Mini Cooper S - Opinions?

Zascar

I'm thinking about a Cooper S as my next car - wondering has owned one or has any advice etc. I'm looking at an older one - only want to spend about 5k or maybe less if I can. I had considered a few other cars but for 5k or so this really is a lot of car. It's cool, great fun to drive, fairly quick, pretty comfy and small engine so good for road tax. What's mpg like? I assume mid 20's which would be ok.

Some on Donedeal I've seen are:

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/3555002 - looks nice
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/3560220 - Horrible wheels and it's wrapped but has FSH
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/3321460 - cheap but roof needs respray
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/3563509 - lovely but a bit out of budget..

So any tips, advice or opinion for me. I have not looked yet but I hope they are not too bad on insurance. I'm over 30 with 5 years ncb so fingers crossed it won't be too bad, I used to have an Ep3 Civic Type R which is near impossible to insure.

Going to go and look at a few, what should I be looking out for - or to avoid etc?

Gumbo

Zascar wrote: »

Some on Donedeal I've seen are:

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/3555002 - looks nice
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/3560220 - Horrible wheels and it's wrapped but has FSH
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/3321460 - cheap but roof needs respray
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/3563509 - lovely but a bit out of budget..

you do know the bolded one is not aCooper s, dont you?

heres another one - http://www.bmw-driver.net/forum/showthread.php?t=37991

Insurance is very friendl on these cars, even the John Cooper Works Edition is very easy to insure!

bazz26

The last one on that list looks to be the best one from the photos. I'm not sure on the price but it is a JC Works edition so could well be the going rate given the rarity and condition.

There is a guy here called Owen who knows his MINIs so might be worth talking to him for advice.

TossL1916

Early R53's had a few recalls, including "static discharge fire risk" and a front suspension upgrade, so check for these in the service history. A rattle from the engine may mean a stretched timing chain. Electric steering cooling fans have a tendency to fail and clutches last around 50k miles. On early cars check if the front carpets are damp-it can lead to expensive electrical problems. Otherwise a good looking well built fun to drive car.

TossL1916

http://www.evo.co.uk/buying/buyingguide/233669/mini_cooper_checkpoints.html

Henry Ford III

Testicle just bought a JCW one.

Zascar

Thanks lads that info is really helpful. Do you think its worth all that extra money for the Cooper Works one? What does the Works have extra that the standard S does not? Some of these have pretty high mileage - would that worry you or would one of these be good for 150-200k miles?

neacy69

i know the seller on this one so just thought i'd throw up for you...and him!
lovely model very well minded and specced


http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/3474004

Henry Ford III

neacy69 wrote: »

i know the seller on this one so just thought i'd throw up for you...and him!
lovely model very well minded and specced


http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/3474004

Seems a bit expensive?

40mpg was almost double what I managed when I rented one!

Zascar

Very expensive for a 2002. No way you'll get 40mpg. My mate used to get 18mpg around London. This gives a very accurate picture of mpg: http://www.fuelly.com/car/mini/cooper%20s

If I could really stretch my budget this is very nice: http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/3283824

I was told today by a mate to try to stay away from the earlier ones, aim for 2004 onwards if you can as the later models had more of the kinks worked out - some of the earlier ones could be a bit weak.

cena

Do they come in diesel. Always fancied one but in red since in seen the italian job

Zubeneschamali

There are three diesels: the Mini One D with a Toyota 1.4 D4D diesel, the Mini Cooper D, with a PSA 1.6 diesel, and the Cooper SD, with a BMW 2.0 diesel.

The 1.4 was the first generation, up to 06, the 1.6 is from 06 on, and the 2.0 is new out.

milltown

I'm open to correction but my brother is in the trade and he told me if the radio isn't working it's a big money job. The radio unit contains some of the engine/chassis management ECUs and needs extensive coding when it's replaced.

Gumbo

Zascar wrote: »

Do you think its worth all that extra money for the Cooper Works one? What does the Works have extra that the standard S does not?

