Looking at Buying.

[RT Phil]

wlondoner said:

Free tax for my Cooper D 2014 F56

Love Diesels

As a matter of interest what was the emission print out on the last MOT?

[RiccardoG]

SpamCan

I think people have got a bit lost here suggesting MINIs which obviously are not within your price range. In your shoes I'd be looking at the R50/53, this is the first gen new MINI, ie: 2001-06. These are all 1.6 engines by Chrysler an built in Brazil. Power wise: One = 90bhp, Cooper = 110bhp, S = 160bhp. Usually seen as a robust unit.

Some would suggest to get post 2004 facelift as the quality was improved with less creaks etc. They also have a different gearbox that is more robust (Getrag). Apparently the early gearboxes (2001-03) are likely to fail eventually? Usual caution re runflat tyres (many suggest get rid) and rattly interiors. Personally I hate diesels and would avoid.

Not sure what you mean re the stereo, I'd be pretty confident that you can easily change the stereo on any R50/53 as it wasn't an integral part of the car. From memory its the R56 (06-12) cars that have a completely built in stereo system.

Good luck, they are great fun!

[SpamCan]

Thanks. So far I have only seen 08 and older cars in my price range, I'd rather have an 07 onwards if I can as the VED is half that of the older cars

Sadly at the moment it's all moot as I am having zero luck selling my Mustang

I can always put an aftermarket MP3 player in an 07 car as there is space under the HVAC to make a nice neat instal!

[MrC986]

SpamCan said:

Thanks. So far I have only seen 08 and older cars in my price range, I'd rather have an 07 onwards if I can as the VED is half that of the older cars

Sadly at the moment it's all moot as I am having zero luck selling my Mustang

I can always put an aftermarket MP3 player in an 07 car as there is space under the HVAC to make a nice neat instal!

A plug in Bluetooth into the aux socket will stream your music for a much more affordable price although it'll depend on how much you spend as to what the functionality is. Alternatively put a hands free kit in which can stream music.

[SpamCan]

MrC986 said:

A plug in Bluetooth into the aux socket will stream your music for a much more affordable price although it'll depend on how much you spend as to what the functionality is. Alternatively put a hands free kit in which can stream music.

I don't stream. I buy CDs and rip to MP3 and currently put them on a USB thumb nail drive and play that through the stereo like any other CD

[Gunk]

MrC986 said:

SpamCan said:

Thanks. So far I have only seen 08 and older cars in my price range, I'd rather have an 07 onwards if I can as the VED is half that of the older cars

Sadly at the moment it's all moot as I am having zero luck selling my Mustang

I can always put an aftermarket MP3 player in an 07 car as there is space under the HVAC to make a nice neat instal!

A plug in Bluetooth into the aux socket will stream your music for a much more affordable price although it'll depend on how much you spend as to what the functionality is. Alternatively put a hands free kit in which can stream music.

Easiest solution is to burn a load of MP3 tracks onto a recordable CD and create a playlist. the standard stereo even displays the track names.

[SpamCan]

Gunk said:

Easiest solution is to burn a load of MP3 tracks onto a recordable CD and create a playlist. the standard stereo even displays the track names.

I can only get around 1/2 my Iron Maiden collection on one CD let alone my entire metal collection!

I know how I can sort the issue on the 07-12 cars though so its not an issue any more

[SpamCan]

Quick update, last weekend I collected a Manual R56 MINI Cooper Chilli Pack, its a late 2007 car (£115 VEL).

I was expecting to find myself frustrated coming from a car with ~300hp and 320lb/ft but I have to say I am pleasantly surprised by it. The engine is lovely and it seems to pull well (that being said its also 500kg lighter than the Mustang), it also appears to run on fresh air. One thing it has reminded me is what a gearbox is for

The first thing I did was go to Halfords and replace the stock framed windscreen wipers with the air blade type and a small MP3 player which will tuck away in the centre cubby hole will solve the lack of USB issue (for now - I may get the module that allows bluetooth and USB and fit it myself).

Great car thus far.