R56 Mini Cooper S 2006
Discussion
I wasn't looking for a new car but when this came up last week, I thought I'd buy it.
Early last year, a friend's 320i gearbox started to show problems so he got rid of it. He bought this R56 Cooper S to replace it. However, he's never quite got on with it so wanted to move it on and get back into something bigger. He knew I liked the sound of it when he bought it, so he offered it to me first.
It's a 2006 (56 reg) so a very early R56 model. In sparkling silver, with black roof and the redwood lounge leather interior. It also has the incredibly dated sat nav as well as the dual sunroof and DSC, chilli pack etc so its quite well specced.
The good points. It's only had 2 owners before me. One from new until last year and then my friend. Its had a new clutch and DMF last year as it seems the first owner must have been riding the clutch. Its had refurbed 16" MG Hairpin alloys with new Dunlop rubber fitted as my friend couldn't put up with the ride on the 17s. While the original 17s would no doubt look a bit better, I quite like the look of these and it certainly rides better. Finally, it has just 26k miles on the clock and you can tell. It's in really lovely condition.
Bad points. It has a slight hesitation under load, especially when cold. I'm wondering if this is coked up inlet ports? The lack of DAB and bluetooth is a PITA for a daily. I'm hoping Amazon will launch the Echo Auto soon in the UK as this would solve that nicely.
Not sure how long I will keep it. I just fancied giving it a go seeing as I had an R50 Cooper S for a year when they were first launched that I loved but had to sell to raise a house deposit. I think it may well prove to be too compromised for what I need right now so it will be moved on sooner or later if it doesn't get under my skin. We shall see.
Planning to get some pics up here later when there is some daylight and keep track of ownership here.
Early last year, a friend's 320i gearbox started to show problems so he got rid of it. He bought this R56 Cooper S to replace it. However, he's never quite got on with it so wanted to move it on and get back into something bigger. He knew I liked the sound of it when he bought it, so he offered it to me first.
It's a 2006 (56 reg) so a very early R56 model. In sparkling silver, with black roof and the redwood lounge leather interior. It also has the incredibly dated sat nav as well as the dual sunroof and DSC, chilli pack etc so its quite well specced.
The good points. It's only had 2 owners before me. One from new until last year and then my friend. Its had a new clutch and DMF last year as it seems the first owner must have been riding the clutch. Its had refurbed 16" MG Hairpin alloys with new Dunlop rubber fitted as my friend couldn't put up with the ride on the 17s. While the original 17s would no doubt look a bit better, I quite like the look of these and it certainly rides better. Finally, it has just 26k miles on the clock and you can tell. It's in really lovely condition.
Bad points. It has a slight hesitation under load, especially when cold. I'm wondering if this is coked up inlet ports? The lack of DAB and bluetooth is a PITA for a daily. I'm hoping Amazon will launch the Echo Auto soon in the UK as this would solve that nicely.
Not sure how long I will keep it. I just fancied giving it a go seeing as I had an R50 Cooper S for a year when they were first launched that I loved but had to sell to raise a house deposit. I think it may well prove to be too compromised for what I need right now so it will be moved on sooner or later if it doesn't get under my skin. We shall see.
Planning to get some pics up here later when there is some daylight and keep track of ownership here.
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