The JCW kit has a few different levels of trim, one i looked at a few years back had :

Full JCW engine upgrade
full LCW leather interior
JCW side skirts
JCW wheels

the engine upgrade is the most common of them with different supercharger, exhaust etc etc and can be installed in 2 hours or something. increased power to approx 210 bhp.

Zascar

Thanks. Is there a suspension upgrade too? what is the ride comfort like on these? Is it ok or is it bone shaking? I assume suspension and wheels make a difference... I'm told to get the best spec'd one you can. The 2004 works one I posted above is really growing on me but I still think 8.75k is too much...

Gumbo

Zascar wrote: »

Thanks. Is there a suspension upgrade too? what is the ride comfort like on these? Is it ok or is it bone shaking? I assume suspension and wheels make a difference... I'm told to get the best spec'd one you can. The 2004 works one I posted above is really growing on me but I still think 8.75k is too much...

not sure about the suspension, didnt think it was different from the standard Cooper S tbh.
Its not bone shaking like a DC2 Integra Type R on coilovers, but its not comfy as a 3 series if you get me

The fun factory and handling overcomes the slight harshness tbh but the harshness is only really there with the upgraded 18" wheels, the standard 17" wheels on normal tyres is grand.

langdang

milltown wrote: »

I'm open to correction but my brother is in the trade and he told me if the radio isn't working it's a big money job. The radio unit contains some of the engine/chassis management ECUs and needs extensive coding when it's replaced.

The JVC headunit I put in hers must have copied the MINI modules so;) How did they know????

I wouldn't rule out anything being designed to cost you megabucks for simple faults in some of the newer cars (from any make not just MINI!) , but the radios in the R50 / R53 MINIs (which are the models in question here) is a simple single DIN "non integrated" yoke. You need a small adapter fascia and a bit of time to faff around moving the "poles" in the dash but there's no ECU / BCU modules there.

Mr Simpson

Zascar wrote: »

Thanks. Is there a suspension upgrade too? what is the ride comfort like on these? Is it ok or is it bone shaking? I assume suspension and wheels make a difference... I'm told to get the best spec'd one you can. The 2004 works one I posted above is really growing on me but I still think 8.75k is too much...

I kinda want the Matte Black one, I was only looking at it the other day. Re the 2004, sure no harm trying to barter

Zascar

Ahhhh... As kcerie said above it's not actually an S though. I'd never buy a weird coloured car even if it was wrapped...

There are a few more on Carznone here: http://www.carzone.ie/search/results?nParam=4294308694%2B200590%2B200293%2B200300%2B285%2B326&sortby=Make|0&channel=CARS&currency=EUROS&searchResultsView=THUMBNAIL&maxrows=10&lastFeaturedAdvert=201219208109493&tab=1#nParam=4294308694%2B200590%2B200293%2B200300%2B285%2B326&sortby=p_VehiclePriceEUR|0&channel=CARS&currency=EUROS&searchResultsView=THUMBNAIL&maxrows=10
This is the nicest one all round I think: http://www.carzone.ie/search/MINI/Cooper-S/1.6-SPOR/201220208210934/advert?channel=CARS
Great nick, Loads of extras, low enough mileage - a serious amount of car for about 6k.

milltown

langdang wrote: »

The JVC headunit I put in hers must have copied the MINI modules so;) How did they know????

I wouldn't rule out anything being designed to cost you megabucks for simple faults in some of the newer cars (from any make not just MINI!) , but the radios in the R50 / R53 MINIs (which are the models in question here) is a simple single DIN "non integrated" yoke. You need a small adapter fascia and a bit of time to faff around moving the "poles" in the dash but there's no ECU / BCU modules there.

The impression I got was that it was a "part of the dash" type unit he was on about. Maybe different models, or maybe I was completely wrong. Thanks for setting the OP straight anyway.

langdang

Milltown, you may be right about models from 07 on, the radios are integrated into the dash in those models and as I said - I wouldn't rule out any wacky module placements in modern cars. 07 on isn't likely to be an issue at a 5k ish budget. I'd prefer the older supercharged model over the newer turbo model anyway, but that's just me.

