Thinking about a Mini Cooper
Discussion
Hi guys
I'm thinking about getting a Mini Cooper to replace my old Golf. The missus will soon be passing her driving licence (hopefully), so I'm thinking this is a good compromise with the Mini One that would probably best suit her, and the Cooper S I would of course rather have. Insurance is a lot less than the S too.
Expecting to spend about £7k, but don't really know what to look for. Have heard of Chilli and Pepper packs, and know to go for one with one of those, but is there anything else worth waiting for? What about running costs, service intervals, and mechanically weak areas/unexpected costs to be aware of.
How are they on motorways and long journeys? I will of course test drive some, and I have sat in one, but I'm 6'3" so will this be a problem on long trips?
Sorry for so many questions, but I really know very little about these cars!
Cheers
I'm thinking about getting a Mini Cooper to replace my old Golf. The missus will soon be passing her driving licence (hopefully), so I'm thinking this is a good compromise with the Mini One that would probably best suit her, and the Cooper S I would of course rather have. Insurance is a lot less than the S too.
Expecting to spend about £7k, but don't really know what to look for. Have heard of Chilli and Pepper packs, and know to go for one with one of those, but is there anything else worth waiting for? What about running costs, service intervals, and mechanically weak areas/unexpected costs to be aware of.
How are they on motorways and long journeys? I will of course test drive some, and I have sat in one, but I'm 6'3" so will this be a problem on long trips?
Sorry for so many questions, but I really know very little about these cars!
Cheers
My wife has had her Cooper from new in 2003 and we love it.
I am also 6'3 and have no problem with height - there is masses of room above my head and it's easy to get your legs comfortable.
We have had the Lohen chip upgrade to 130bhp and that gives a better top end for overtaking and makes it more free reving.
AFAIK the Chilli pack is pretty well essential and wisdom seems to stick with the standard wheels as larger ones ruin the ride.
We have kept the runflats as my wife likes the peace of mind but many are changing to normal tyres.
Others will no doubt be able to add there bit.
I am also 6'3 and have no problem with height - there is masses of room above my head and it's easy to get your legs comfortable.
We have had the Lohen chip upgrade to 130bhp and that gives a better top end for overtaking and makes it more free reving.
AFAIK the Chilli pack is pretty well essential and wisdom seems to stick with the standard wheels as larger ones ruin the ride.
We have kept the runflats as my wife likes the peace of mind but many are changing to normal tyres.
Others will no doubt be able to add there bit.
I had a cooper from new in 2004 - brilliant little car (so good after a brief trip to Audi my new works cooper s is coming in a few weeks), my cooper had loads of spec - and as ever with these things you never get your money back come trade in so buying used look for as many extras as possible.
Chilli pack is essential really - think this gets you 16" wheels on a cooper which is probably the best compromise on looks / ride. Also gets you half leather, better interior lighting and no dount loads of other stuff.
TLC pack is also pretty much a must - includes all routine maintenance servicing for 50k / 3 years I believe - although it might be 5 - this can be extended at a dealer so worth looking out for.
Issues wise, I think rattles are the biggest complaint but most can be cured if you can work out where they are - there was a facelift in June / July 04 - few visual tweaks (different headlights one of them) but most importantly they then came with a getrag gearbox instead of the midland one fitted to earlier cars - the s has always had a getrag box from launch.
I'm 6'6 and fitted fine - just dont expect anyone to be able to sit behind you - I saw mine as a 2 seater with a big boot!!
also go look on www.mini2.com - more info / help on there than you could ever need!!
Chilli pack is essential really - think this gets you 16" wheels on a cooper which is probably the best compromise on looks / ride. Also gets you half leather, better interior lighting and no dount loads of other stuff.
TLC pack is also pretty much a must - includes all routine maintenance servicing for 50k / 3 years I believe - although it might be 5 - this can be extended at a dealer so worth looking out for.
Issues wise, I think rattles are the biggest complaint but most can be cured if you can work out where they are - there was a facelift in June / July 04 - few visual tweaks (different headlights one of them) but most importantly they then came with a getrag gearbox instead of the midland one fitted to earlier cars - the s has always had a getrag box from launch.
I'm 6'6 and fitted fine - just dont expect anyone to be able to sit behind you - I saw mine as a 2 seater with a big boot!!
also go look on www.mini2.com - more info / help on there than you could ever need!!
At £7K you'll be looking at one of the early Mini's, probably outside the dealer network. Generally they're well put together, there's a few problems with the steering & suspension but nothing you wouldn't expect in a 5 year old car. I've a used review at home, came out as 3/5 for reliability, so I'll look that up this evening.
Don't get too hung up on the Chili pack - reports are that most people won't look at a non-Chili spec, but it does mean there are some bargains if you're willing to look outside the pack. You may find the standard seats more comfortable than the sports seats in the Chili, etc. Note that in these early cars, air-con wasn't in the packs (only on the S) & the packs' content changed quite often so take your time to check the car has the things you consider important, rather than blinkered filtering for a particular pack.
As previous posters have said, headroom shouldn't be a problem (the seat can be set incredibly low). Look for passenger seat height adjust (an option...) as you may find that useful when you're the passenger.
Sweet spot for comfort seems to be standard suspension with 16" alloys on run-flats or 17" wheels on standard tyres (may have been fitted in a private sale - dealers will always revert them to RFs).
