3 cylinder Mini Cooper potential purchase
Discussion
I know I could have asked in the Mini sub forum, but I figured I might get a more balanced response on here: What is the reliability of the 2014 onwards 3 cylinder Mini Cooper 1.5 model like? Any particular issues to watch out for?
There are two possible reasons for this purchase:
One to upgrade my current shed, a 2009 Ford Ka 1.2 that is cheap to run and in truth does what I need from it. I might treat myself to an 'upgrade' later next year and the 1.5 Cooper is both cheaper on road tax, possibly similar in MPG terms, but has a fair bit more power than the Ka and would be more useful for longer trips than the Ka is.
Second option is to replace my wife's 2016 Mercedes C200 we bought earlier this year when I retired and keep the shed Ka.
It turns out that we don't tend to use the C200 much, only for longer trips, which are fairly few and far between anyway. Having looked on WBAC then we'd barely lose any money if we sold it to them (I've given it a major detailing and machine polish and removed 99% of any paint defects, so it really does look as close to new as any 7 year old 32k mile car could). It's a lovely car and does mid 40s MPG on those rare long trips, but otherwise it's not getting much use and we pointedly avoid taking it to places like supermarket or pub car parks, preferring to take the shed instead.
If we went the second option, we could push the budget up a bit more so could maybe look at around £10k mark, which should be sub 50k miles and similar age to the C200 at around 2016, maybe newer if I could find a good private sale one.
If the Mini ends up replacing the Ka, then it would be more like £7k (at current prices) so an earlier 2014 model, maybe 60k miles or so.
Therefore if there is anything I need to be aware of between the earlier models and the 2016/2017 models then that might help tip the balance.
There are two possible reasons for this purchase:
One to upgrade my current shed, a 2009 Ford Ka 1.2 that is cheap to run and in truth does what I need from it. I might treat myself to an 'upgrade' later next year and the 1.5 Cooper is both cheaper on road tax, possibly similar in MPG terms, but has a fair bit more power than the Ka and would be more useful for longer trips than the Ka is.
Second option is to replace my wife's 2016 Mercedes C200 we bought earlier this year when I retired and keep the shed Ka.
It turns out that we don't tend to use the C200 much, only for longer trips, which are fairly few and far between anyway. Having looked on WBAC then we'd barely lose any money if we sold it to them (I've given it a major detailing and machine polish and removed 99% of any paint defects, so it really does look as close to new as any 7 year old 32k mile car could). It's a lovely car and does mid 40s MPG on those rare long trips, but otherwise it's not getting much use and we pointedly avoid taking it to places like supermarket or pub car parks, preferring to take the shed instead.
If we went the second option, we could push the budget up a bit more so could maybe look at around £10k mark, which should be sub 50k miles and similar age to the C200 at around 2016, maybe newer if I could find a good private sale one.
If the Mini ends up replacing the Ka, then it would be more like £7k (at current prices) so an earlier 2014 model, maybe 60k miles or so.
Therefore if there is anything I need to be aware of between the earlier models and the 2016/2017 models then that might help tip the balance.
Edited by OldSkoolRS on Friday 28th October 21:36
I was an early adopter of the F56 Cooper, buying one new in 2014.
Ran him for almost 5 yrs, 90k on the clock and if anything ran even sweeter as the miles increased. A mixture of town and A road driving, could get 50mpg all day long. I also sourced a set of steelies with winter tyres that first year, and rotating the 2 sets over the seasons I didn't even have to put new tyres on.
Sold it mainly because I found a JCW Clubman, and that itch had to be scratched.
The only potential issue I had, was paint rub on the door slams, the seal wears away the paint when closing. Because I knew about this from the forums I was able to cover the offending area with clear vinyl before it wore through to the primer. Various MINI friends weren't so lucky and needed remedial paint from BMW. Can't remember any other specific problems.
I'd have another no problem.
Ran him for almost 5 yrs, 90k on the clock and if anything ran even sweeter as the miles increased. A mixture of town and A road driving, could get 50mpg all day long. I also sourced a set of steelies with winter tyres that first year, and rotating the 2 sets over the seasons I didn't even have to put new tyres on.
Sold it mainly because I found a JCW Clubman, and that itch had to be scratched.
The only potential issue I had, was paint rub on the door slams, the seal wears away the paint when closing. Because I knew about this from the forums I was able to cover the offending area with clear vinyl before it wore through to the primer. Various MINI friends weren't so lucky and needed remedial paint from BMW. Can't remember any other specific problems.
I'd have another no problem.
Thanks both, interesting about the autobox too as my wife's C200 is auto, so if we were replacing that car then an auto might be more likely.
The F56 designation confused me at first because her previous Mini was a '56 plate (the earlier shape) but the 1.6 Mini One (with some kind of 'pack' which added rather oversized 17" wheels). That's why we're looking at Minis again because she originally said she'd like another one when we ended up buying the C200 (since I'd had a C220d as a company car before I retired). Perhaps I should have listened to her.
