Total Countryman: ex-Mini man's R60 Cooper S
Discussion
Couldn't have put it better myself!
I had a proper "Mini" when I was 18 it was fantastic. Taught me how to drive properly. Many many great memories and has instilled Mini,s in my mind forever.
It came to the time when I could afford my first proper hot hatch. I wanted a Type R. Someone suggested an R53 Cooper S... because I used to have a Mini. Test drove one. My then girlfriend (now wife), said she knew I was buying it when she saw me smile when it made "that noise".
We then needed a proper family car. We bought an F54 Clubman. Everyone hates that. Say its ugly. Its not a Mini. Etc. We love it.
I then had the chance to buy a 2nd car to use for track days.... in steps R53 No 2!
Anyway that's a nice Countryman! Enjoy. Is that the later N14 engine then?
I had a proper "Mini" when I was 18 it was fantastic. Taught me how to drive properly. Many many great memories and has instilled Mini,s in my mind forever.
It came to the time when I could afford my first proper hot hatch. I wanted a Type R. Someone suggested an R53 Cooper S... because I used to have a Mini. Test drove one. My then girlfriend (now wife), said she knew I was buying it when she saw me smile when it made "that noise".
We then needed a proper family car. We bought an F54 Clubman. Everyone hates that. Say its ugly. Its not a Mini. Etc. We love it.
I then had the chance to buy a 2nd car to use for track days.... in steps R53 No 2!
Anyway that's a nice Countryman! Enjoy. Is that the later N14 engine then?
Alucidnation said:
I thought the Cooper S was supercharged with the bonnet scoop?
The supercharger was lost when the second gen MINI was released. The scoop remains on the hatches for aesthetics.I’m a fan of the BMW MINI’s op; I’m on my fourth now. I don’t think they’ll better the R50/3 from a styling point of view because the proportions were perfect. The current F series cars do seem to be better built though.
My wife has one, I like it. Reminds us both of a 172 I had years ago to drive, has that soft front, stiffer rear well balanced feel when you turn in.
Bit of roll but I prefer that to the usual over stiff modern style . Fairly practical for the size. Really sensitive to tyres in both road noise and handling, a set of good tyres transformed it. Good balance of okay pace and okay fuel economy, engine fairly gruff but gives it character. style over function dash layout but you get used to it.
Bit of roll but I prefer that to the usual over stiff modern style . Fairly practical for the size. Really sensitive to tyres in both road noise and handling, a set of good tyres transformed it. Good balance of okay pace and okay fuel economy, engine fairly gruff but gives it character. style over function dash layout but you get used to it.
My girlfriend bought one of these a year ago, blue with a white roof, and with 4wd. It replaced an R50 Cooper, so she likes her minis! Seems a decent enough car. Tyres are shocking though, hard as nails run flats, and feel horrible on the road. I am working on her to replace them!
Don't they go well though OP!
The only thing I'd say is the dipstick, an item you have to use alarmingly regularly on these, is the worst I've ever used to read the oil level, and it has to be done hot, not cold.
Don't they go well though OP!
The only thing I'd say is the dipstick, an item you have to use alarmingly regularly on these, is the worst I've ever used to read the oil level, and it has to be done hot, not cold.
Edited by Triumph Man on Tuesday 16th April 10:09
Edited by Triumph Man on Tuesday 16th April 10:13
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