Discussion
Hi all
Later this summer I plan to purchase my first car and I'm seriously looking into getting a Mini Cooper as my first car. With ~£3k to spend on the car would I be better going with a (possibly) slightly better R50 or a slightly higher mileage (90k-100k+) R56.
Insurance I already have money set aside for so this isn't included on the price.
Cheers
Later this summer I plan to purchase my first car and I'm seriously looking into getting a Mini Cooper as my first car. With ~£3k to spend on the car would I be better going with a (possibly) slightly better R50 or a slightly higher mileage (90k-100k+) R56.
Insurance I already have money set aside for so this isn't included on the price.
Cheers
Lower mileage R50 for me. £3k will get you a good example of a facelifted One or Cooper with sensible miles.
Be aware that as standard they were sparsely equipped (no air con, no leather steering wheel, early MINI Ones didn't even have Halogen H7 lights!), so make sure you know what you're looking at. Most have been optioned up, but I still see a few with options like big wheels, full leather interiors, but without air conditioning or a sunroof.
Be aware that as standard they were sparsely equipped (no air con, no leather steering wheel, early MINI Ones didn't even have Halogen H7 lights!), so make sure you know what you're looking at. Most have been optioned up, but I still see a few with options like big wheels, full leather interiors, but without air conditioning or a sunroof.
A decent spec R50 One, is same engine and brakes etc, as a Cooper, you might find one with sports seats and suspension, and then you have the same car as a Cooper with likely cheaper insurance.
Only difference is the One won't get full throttle, but you can fix that if you want. R56 will be better on fuel and a little more comfortable.
Only difference is the One won't get full throttle, but you can fix that if you want. R56 will be better on fuel and a little more comfortable.
mon the fish said:
As above go for a facelift, obvious on a One/Cooper when you see the bumpers side-by-side but 54 plates and on is a good guide
Agreed, get a later R50. The early midlands gearbox was a notorious weak point in the One/ Cooper. I would suggest looking for smaller alloys (15 or 16 inch), for a more comfortable ride and 'potentially' less likely to cause power steering pump failure.You can check whether the car is facelift or not by looking at pictures of the reverse light/ fog light position.
We have had an R50, R53 and R55 (Clubman). I thought the build quality/ materials of the R50 was better than the R55/ R56.
Have fun!
Mike
Gassing Station | New MINIs | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff