New to Mini

[Somerset_James]

Hi everyone,

I'm looking at getting my first Mini later this year and just wanted some advice from current/previous owners:

I haven't owned a car for over 10 years as I have been living in central London but now locating to Somerset, insurance would be around £450 fully comp on a Cooper S as I'm 41 years old.

- I love the look of the R56 Cooper S (around 2008 model), but would I be better off getting a Cooper to start with?
- How many miles would i get on a full tank between the Cooper & Cooper S?
- How much roughly does it cost to fill the tank up?
- Is the Cooper more reliable than the Cooper S?
- Are the repairs cheaper on the Cooper?

It will be used as a daily car to and from work and at weekends I work as a wedding photographer so may be travelling 150 miles to a destination.

Sorry for all the questions but I would really appreciate any feedback :0)

Edited by Somerset_James on Thursday 18th January 11:50

[Somerset_James]

miniwill58 said:

Is it definitely an R53 you're looking for?

R53 (2000 - 2006)
R56 (2006 - 2013)
F56 (2014 - present)

Sorry, R56, told you I was new to Mini's ;0)

[Somerset_James]

miniwill58 said:

Easy mistake to make...

Can't help with R56 I'm afraid but I'm sure someone will be along soon who knows them inside out.

I take it you've seen the R56 buyer's guide from PH today?

Reading it now thanks :0)

[Somerset_James]

Thank you for the input.

I am going to be sensible and look for a cooper :-)

[Somerset_James]

I’m looking at a budget of around £3,500 as it’s my first mini.

I will test drive some of both specs but the Cooper S is more appealing to me.

Edited by Somerset_James on Friday 19th January 15:30

[Somerset_James]

Thank you for the feedback I really appreciate it:-)

[Somerset_James]

Definitely want a mini, just a bit of anxiety about buying a car the gives me nothing but problems.

[Somerset_James]

I will be wanting to test drive some cooper and cooper s first before I decide what model to go for.

[Somerset_James]

Yes you are right :-)
I have joined a few groups on social media and will be looking to be buying one around June/July.