Mini questions

[JABB]

Looking at a 2001 - 2003 Mini cooper, and hearing all the gearbox issues.
Am I right in thinking the Cooper S had a different gearbox and if so, does it suffer too?
I have also heard the Cooper S is a harsher ride and uneconomical.
Am I right in looking for a plain Cooper and maybe buy with a warrantee?
Most of the other problems seem to be trivial things and cheap to fix.

Any advice would be great. I need to try one local ( Chipping Norton ) if anyone knows of a good cooper.

[cknotty]

All 1st gen MINI Cooper Ss had the 6 speed Getrag box (as far as I am aware), and have a far reduced risk of going wrong.

They will have a harsher ride than the Cooper, more so if run flat tyres are fitted, and, yes, will not be as economical in a direct comparison: low 30s if you're reasonably careful. This is of course subjective and if you're happy with the above, go for the S. Plus the supercharger whine is infectious!

Having said that, a Cooper will still good chuckable fun, but go for the post 2004 (facelift) one if you possibly can as the earllier 'Midlands' box was replaced with a 5 speed Getrag.

HTH

[eatcustard]

Try and get a post July 2004 Cooper S, they are a big improvement on the reliability front

[JABB]

If I am looking at a pre 2004 car and it says reconditioned / replacement gearbox, will it be another chocolate midland or is there now a better replacement box used?

[cknotty]

From what I've read, the Getrag box can be made to fit a pre 2004 Cooper, but it is not a straight swap.

Interesting read on the Midland gearboxes at http://www.totalmini.com/forum/54-2001-2006-1st-ge...