Looking to buy 03/04 Mini Cooper - what to look for?
Discussion
Friend is looking for a Mini Cooper, up to 7 grand.
Wouldnt mind a Cooper S but increased insurance and fuel use and so the Cooper seems like a good bet for them.
So what should they look for spec wise (it seems so vast and quite confusing), whats the minimum they should look to get (is it the Chili pack?) and also what TLC applicable to a mini of this age?
Finally, what are the running costs and performance like?
Wouldnt mind a Cooper S but increased insurance and fuel use and so the Cooper seems like a good bet for them.
So what should they look for spec wise (it seems so vast and quite confusing), whats the minimum they should look to get (is it the Chili pack?) and also what TLC applicable to a mini of this age?
Finally, what are the running costs and performance like?
I've got a 53 plate Cooper, had it from new. Covered coming up to 50k miles.
I get about 38mpg average and so far it's been almost 100% faultless. The only problems I've had, and haven't got round to fixing yet, are the rear wiper spray is broken and the 12v socket isn't working.
In terms of options, mine has the sports suspension. I'd avoid it if I was getting another one, the ride is seriously hard.
I also didn't get air conditioning, which I regret. Doing a long journey on even a mild summers day isn't nice.
I'd recommend driving a Cooper S to compare, they're seriously much much faster!
I get about 38mpg average and so far it's been almost 100% faultless. The only problems I've had, and haven't got round to fixing yet, are the rear wiper spray is broken and the 12v socket isn't working.
In terms of options, mine has the sports suspension. I'd avoid it if I was getting another one, the ride is seriously hard.
I also didn't get air conditioning, which I regret. Doing a long journey on even a mild summers day isn't nice.
I'd recommend driving a Cooper S to compare, they're seriously much much faster!
Hi, I drive a company 54 plate Cooper and have done from new. In answer to the performance question; well, I guess it depends on your friend's expectations and experiences. It is best described as a bit nippy around town, with a bit of whizz in the lanes. It doesn't have a lot of go - 9 point something seconds to sixty isn't exactly PH legend stuff, but if your friend is used to a Ka or similar they'll be pleased.
The question about options has always intrigued me. "My" car is absolutely cheap-as-you-like standard apart from Metallic paint. And in honesty what would I have paid extra money out of my own bank account for? Er... well, if I could magic better seats, maybe heated wing mirrors and a CD or DAB head unit that would be good. But it is a 2+2 car for around town, has power steering, air conditioning, two windows that go up and down by the press of a button, 4 wheels made of alloy and brakes with ABS. I'm sure the list of extras is very long, but I have no idea what people do with these options, other than feathering BMW coffers. Or making the planted ride very crashy.
I'd've thought the TLC would've all but run out by now. A max of 5 years if memory serves.
I hope your friend enjoys a car that in my opinion is a nice little "premium" feeling supermini.
The question about options has always intrigued me. "My" car is absolutely cheap-as-you-like standard apart from Metallic paint. And in honesty what would I have paid extra money out of my own bank account for? Er... well, if I could magic better seats, maybe heated wing mirrors and a CD or DAB head unit that would be good. But it is a 2+2 car for around town, has power steering, air conditioning, two windows that go up and down by the press of a button, 4 wheels made of alloy and brakes with ABS. I'm sure the list of extras is very long, but I have no idea what people do with these options, other than feathering BMW coffers. Or making the planted ride very crashy.
I'd've thought the TLC would've all but run out by now. A max of 5 years if memory serves.
I hope your friend enjoys a car that in my opinion is a nice little "premium" feeling supermini.
Thanks for the responses.
She had a Honda Jazz, now a Suzuki Swift so 9 secs to 60 is pretty much her bag, so the Cooper should be fine but will take a run in an S and see.
Certainly spec wise all i hear is 'get the chilli pack' so will have to research that more. She likes the odd gadget so might be the way to go.
She tells me she doesnt need the speed, wants cheaper insurance and fuel costs but had a go in a Civic Type R (current one) and loved how quick it was so i think one drive in the S and she'll pick that. Especially when the prices for S againt normal Cooper for age and mileage dont seem that different....
She had a Honda Jazz, now a Suzuki Swift so 9 secs to 60 is pretty much her bag, so the Cooper should be fine but will take a run in an S and see.
Certainly spec wise all i hear is 'get the chilli pack' so will have to research that more. She likes the odd gadget so might be the way to go.
She tells me she doesnt need the speed, wants cheaper insurance and fuel costs but had a go in a Civic Type R (current one) and loved how quick it was so i think one drive in the S and she'll pick that. Especially when the prices for S againt normal Cooper for age and mileage dont seem that different....
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