The body control module in the models zascar is interested in are situated in a place where they could easily get wet if windscreen fitters make a hames of fitting a new screen (as they often do on minis).
But from late 02 on I think they had better protective covering on them.

testicle

kceire wrote: »

The JCW kit has a few different levels of trim, one i looked at a few years back had :

Full JCW engine upgrade
full LCW leather interior
JCW side skirts
JCW wheels

the engine upgrade is the most common of them with different supercharger, exhaust etc etc and can be installed in 2 hours or something. increased power to approx 210 bhp.

The JCW Tuning Kit is a dealer install takes 9 hours and brings it from 163bhp up to 200bhp on the earlier models, 210 on later (2004+) - there's also a 200->210 kit for the earlier models.

The 200bhp Tuning Kit includes the following:
Uprated Cylinder Head
Uprated Supercharger with Reduction Pulley
Uprated Spark Plugs
Cat-back Exhaust
ECU Remap

The suspension is quite hard, especially if it's running run-flats. There's no room for a spare, so if you change from run-flats to non, you're going to need to get one of those repair kits and a compressor.

Neilw

testicle wrote: »

The JCW Tuning Kit is a dealer install takes 9 hours and brings it from 163bhp up to 200bhp on the earlier models, 210 on later (2004+) - there's also a 200->210 kit for the earlier models.

The 200bhp Tuning Kit includes the following:
Uprated Cylinder Head
Uprated Supercharger with Reduction Pulley
Uprated Spark Plugs
Cat-back Exhaust
ECU Remap

The suspension is quite hard, especially if it's running run-flats. There's no room for a spare, so if you change from run-flats to non, you're going to need to get one of those repair kits and a compressor.

Just out of curiosity, what did the jcw tuning kit cost?

testicle

Neilw wrote: »

Just out of curiosity, what did the jcw tuning kit cost?

The list price in the UK was £3,500. I don't know what it was here.

Owen

The list price didn't include installation.

The JCW Kit here ran at around 6k, plus another 1k for installation. Each kit had a unique number and was registered to the vehicle in question, and a certificate of authenticity provided.

The JCW Engine Kit consisted of :
Replacement machined cylinder head
Larger, teflon coated Eaton supercharger
Uprated Injectors
Uprated Sparkplugs
A new JCW Airbox with a computer controlled flap for when 4500 rpm was passed to let more air in
A remap
A Catback Exhaust system
Front and rear JCW Badges

There was a limited run of a 130Bhp engine kit for the Cooper, but that was discontinued quickly and a 'sound kit' was brought out to replace it. Other Kits apart from the Engine kits were the Aerodynamic Styling Kit, the Brake Kit, Suspension Kit, and the individual extras such as the Leather stitched dashboard and downtubes, JCW steering wheel, handbrake/gear levers, the RPM shift light indicator, JCW Seats, Strut Braces, Wheels ... and on and on and on!

Neilw

Knew it was expensive but didn't think it cost that much.

Here's my one, 210bhp jcw.

testicle

Owen wrote: »

The list price didn't include installation.

The JCW Kit here ran at around 6k, plus another 1k for installation. Each kit had a unique number and was registered to the vehicle in question, and a certificate of authenticity provided.

The JCW Engine Kit consisted of :
Replacement machined cylinder head
Larger, teflon coated Eaton supercharger
Uprated Injectors
Uprated Sparkplugs
A new JCW Airbox with a computer controlled flap for when 4500 rpm was passed to let more air in
A remap
A Catback Exhaust system
Front and rear JCW Badges

There was a limited run of a 130Bhp engine kit for the Cooper, but that was discontinued quickly and a 'sound kit' was brought out to replace it. Other Kits apart from the Engine kits were the Aerodynamic Styling Kit, the Brake Kit, Suspension Kit, and the individual extras such as the Leather stitched dashboard and downtubes, JCW steering wheel, handbrake/gear levers, the RPM shift light indicator, JCW Seats, Strut Braces, Wheels ... and on and on and on!

