Discussion
carinaman said:
matchmaker said:
The main fault with the Mini Coupe is its looks....
I saw a convertible one, rather than a convertible MINI, in a non metallic grey drive past with the roof down this week. Looked good to my eyes. The car seemed to go with the look of the woman driving it. 
But I also hear what you're saying about going with the look of the woman, an ex had a JCW Roadster.In terms of issues, the big thing everyone looked at with these, in Cooper S or JCW guise (N14 engine) was the timing chain death rattle, and them coking up. But the age of car you're looking at, should have the revised N18 engine which addressed above. If it's a Cooper the above wouldn't apply.
It's usually non petrolheads who dislike the looks of these but if you do - who cares.
They're not too difficult to work on and there's plenty of independents around.
Try to get one with good good oil service history and be aware that there's numerous options available which do effect desirability.
I love them and feel the Cooper S is the pick of the bunch.
They're not too difficult to work on and there's plenty of independents around.
Try to get one with good good oil service history and be aware that there's numerous options available which do effect desirability.
I love them and feel the Cooper S is the pick of the bunch.
I’ve got one, a Cooper S with the N18 engine. Try and get one of those if you can. The looks are highly dependent on the colours but it’s hard to think of a more fun car to drive on a B road even if it is front wheel drive. The ride is bone crunching though, if it’s your only car that might bother you but on a smooth road you’ll probably love the way it drives.
In terms of what to look for check all the radio buttons work, there’s a known fault there and I had to get my head unit replaced under warranty. They’re on condition based servicing so it’s very hard to work out if they have a full service history, approved used cars would need that so it’s a safer option but there aren’t many around and prices have gone up a fair bit. I believe the timing chain issues are caused by lack of oil changes and low levels (they can apparently drink a lot of oil, but mine doesn’t), it can cause a rattle but I wouldn’t know what that sounds like…they all sound a bit rough anyway.
For an affordable sporty car it’s a good choice I think. Don’t see many around and the Cooper S has just the right amount of performance and is economical to run. The advantage of these over something like an MX5 is there’s tons of boot space so they’re actually great for trips away. The seats are actually pretty comfortable too.
In terms of what to look for check all the radio buttons work, there’s a known fault there and I had to get my head unit replaced under warranty. They’re on condition based servicing so it’s very hard to work out if they have a full service history, approved used cars would need that so it’s a safer option but there aren’t many around and prices have gone up a fair bit. I believe the timing chain issues are caused by lack of oil changes and low levels (they can apparently drink a lot of oil, but mine doesn’t), it can cause a rattle but I wouldn’t know what that sounds like…they all sound a bit rough anyway.
For an affordable sporty car it’s a good choice I think. Don’t see many around and the Cooper S has just the right amount of performance and is economical to run. The advantage of these over something like an MX5 is there’s tons of boot space so they’re actually great for trips away. The seats are actually pretty comfortable too.
LightningBlue said:
I’ve got one, a Cooper S with the N18 engine. Try and get one of those if you can. The looks are highly dependent on the colours but it’s hard to think of a more fun car to drive on a B road even if it is front wheel drive. The ride is bone crunching though, if it’s your only car that might bother you but on a smooth road you’ll probably love the way it drives.
In terms of what to look for check all the radio buttons work, there’s a known fault there and I had to get my head unit replaced under warranty. They’re on condition based servicing so it’s very hard to work out if they have a full service history, approved used cars would need that so it’s a safer option but there aren’t many around and prices have gone up a fair bit. I believe the timing chain issues are caused by lack of oil changes and low levels (they can apparently drink a lot of oil, but mine doesn’t), it can cause a rattle but I wouldn’t know what that sounds like…they all sound a bit rough anyway.
For an affordable sporty car it’s a good choice I think. Don’t see many around and the Cooper S has just the right amount of performance and is economical to run. The advantage of these over something like an MX5 is there’s tons of boot space so they’re actually great for trips away. The seats are actually pretty comfortable too.
This sums up my experience too although I'm surprised you don't suffer high oil consumption. I thought that was a design feature of the N18. The only issue I've had was an early high pressure fuel pump which seemed to work fine but the computer said no so I changed it anyway. Quite an easy job.In terms of what to look for check all the radio buttons work, there’s a known fault there and I had to get my head unit replaced under warranty. They’re on condition based servicing so it’s very hard to work out if they have a full service history, approved used cars would need that so it’s a safer option but there aren’t many around and prices have gone up a fair bit. I believe the timing chain issues are caused by lack of oil changes and low levels (they can apparently drink a lot of oil, but mine doesn’t), it can cause a rattle but I wouldn’t know what that sounds like…they all sound a bit rough anyway.
For an affordable sporty car it’s a good choice I think. Don’t see many around and the Cooper S has just the right amount of performance and is economical to run. The advantage of these over something like an MX5 is there’s tons of boot space so they’re actually great for trips away. The seats are actually pretty comfortable too.
I think the prices have gone up as numbers were never high and many realise that as a sports car Mini, these are the pick.
Someone mentioned that the diesel was the one to go for. Having driven a diesel, I'm not sure why as the Cooper S has loads of torque but revs nicely too.
The ride is firm but it is a sporty car and it isn't unbearable.
Pistom said:
LightningBlue said:
I’ve got one, a Cooper S with the N18 engine. Try and get one of those if you can. The looks are highly dependent on the colours but it’s hard to think of a more fun car to drive on a B road even if it is front wheel drive. The ride is bone crunching though, if it’s your only car that might bother you but on a smooth road you’ll probably love the way it drives.
In terms of what to look for check all the radio buttons work, there’s a known fault there and I had to get my head unit replaced under warranty. They’re on condition based servicing so it’s very hard to work out if they have a full service history, approved used cars would need that so it’s a safer option but there aren’t many around and prices have gone up a fair bit. I believe the timing chain issues are caused by lack of oil changes and low levels (they can apparently drink a lot of oil, but mine doesn’t), it can cause a rattle but I wouldn’t know what that sounds like…they all sound a bit rough anyway.
For an affordable sporty car it’s a good choice I think. Don’t see many around and the Cooper S has just the right amount of performance and is economical to run. The advantage of these over something like an MX5 is there’s tons of boot space so they’re actually great for trips away. The seats are actually pretty comfortable too.
This sums up my experience too although I'm surprised you don't suffer high oil consumption. I thought that was a design feature of the N18. The only issue I've had was an early high pressure fuel pump which seemed to work fine but the computer said no so I changed it anyway. Quite an easy job.In terms of what to look for check all the radio buttons work, there’s a known fault there and I had to get my head unit replaced under warranty. They’re on condition based servicing so it’s very hard to work out if they have a full service history, approved used cars would need that so it’s a safer option but there aren’t many around and prices have gone up a fair bit. I believe the timing chain issues are caused by lack of oil changes and low levels (they can apparently drink a lot of oil, but mine doesn’t), it can cause a rattle but I wouldn’t know what that sounds like…they all sound a bit rough anyway.
For an affordable sporty car it’s a good choice I think. Don’t see many around and the Cooper S has just the right amount of performance and is economical to run. The advantage of these over something like an MX5 is there’s tons of boot space so they’re actually great for trips away. The seats are actually pretty comfortable too.
I think the prices have gone up as numbers were never high and many realise that as a sports car Mini, these are the pick.
Someone mentioned that the diesel was the one to go for. Having driven a diesel, I'm not sure why as the Cooper S has loads of torque but revs nicely too.
The ride is firm but it is a sporty car and it isn't unbearable.
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