Cooper S (or alternatives)

Donnelly117

Hi Folks,
I have been looking around at hot hatches for a good few weeks now, mainly the GTi, OPC's and the Mini Cooper S.

Anyway I have come across this Cooper, which I though was a really good deal (good price, low milage, not bad spec, looks clean etc)
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/4560798

I kept looking around and assumed this car would sell really fast, but 2 months later its still there. Do you think this should be a cause of concern? Does anyone know anything about the car or had any dealings with this garage (Western Motor Point)?

As a side note, does anyone own one of these? What are they like to live with from day to day?

colm_mcm

You can do a search for the garage name here, they have come up before.

Donnelly117

colm_mcm wrote: »

You can do a search for the garage name here, they have come up before.

Cheers mate, I'm guessing thats not a good sign. I did a search before but I only saw one post related to them.

Jemmy

Have you considered the JCW Mini? I've driven one for awhile & they are great fun if you are looking at opc & gti's

colm_mcm

Donnelly117 wrote: »

Cheers mate, I'm guessing thats not a good sign. I did a search before but I only saw one post related to them.

Sorry I posted that reply for a completely different thread

Donnelly117

Jemmy wrote: »

Have you considered the JCW Mini? I've driven one for awhile & they are great fun if you are looking at opc & gti's

Im hoping to get the R56 which is 07 or later as they had a big overhal, and switched to turbos. The R56 JCW's are fairly rare and very expensive. The general consensus is that the R56 MCS is similar in performance to the R53 JCW, now im not sure how realistic this statement as I have never driven either but I'd imagine that there is a lot more low end torque in the turbo.
I do however think the JCW is a serious looking machine, I love the JCW specific branding such as the engraved exhausts...

Donnelly117

colm_mcm wrote: »

Sorry I posted that reply for a completely different thread

:pac: Fair enough, I think I was reading the same post you are on about earlier!

Neilw

Donnelly117 wrote: »

Im hoping to get the R56 which is 07 or later as they had a big overhal, and switched to turbos. The R56 JCW's are fairly rare and very expensive. The general consensus is that the R56 MCS is similar in performance to the R53 JCW, now im not sure how realistic this statement as I have never driven either but I'd imagine that there is a lot more low end torque in the turbo.
I do however think the JCW is a serious looking machine, I love the JCW specific branding such as the engraved exhausts...

Have you looked into the issues with the R56? Seems they are prone to engine problems. I went for a facelift R53 JCW, IMO the supercharged engine suits the character of the car better. The turbocharged car will be more economical though.

The standard R56 wouldn't be as quick as the R53 jcw but with a remap it probably would.

Ardennes1944

Id go for an r53 too OP but an r56 does provide better mpg and the interior is improved. Having driven both OPCs and the S i would probably go with the S for sheer driving pleasure. The OPC corsa is the best all rounder imo though, it looks unreal in arden blue

Donnelly117

Ardennes1944 wrote: »

Id go for an r53 too OP but an r56 does provide better mpg and the interior is improved. Having driven both OPCs and the S i would probably go with the S for sheer driving pleasure. The OPC corsa is the best all rounder imo though, it looks unreal in arden blue

I would have a blue OPC Corsa in a heartbeat...but they are no where to be found I was also looking at the astras but the insurance is a nightmare on them. And while I'm not really bothered about fuel economy the Astra just seems to be shocking altogether. Although I read that the corsa isnt much better. Im only doing 8k miles per year max anyway to as I said I'm not too worried about it.
What would the difference between the mpg from the 53 and the 56? The R53 seems to be a very tough engine from what I have seen on Mini forums. I'd also be worried that the JCW will run into the OPC, GTi insurance bracket whereas the S seems to be a level below.

Neilw

Donnelly117 wrote: »

I would have a blue OPC Corsa in a heartbeat...but they are no where to be found I was also looking at the astras but the insurance is a nightmare on them. And while I'm not really bothered about fuel economy the Astra just seems to be shocking altogether. Although I read that the corsa isnt much better. Im only doing 8k miles per year max anyway to as I said I'm not too worried about it.
What would the difference between the mpg from the 53 and the 56? The R53 seems to be a very tough engine from what I have seen on Mini forums. I'd also be worried that the JCW will run into the OPC, GTi insurance bracket whereas the S seems to be a level below.

My jcw is doing close to 30mpg, trip computer saying 31+ mpg. I do a lot of m50 driving which helps, town will see it drop to mid 20's. The r56 is supposed to be easier but I've no experience of it.

On insurance I found the jcw easier to insure than a standard cooper s, less of them on the roads so fewer claims made against them so a lower premium.
3rd part on mine was €253, full comp with all the bells and whistles inc NBC protection was €439.

This r53 jcw might be worth a look.

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/4737391

Zubeneschamali

Donnelly117 wrote: »

Anyway I have come across this Cooper, which I though was a really good deal (good price, low milage, not bad spec, looks clean etc)
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/4560798

I don't see any spec list?