The F56 designation confused me at first because her previous Mini was a '56 plate (the earlier shape) but the 1.6 Mini One (with some kind of 'pack' which added rather oversized 17" wheels). That's why we're looking at Minis again because she originally said she'd like another one when we ended up buying the C200 (since I'd had a C220d as a company car before I retired). Perhaps I should have listened to her.
Silenoz said:
I've had a 2021 Cooper 1.5 auto since May, I absolutely love it and it's a great engine.
Replace your Merc with one and you won't regret it.
Well apart from it being my wife's Merc sounds good.Replace your Merc with one and you won't regret it.
Without wishing to stir the pot though; are there any issues like timing belt/chain changes that cost big money when they are due? I do my own maintenance and having done my son's Fiesta 1.25 this summer and my own shed Ka 1.2 last week I know that some cars are easier to do than others (the Ka took an easy afternoon, the Fiesta was spread over more days due to struggling to get the crankshaft bolt undone).
Any engine out requirements put it off the table for me as I have my old RS in the garage, so can't do that kind of job on the drive. Of course if the replacement schedule is long enough then we might have changed it before it is due, though to be honest the original plan was to keep the C200 for 7-8 or more years.
If you go and look at one and the engine sounds noisy then check the plastic trim on top of the engine. They work loose and then vibrate like mad and it almost makes it sound like a mechanical fault. If you rest your hand on it it should stop. Other than that they seem ok. We've sold 100's of them and never had any serious problems with them. I'd probably go for an auto as you're up & down the gears a lot in a manual plus you get a few extra gears in the auto so you get better mpg on long runs
Thanks 123DWA that's useful to know.
I think Auto for the Merc replacement option sounds likely, for a shed replacement I'd maybe stick with manual (since I'd drive it mostly). Though it's probably my bias that I perceive a manual as less likely to need expensive repairs on an older/higher mileage car, even if it's not strictly true in practice since a clutch change probably isn't cheap.
I could do a clutch on the Ka on the drive, but something like a Mini is probably an engine out job, so maybe it's not too different on costs compared with fitted a used autobox if it came to it...
I think Auto for the Merc replacement option sounds likely, for a shed replacement I'd maybe stick with manual (since I'd drive it mostly). Though it's probably my bias that I perceive a manual as less likely to need expensive repairs on an older/higher mileage car, even if it's not strictly true in practice since a clutch change probably isn't cheap.
I could do a clutch on the Ka on the drive, but something like a Mini is probably an engine out job, so maybe it's not too different on costs compared with fitted a used autobox if it came to it...
the new auto came in '18. it was new tech, an electric unit. might be fine, but new tech often has issues a few years down the line.
2017 was a torque box and also a good year after they fixed many bugs from initial release.
great engine. 1.5 is quite large compared to many hatch turbos and so it had character, broad torque and revved out quite well.
it's no hot hatch but it is very civilised yet engaging. lovely car.
2017 was a torque box and also a good year after they fixed many bugs from initial release.
great engine. 1.5 is quite large compared to many hatch turbos and so it had character, broad torque and revved out quite well.
it's no hot hatch but it is very civilised yet engaging. lovely car.
I worked for a MINI main dealer from 2015-2019. We had some 1.5 Coopers in for a crank bearing recall. Something to do with force being applied to the crankshaft every time the clutch was engaged and disengaged. From memory all cars built between certain dates were recalled, with many receiving a brand new engine as a result...great business for the parts department! The problem manifested itself as a heavy clutch which only got heavier and heavier. All affected cars will have been seen to by now, but be sure to check the engine number matches the logbook.....as I know of at least two cars where this isn't the case!!
A pre March 2017 car will give you cheap road tax.
In terms of problems some suffer from water ingress in the boot which usually comes through the rear light seals. Many will have a faded front panel (where the number plate is attached) but this is easily replaced. Some of the early cars also suffered from dodgy seals in the rear windows.
Avoid 18" wheels - they look great but ruin the ride.
As a dealership we avoided ordering cars for stock in Lapisluxury Blue as, for a while, it was the most expensive colour at £745 but that particular paint always seemed incredibly 'soft' and easily marked .
We had a few - new and used - and with the amount of colour and specification options available you're sure to find something for you. They're really good fun to drive and the 1.5 3 cylinder doesn't sound unpleasant and offers a decent mixture of peppy performance and frugality.
A pre March 2017 car will give you cheap road tax.
In terms of problems some suffer from water ingress in the boot which usually comes through the rear light seals. Many will have a faded front panel (where the number plate is attached) but this is easily replaced. Some of the early cars also suffered from dodgy seals in the rear windows.
Avoid 18" wheels - they look great but ruin the ride.
As a dealership we avoided ordering cars for stock in Lapisluxury Blue as, for a while, it was the most expensive colour at £745 but that particular paint always seemed incredibly 'soft' and easily marked .
We had a few - new and used - and with the amount of colour and specification options available you're sure to find something for you. They're really good fun to drive and the 1.5 3 cylinder doesn't sound unpleasant and offers a decent mixture of peppy performance and frugality.
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