Maybe a Cooper S (Supercharged)

[LupoSport16V]

Hi Guys

I'm going to be looking into a new car in June (insurance runs out!) and i'm thinking of getting a Cooper S 2002 - 2006 Supercharged version.
At the moment I drive a VW Lupo which is very nippy for the power it has, and im a big hatchback/small car fan!

I just want to know what sort of power,handling,mpg and insurance group i would be looking at with the S?
Also what should I be looking for when buying? Any known problems or rust ect.

Also how much potential the engine/supercharger has?

Any help and information would be great!

Thanks
Michael

[RKDE]

I do not normally do this but for power and messing with the engine get yourself over to minitorque.com that site has lots of information with minis running stock power up to and above 300Bhp most seam to run 250 ish give or take.

As for rust, the area is above the fuel tank (can't see it without removing the tank) check the subframes, cars from the coast can be very unsightly, they do rust inside the rear lights at the bottom of the light, can be seen with a torch. Also remove the door seals at the bottom they do rust there. Most other areas are clear and the car is quite good for an ageing car. Blower can get tired at 100K but have been seen running at over 250k

check for knocks in the steering rack, odd sounds, engine is chain cam and it can rattle a bit, normally just the tensioner which is £45. Check for a full service and just have a good look over. The engine mount on the side the engine is metal make sure no oil has leaked from it, if it has make sure its been changed as its dead and will cost £90

Look at the car for mods, first mod is normally a blower pulley it if has bolts round the outside then its probably a smaller pulley. other usual mods are airbox exhaust but the others are harder to see, cam, manifold, cylinder head etc

Best thing to do is look over a BMW dealer car so you know what is standard even though I have seen cars there with a pulley on...

Insurance groups etc have all changed recently and so has tax the mini is fairly bad all round, high tax, high insurance, low mpg but check something like parkers. As for mpg expect to se 30mpg worse if you drive it hard or in a city and better on a motorway run. A real tank of petrol will get you 250miles to about 350 normally

Take your time and ask questions

Edited by RKDE on Tuesday 1st February 10:45

Edited by RKDE on Tuesday 1st February 16:12

[LupoSport16V]

Thanks for your indepth reply mate
will get myself down the local mini garage and have a look!

[CO2000]

Later ones (04 on ?) had a shorter final drive so the gearing is better (for me anyway) A really long first gear was what I thought on a early car & put me off it (have since bought an 06 one)

Drive both to see for yourself & good luck with the purchase.

[turbolucie]

You won't regret it. Lovely cars...as RKDE said look around for a good one. I get 250-300 miles out of mine per tank, not much difference between driving fast or driving slow I find. Tax rapes you, insurance isn't too bad for me tbh, £66/month age 22/girl/2years NCB.