The 200 didn't include the injectors, but the 210 did, and that's what the 200-210 kit did include, along with a different remap. How much is/was the 200->210 remap by the way, and can it still be done?

langdang

Owen, can you get pretty good results (bang for buck comparison like) with just a different supercharger pully and a remap? I'm sure I remember you saying that to me before when I was musing about an R53 myself. F**ked for money at the mo unfortunately...

Owen

You can get the remap from a Dealer, but it's stupid money. As langdang said, the engine's pretty much limitless anyway, there's a friend in the states taking a comfortable 600Bhp out of a twin turbo setup on the standard 1.6 tritec lump. One tuning company in the UK do a 400Bhp package.

Even with the JCW, a smaller supercharger pulley, something like 15% reduction and a custom map will do wonders. A manifold's worth another 15 ponies too.

unkel

Zascar wrote: »

I'm thinking about a Cooper S as my next car

You selling the 911 already? Or is it just too much of a compromise to be your daily driver and you're keeping it nice as a weekend car?

Zascar

Yep I am Unkel - as much as I love it I need something more practical - being sensible and trading down - will miss her but looking forward to some new, different & fun!

Thanks for all the comments guys - I think a standard S will do me unless I see a really good deal on a JCW. A mate told me you can get the standard one chipped/remapped and get a fairly whopper increase in horses & torques for not huge money - and looking at those other mods like the smaller supercharger pulley seems to make quite a difference.

Going to go see a few this weekend hopefully. That really nice jcw is sold, there is only the 2002 one left but not sure if its in as good condition as I'd like. I did a quick check on insurance and it seems very reasonable so that's encouraging.

cojomo2

did you buy i a mini in the end Zascar?

Zascar

Not yet I have to sell my car first but there are none on the market right now that tick all the boxes. Are you looking yourself?

cojomo2

Zascar wrote: »

Not yet I have to sell my car first but there are none on the market right now that tick all the boxes. Are you looking yourself?

I was yeah, went with the 02 JCW (the one you said wasn't in great condition:p)..did you view it?

Don't like the wheels, but picked up a set for 80 euro that need to be refurbished...done one wheel but dont think the black works:(
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056715496

Zascar

Oh nice! I was supposed to go see it but never got around to it. What's it like? I think I said I was not sure if it was in as good condition as I would have liked, but I'm sure its a great buy. Do you mind me asking what you paid?

cojomo2

Zascar wrote: »

Oh nice! I was supposed to go see it but never got around to it. What's it like? I think I said I was not sure if it was in as good condition as I would have liked, but I'm sure its a great buy. Do you mind me asking what you paid?

Oh right, the seller mentioned that someone had looked at it, thought it may have been yourself.

Bodywork is in great nick, you would never think it was a 10 yo car. Interior is showing its age a bit more. Needed 2 new front tyres (I am changing to 18'' rims anyway) and the only other issue was a dent in the roof from some kid running up over his car, I can get this popped back out with a PDR guy I know very cheap. Drives great. Ill pm u about the price.

Zascar

That's brilliant, delighted for you. I wish I had have been in the position to buy it. Not many JCW's around and few S's at all with low mileage. I'm a bit dubious about buying a car like this with 100k on the clock. I went to see one near phoenix park and although the car is lovely, the interior was fairly worn. The pain on the handle you use to pull the door shut was all work away and loads of scratches on the dash too. That kind of thing would annoy me...

cojomo2

Zascar wrote: »

That's brilliant, delighted for you. I wish I had have been in the position to buy it. Not many JCW's around and few S's at all with low mileage. I'm a bit dubious about buying a car like this with 100k on the clock. I went to see one near phoenix park and although the car is lovely, the interior was fairly worn. The pain on the handle you use to pull the door shut was all work away and loads of scratches on the dash too. That kind of thing would annoy me...

yeah I know, If you have your heart set on a JCW, would you consider bringing one in from the UK? vrt would be low enough I'd say, and you would have a far greater choice.

Zascar

I just don't think its worth it with the vrt and sterling rate right now. Could be wrong.
I might just wait around and see what comes up. I'm not settled on a jcw a good S would be fine, but so few around!