Discussion
Well, had a chance to get to the Slough Mini dealers for test drive in it today. Just a short 15 minute loop.
Brief summary:
* Love the handling and pull out of corners.
* Very good body control, with little tram-lining on the cut up surfaces. The rear springs were red, so maybe an upgrade somewhere along the line? Definitely not on run-flats (can't remember the make, but all the tyres had good tread depth and no RF markings).
* Gearbox was more positive than my 2008 R56 Cooper (I have long suspected that was sub-par).
* Clutch is heavy (but lighter than a Clio 1800 16v, circa 1991; that was a serious leg day).
* Some minor trim issues (rear GP badge worn through the chrome, front 12V socket and inside the glovebox).
* Brakes were very long. I didn't have a lot of confidence in them, even stopping from 40 mph took a lot of pedal travel. I know the R53 had poor brakes but this seemed particularly soft cf any R56 I've driven. Looking under the bonnet, one of the brake pipes had been replaced at some point (leading to the splitter to the top right of the engine bay, the FR pipe was definitely newer than the others).
Ultimately I haven't gone for it.
Just a bit too full on, and I'd be knackered before getting anywhere worth driving it. If I had the money to get it transported to the bottom of Stelvio Pass, and confidence it had the brakes to negotiate back down again, I could definitely get one.
Brief summary:
* Love the handling and pull out of corners.
* Very good body control, with little tram-lining on the cut up surfaces. The rear springs were red, so maybe an upgrade somewhere along the line? Definitely not on run-flats (can't remember the make, but all the tyres had good tread depth and no RF markings).
* Gearbox was more positive than my 2008 R56 Cooper (I have long suspected that was sub-par).
* Clutch is heavy (but lighter than a Clio 1800 16v, circa 1991; that was a serious leg day).
* Some minor trim issues (rear GP badge worn through the chrome, front 12V socket and inside the glovebox).
* Brakes were very long. I didn't have a lot of confidence in them, even stopping from 40 mph took a lot of pedal travel. I know the R53 had poor brakes but this seemed particularly soft cf any R56 I've driven. Looking under the bonnet, one of the brake pipes had been replaced at some point (leading to the splitter to the top right of the engine bay, the FR pipe was definitely newer than the others).
Ultimately I haven't gone for it.
Just a bit too full on, and I'd be knackered before getting anywhere worth driving it. If I had the money to get it transported to the bottom of Stelvio Pass, and confidence it had the brakes to negotiate back down again, I could definitely get one.Elliot2000 said:
How much have they got it up for? Always liked these
Good question, though I might be breaking the 'adverts' rule if I say too much, so I'll PM you. It's not outrageous. If I was going again, I'd look around for someone who knew GPs well to join me, so could comment on the condition. It looked well maintained generally, but I haven't seen the service history.
GPs came with the JCW suspension, which is actually slightly more comfortable than stock R53 SS+ - much better dampers, so should feel less harsh and more controlled. Ditching the standard (and heavy) 18s makes a big difference too.
The GP brakes are the same as on an R56 Cooper S, so if they don't feel right they may just need bled/fluid changed etc. Certainly should be no problem with them, more than good enough for the car.
The GP brakes are the same as on an R56 Cooper S, so if they don't feel right they may just need bled/fluid changed etc. Certainly should be no problem with them, more than good enough for the car.
Joing the owner's club on Facebook - someone there will probably know history of the car if you're still interested: https://www.facebook.com/groups/MINIGPOWNERSCLUB/
It's my daily and I love it. I came from a 335i, so from comfort to 'hardcore' but I find the GP fine for the odd commute and amazing fun when having a play.
sad61t said:
* Brakes were very long. I didn't have a lot of confidence in them, even stopping from 40 mph took a lot of pedal travel. I know the R53 had poor brakes but this seemed particularly soft cf any R56 I've driven. Looking under the bonnet, one of the brake pipes had been replaced at some point (leading to the splitter to the top right of the engine bay, the FR pipe was definitely newer than the others).
Ultimately I haven't gone for it. Just a bit too full on, and I'd be knackered before getting anywhere worth driving it. If I had the money to get it transported to the bottom of Stelvio Pass, and confidence it had the brakes to negotiate back down again, I could definitely get one.
Mine came with Carbotech pads on the standard brakes. They were squealing like mad and the discs needed replacing, so I did the sensible thing and replaced the whole lot with an AP 4-pot kit Ultimately I haven't gone for it.
Just a bit too full on, and I'd be knackered before getting anywhere worth driving it. If I had the money to get it transported to the bottom of Stelvio Pass, and confidence it had the brakes to negotiate back down again, I could definitely get one.It's my daily and I love it. I came from a 335i, so from comfort to 'hardcore' but I find the GP fine for the odd commute and amazing fun when having a play.
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