The TLC lasts 5 years but there's an extension to 8 years. Questionable if worth it at this price point as it means that you'll need to go to a main dealer for servicing and while the basic service is included I'm sure they'll rack up some additional work. At this age finding a local Mini specialist to look after it is well worth it - especially if you start fitting extras. The fun part of an older Mini is the vast selection of personalisation available through third parties. Should make finding presents for the other-half easy for years to come.
Don't get too hung up on the Chili pack - reports are that most people won't look at a non-Chili spec, but it does mean there are some bargains if you're willing to look outside the pack. You may find the standard seats more comfortable than the sports seats in the Chili, etc. Note that in these early cars, air-con wasn't in the packs (only on the S) & the packs' content changed quite often so take your time to check the car has the things you consider important, rather than blinkered filtering for a particular pack.
As previous posters have said, headroom shouldn't be a problem (the seat can be set incredibly low). Look for passenger seat height adjust (an option...) as you may find that useful when you're the passenger.
Sweet spot for comfort seems to be standard suspension with 16" alloys on run-flats or 17" wheels on standard tyres (may have been fitted in a private sale - dealers will always revert them to RFs).
The TLC lasts 5 years but there's an extension to 8 years. Questionable if worth it at this price point as it means that you'll need to go to a main dealer for servicing and while the basic service is included I'm sure they'll rack up some additional work. At this age finding a local Mini specialist to look after it is well worth it - especially if you start fitting extras. The fun part of an older Mini is the vast selection of personalisation available through third parties. Should make finding presents for the other-half easy for years to come.
OK, this is from What Car 'New Reg 2008' pages 158-9.
The manual gearbox can fail ... costs £1500 ... cluth can be problematic too.
Early-model errors
Problems with fuel filler neck, tyres, suspension, gearchange & handbrake... dealers can tell you if fixes were done.
Steering strife
The ... power-steering can break & damage the wiring ... reports of issues with steering column.
Window woes
Failing window motors ... broken door handles.
What to watch out for...
Gearbox gremlinsThe manual gearbox can fail ... costs £1500 ... cluth can be problematic too.
Early-model errors
Problems with fuel filler neck, tyres, suspension, gearchange & handbrake... dealers can tell you if fixes were done.
Steering strife
The ... power-steering can break & damage the wiring ... reports of issues with steering column.
Window woes
Failing window motors ... broken door handles.
Running costs
Good news - they state the one to go for is the 116hp petrol 1.6 Cooper ("will put a grin on your face every time you drive it") as it's group 8 and returns 40 mpg. Look out for high tyre wear. Service intervals are on demand via the on board computer. Pepper pack has uprated cabin trim, front fogs & alloys; Chili adds sports suspension. Air-con essential for resale value. CVT auto not smooth & reduces economy.Edited by sad61t on Saturday 23 August 17:08
Thanks guys some useful info here. Was talking to a Cooper S owner at a wedding this weekend and he was telling me how tiny the boot is. I didn't look at his but its worried me now that its not going to be suitable. We don't need heaps of space but we want to be able to take us plus at least one other with luggage to the airport etc from time to time. I would hate for this to be a show stopper as I can't think of any other alternatives. A Fiesta, Corsa, Micra etc just doesn't cut it!
Gavstar said:
Thanks guys some useful info here. Was talking to a Cooper S owner at a wedding this weekend and he was telling me how tiny the boot is. I didn't look at his but its worried me now that its not going to be suitable. We don't need heaps of space but we want to be able to take us plus at least one other with luggage to the airport etc from time to time. I would hate for this to be a show stopper as I can't think of any other alternatives. A Fiesta, Corsa, Micra etc just doesn't cut it!
Hmm, if you don't use the back seats it's actually alright - I've toted lots of bulky stuff with the back seats down, can't see holiday luggage for two not fitting in there that way - unless you're being sent to the immigration office every time you land at your destination because they just can't believe you're ever going to return home given the amount of stuff you're carrying, of course 
Edited by 900T-R on Sunday 24th August 20:23
You can stack quite a lot of stuff in the boot and one side of the back seats, particularly if it is just an airport run.
Take a set of bags to the dealer and try it out.
I always take my golf clubs, trolley etc when buying a new car as it's surprising how much space they take up.
If they fit then pretty much everything else I need to take does.
Or you have an excuse for not acting as a removal van for all your family and friends.
Take a set of bags to the dealer and try it out.
I always take my golf clubs, trolley etc when buying a new car as it's surprising how much space they take up.
If they fit then pretty much everything else I need to take does.
Or you have an excuse for not acting as a removal van for all your family and friends.
Hi Gavin......saw the header and thought the FLASH had frightened you off the TVR!!!
Sue has a 2005 Cooper with the Chilli pack etc etc. She uses hers for carting around fashion clothes etc for her business and says the rear seats are so easy to drop down and the room is excellent. In fact, we often take her car to the airport when we go away and it takes all of her luggage (and mine!!!) without any problems.
As you know, I am 6ft plus and have no headroom or legroom problems whatsoever.
Let me know if you are going to a TVRCC regional meet soon and will bring it along instead of the Tuscan.
Cheers
Brent
Sue has a 2005 Cooper with the Chilli pack etc etc. She uses hers for carting around fashion clothes etc for her business and says the rear seats are so easy to drop down and the room is excellent. In fact, we often take her car to the airport when we go away and it takes all of her luggage (and mine!!!) without any problems.
As you know, I am 6ft plus and have no headroom or legroom problems whatsoever.
Let me know if you are going to a TVRCC regional meet soon and will bring it along instead of the Tuscan.
Cheers
Brent
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