It has a sunroof, which I would rather not have, and baggy-looking leather. It's grey outside and black inside, the most boring colour combo possible.

Does it have cruise/MFSW/Heated windscreen/bluetooth? Doubt it.

The only plus I see is that it doesn't have any tacky stickers/stripes/flags or go-faster JCW body uglification.

Donnelly117

Zubeneschamali wrote: »

I don't see any spec list?

It has a sunroof, which I would rather not have, and baggy-looking leather. It's grey outside and black inside, the most boring colour combo possible.

Does it have cruise/MFSW/Heated windscreen/bluetooth? Doubt it.

The only plus I see is that it doesn't have any tacky stickers/stripes/flags or go-faster JCW body uglification.

I rang the dealer when the car first came up, it has bluetooth and A/C (which I found odd that it had along with a S/R) iirc, I wrote it down somewhere but I'm at work now. Is a heated windscreen even an option on the MCS?
As for the colour its what I would go for, I'm not a fan of the exterior colour on the inside (seats and dash) like alot of them have. The seats are very baggy which is the one of the things i dislike the most, I wonder how it got so bad with such low milage?

Zubeneschamali

Donnelly117 wrote: »

it has bluetooth and A/C (which I found odd that it had along with a S/R)

A/C is standard in the current model.

Is a heated windscreen even an option on the MCS?

Yes, but I don't think it is in any of the "packs", so it's rare. Unless you've owned a Ford before, you're unlikely to tick that box.

The seats are very baggy

Is the leather original? I don't see a shot of the back seats...

Zubeneschamali

Zubeneschamali wrote: »

I don't see any spec list?

It has a sunroof, which I would rather not have,

That double sunroof is pretty cool imo.

My current car is the first one with a sunroof and to be honest I'd be looking to have one in my next car, really like having one now.

Neilw

Kelly Bumpy Muffler wrote: »

That double sunroof is pretty cool imo.

My current car is the first one with a sunroof and to be honest I'd be looking to have one in my next car, really like having one now.

Agree, moon roof is very nice. Not an option I would choose buying new but now that I have one its great. Makes the interior much brighter.

Donnelly117

Yea I really like the double sunroof, I'd probably miss it having had it for so long on my current car!
Is A/C really standard? I though the Mini didnt have a great set of standard kit and had a long list of extras. A heated screen would be a great extra to have, this should be standard on all card at this stage.
Ill have to find out about the seats because I think its weird that they have gotten that saggy after such low mileage.

I also recall the dealer saying that this was his car before. Has anyone bought a car from this garage in the past?

Neilw

Donnelly117 wrote: »

Yea I really like the double sunroof, I'd probably miss it having had it for so long on my current car!
Is A/C really standard? I though the Mini didnt have a great set of standard kit and had a long list of extras. A heated screen would be a great extra to have, this should be standard on all card at this stage.
Ill have to find out about the seats because I think its weird that they have gotten that saggy after such low mileage.

I also recall the dealer saying that this was his car before. Has anyone bought a car from this garage in the past?

I know on the r53 there was a pack of extras called the chilli pack that included half leather seats, ac and a good few other options. Most cars were ordered with this pack as it was very good value.
I don't know if there were similar options on the r56.

The seats in that car you linked look standard and most of them look a bit saggy like that. It's a good colour combo, dark Gray is very nice and black leather was an upgrade afaik.

You could look out for an 05 or 06 facelift r53, see if you can find one with lots of options. Mine is a well spec'd r53 facelift car with most of the jcw options, engine, kit, interior, brakes and so on.

Neilw

OSI wrote: »

I'm yet to sit in a modern Mini with leather seats that weren't saggy. Just seems to be the norm for them.

Op could always buy a pair of jcw leather recaro's, they don't sag....I would hope not for the €2k + price tag

Donnelly117

Neilw wrote: »

Op could always buy a pair of jcw leather recaro's, they don't sag....I would hope not for the €2k + price tag

That would be a sweet upgrade alright, I presume they would fit straight in with no mods to the rails or anything seeing as they are factory fitted to the JCW?

Nobody has had any horror stories about the dealer too so I might head up and have a look at it!!

Oafley Jones

Donnelly117 wrote: »

Yea I really like the double sunroof, I'd probably miss it having had it for so long on my current car!
Is A/C really standard? I though the Mini didnt have a great set of standard kit and had a long list of extras. A heated screen would be a great extra to have, this should be standard on all card at this stage.
Ill have to find out about the seats because I think its weird that they have gotten that saggy after such low mileage.

I also recall the dealer saying that this was his car before. Has anyone bought a car from this garage in the past?

AC wasn't standard till 2009. Love the MCS and was tempted to pick up a second hand one this year. Was eventually put off by reading of the various issues they suffered.... Carbon build up and trying to get rid of it I think particular. Trying to find a decent spec was another pain in the hole. There would be something missing in nearly everyone. If it did have AC it wouldn't have multi function steering wheel etc. There was some gorgeous examples up north loaded with kit you'd never see down here eg heated seats etc. Would still love a new one.

