have, my current JCW is fully loaded and the HK stereo and DAB is a great combination.
From a driving point of view I agree with other posters that moving off of run-flats makes a big difference to the ride, my car has the sports suspension option and now is about perfect for road use i would say. I am on Conti Sport Contact 5s for what it is worth. Someone also said it spoilt the handling, when i first made the change I would have agreed but in fact after about 8k miles on the Contis I have re-found the limit and prefer the feel of the car having recently driven another JCW with runflats.
One other upgrade if you go for the Cooper S, I bought the JCW big brake kit for mine which I now have as standard on the JCW. The Brembos are stunning and well worth the extra. Might be hard to find them pre-fitted second hand but you can get the retro fitted at a dealer I am sure.
Enjoy, and if you are a good haggler and can stretch to a few thousand more get a JCW :-)
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