R53 Mini buying advice
Discussion
Looking to get an R53 mini by the end of the month, I could do with some advice in regards to what to look out for.
What are the differences between the One and the cooper? what are they like to run reliability wise, and cost.
Looking to get a 1.6 N/A ideally with a budget of around 3K so it's likely to be a 2001/02 model.
What are the differences between the One and the cooper? what are they like to run reliability wise, and cost.
Looking to get a 1.6 N/A ideally with a budget of around 3K so it's likely to be a 2001/02 model.
Have a search in the Mini sub-forum.
Power steering pumps can fail, gear boxes can be dodgy from that era. Apart from that not too many model specific issues. We owned one from new (52 plate) for six years without too many issues.
The one had a 90bhp engine, the Cooper 115bhp engine - although the only difference was the map. Cooper then was a little better equipped (and cosmetically different) to the One. If you find a One which matches your needs then I would not hesitate getting that over a Cooper.
We had problems with the airbg light (but that should be fairly obviously wrong). Was pretty cheap to run - tyres every 20 - 25k, pads and disks at 45k.
Mike
Power steering pumps can fail, gear boxes can be dodgy from that era. Apart from that not too many model specific issues. We owned one from new (52 plate) for six years without too many issues.
The one had a 90bhp engine, the Cooper 115bhp engine - although the only difference was the map. Cooper then was a little better equipped (and cosmetically different) to the One. If you find a One which matches your needs then I would not hesitate getting that over a Cooper.
We had problems with the airbg light (but that should be fairly obviously wrong). Was pretty cheap to run - tyres every 20 - 25k, pads and disks at 45k.
Mike
) so try and ensure that you can live with the ride comfort.
We bought a cheapie cooper for 3k as an everyday banger for her to go in and out of London in. Full BMW history, pan roof leather, the whole lot, but 90,000 on the clock. Less than 3000 miles later the engine warning light came on, then it burnt out an exhaust valve. I took the head off and replaced all 8 at £28 each as they were all on their way out, head gasket set, chain tensioner and other extras bought it in at £500 for parts only. It needed a clutch and flywheel. The central locking broke. The exhaust fell off. It does 28mpg. The runflat tyres and stiff suspension have helped buy our orthopedist a new Porsche and have loosened most of my fillings. The seats creak and groan and the tilt mechanisms work only on very random occasions. The steering pump is noisy it keeps blowing light bulbs and the a/c leaks.Other than that it's fine 
Edited by Cerbieherts on Monday 1st April 23:08
Cerbieherts said:
We bought a cheapie cooper for 3k as an everyday banger for her to go in and out of London in. Full BMW history, pan roof leather, the whole lot, but 90,000 on the clock. Less than 3000 miles later the engine warning light came on, then it burnt out an exhaust valve. I took the head off and replaced all 8 at £28 each as they were all on their way out, head gasket set, chain tensioner and other extras bought it in at £500 for parts only. It needed a clutch and flywheel. The central locking broke. The exhaust fell off. It does 28mpg. The runflat tyres and stiff suspension have helped buy our orthopedist a new Porsche and have loosened most of my fillings. The seats creak and groan and the tilt mechanisms work only on very random occasions. The steering pump is noisy it keeps blowing light bulbs and the a/c leaks.Other than that it's fine
Lol, our Clio 182 was more reliable than that!!Edited by Cerbieherts on Monday 1st April 23:08
GG89 said:
They are also rather thirsty little buggers for what they are!
The Cooper S can be, but my better half's 54 plate Cooper gets over 40mpg. That's a mix of country lane and dual carriageway (spirited) driving. She's owned it from new and has just gone through the 120,000 mile mark. Apart from consumables (brakes, exhaust, etc) the only problem was a dodgy gearbox which was replaced under warranty with the updated variant.
If you have the choice, I'd go for one with 16" not 17" wheels - ride quality is definitely worse on the larger wheels.
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