Views sought on Mini Cooper

[R53rider]

Pit Pony said:

Daughter's 99000 Mile 2001 cooper is experiencing gearbox issues (diagnosed by a local garage as "it'll eventually die, but it's okay for now"
This comes after a clutch change a couple of months back, which would have been the ideal time to get a recon gearbox.

garage says "Buy a second hand one, and we will fir it for 5 hours of labour"

That looks like a £500 fix.

Local Specialist in gearboxes, says "we can remove, refurb and refit the box for £575 plus VAT"

Wife says "I think it's time she got a new car"

I say "I think I'd like it back if she decides she wants a new car"

Should you decide to replace/fix the box, there are two popular MINI gearbox specialists I'm aware of:
Shaun at MINI Gearboxes
http://minigearbox.co.uk/
and similar name:
http://www.minigearboxes.co.uk/

[Draculaw]

300bhp/ton said:

A friend went from a 225 TT to an early Cooper S works car. While the TT has some nice design elements, I personally prefer the MINI visually.

The MINI was quicker and more fun, but shockingly harsh ride. The S version will also prefer or require superunleaded fuel and mpg is pretty low from them. Think mid 20's +- depending on how/where you drive. Once you factor in the additional cost of superunleaded this will work out a bit more like fueling a 23-25mpg car on 95 RON, in a pence per mile sense.

A regular Cooper should be better on fuel real world. But obviously not as fast. Front passengers have plenty of room in the MINI, but rear space is probably similar to the TT, just with a higher roof line.

Is that just the R53 which should use superunleaded or also R56/F56? Mpg wise Honest John seems to suggest mid-30s for the R56, but if it needs >95 fuel then that might price it out annoyingly.

[E-bmw]

I don't know if they actually NEED super but certainly if you are tracking any of them it is recommended.