Senecio

I have a 2007 r56 and I love it. Great car to drive, lots of fun but still very usable. Provided you don't need to the back seats to often.

I picked up some nice aftermarket OZ racing wheels shod with Yokohama Advans from a mate for a steal.

This is it

Neilw

Donnelly117 wrote: »

That would be a sweet upgrade alright, I presume they would fit straight in with no mods to the rails or anything seeing as they are factory fitted to the JCW?

Nobody has had any horror stories about the dealer too so I might head up and have a look at it!!

Straight swap for the original seats, afaik you remove the rails from the original seats and bolt direct to the recaro's.

I fitted a pair of sparco jcw seats to mine yesterday, best upgrade I've done.

Jemmy

Here’s the one I was talking about that I drove before, he was talking about selling it & seems to have finally stuck it up! I dunno if you go to C&C but he usually has it there

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/4930846

Gumbo

Jemmy wrote: »

Here’s the one I was talking about that I drove before, he was talking about selling it & seems to have finally stuck it up! I dunno if you go to C&C but he usually has it there

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/4930846

I know that car. Nearly bought it from its previous owner but couldn't do a deal at the time. Ended up getting an S3.

Cracking car and it would need to be inspected in the flesh to see if its still in the same condition as the previous owner was very particular on keeping his cars in good condition.

Only for I've just bought an E36 I would of looked at this.

Neilw

Jemmy wrote: »

Here’s the one I was talking about that I drove before, he was talking about selling it & seems to have finally stuck it up! I dunno if you go to C&C but he usually has it there

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/4930846

I sent the OP a PM with the donedeal link earlier Looks like a nice car alright.

Danger781

Honest question - I've always felt the mini was a bit of a girly car.. Am I crazy?

Because after looking at the cars in this thread I'm seriously interested in one now..

Gumbo

Danger781 wrote: »

Honest question - I've always felt the mini was a bit of a girly car.. Am I crazy?

Because after looking at the cars in this thread I'm seriously interested in one now..

Short answer- yes your crazy. Go drive one and you'll understand.

Danger781

kceire wrote: »

Short answer- yes your crazy. Go drive one and you'll understand.

Actually I've always thought it looked like it would be a great car to drive! :pac:

Just thought it looked kinda girly.. I'll have to actually sit into one I suppose

Jemmy

Your average mini yes maybe, I was of the same opinion if I'm honest but after a spin in the JCW with 200 ponies that was quickly changed!

Donnelly117

Neilw wrote: »

I sent the OP a PM with the donedeal link earlier Looks like a nice car alright.

I rang about insurance on both the S and the JCW and while the S was fine they said the usual high performance vehicle bs about the JCW (this was liberty btw, who I am leaving when my renewal is up). Ill have to run the JCW by my new insurer (Axa, who were €350 cheaper then liberty with free breakdown cover).

Im the meantime I found this http://www.carzone.ie/search/MINI/Cooper-S/TURBOCHA/34613658512256730/advert?channel=CARS

I might take a trip up to see it at the weekend. It has a good spec and full service history, mileage is a bit higher but not too bad.

Neilw

Donnelly117 wrote: »

I rang about insurance on both the S and the JCW and while the S was fine they said the usual high performance vehicle bs about the JCW (this was liberty btw, who I am leaving when my renewal is up). Ill have to run the JCW by my new insurer (Axa, who were €350 cheaper then liberty with free breakdown cover).

Im the meantime I found this http://www.carzone.ie/search/MINI/Cooper-S/TURBOCHA/34613658512256730/advert?channel=CARS

I might take a trip up to see it at the weekend. It has a good spec and full service history, mileage is a bit higher but not too bad.

123.ie were cheap for the jcw when I got mine.

bidiots

Over the years I've been with up to 5 different companies. The cheapest I've found the past couple of years have been AA. It was cheaper for me to sign up for AA membership, avail of the extra 14% discount - than any other company. I've full NCB of 8+ years, 36, drive a 1.9tdi.

Neilw

bidiots wrote: »

Over the years I've been with up to 5 different companies. The cheapest I've found the past couple of years have been AA. It was cheaper for me to sign up for AA membership, avail of the extra 14% discount - than any other company. I've full NCB of 8+ years, 36, drive a 1.9tdi.

AA seem to only insure boring stuff, I've never been able to get a quote from them.

Danger781

Most companies just plain refuse to insure me being a 21 year old male on a provisional

tossy

Danger781 wrote: »

Most companies just plain refuse to insure me being a 21 year old male on a provisional

...and having the name Danger

Danger781

tossy wrote: »

...and having the name Danger

I dont tell them that

bidiots

Neilw wrote: »

AA seem to only insure boring stuff, I've never been able to get a quote from them.

Neilw

bidiots wrote: »

Lol, yes boring cars. Nothing fun, powerful or out of the ordinary.