Experience/ opinions on The Mini Cooper S

LilacNails

Just looking for people opinions and experiences with a mini's. D or S. Is there a big difference?

I would LOVE to get one but my brother is telling me there a waste of time and money.

Are they really

salamiii

they kep breaking down from new

they are one of the most unreliable cars in the world

2011abc

LilacNails wrote: »

Just looking for people opinions and experiences with a mini's.

I would LOVE to get one but my brother is telling me there a waste of time and money.

Are they really

Which year?

LilacNails

2011abc wrote: »

Which year?

Above 08.

LilacNails

salamiii wrote: »

they kep breaking down from new

they are one of the most unreliable cars in the world

So are u saying a used one is more reliable than new? Prob wouldn't buy a new one.

Marcusm

I have had three, a 2007 Clubman, a2009 Convertible and a 2013 Paceman. Copper S is the engine designation although it also indicates at least a mid spec level. I would not be interested in a Diesel engine in a car that size as will be less fun, noisier etc.

If you get a decent model then you’ll have lots of fun. If you live in Dublin, talk to the guys in Bloomfield Garage about any one you are thinking of buying, get them to run the rule over it if possible. If you girt a good one, they’re great. If you get a troublesome one they can be expensive.

LilacNails

Marcusm wrote: »

I have had three, a 2007 Clubman, a2009 Convertible and a 2013 Paceman. Copper S is the engine designation although it also indicates at least a mid spec level. I would not be interested in a Diesel engine in a car that size as will be less fun, noisier etc.

If you get a decent model then you’ll have lots of fun. If you live in Dublin, talk to the guys in Bloomfield Garage about any one you are thinking of buying, get them to run the rule over it if possible. If you girt a good one, they’re great. If you get a troublesome one they can be expensive.

What would be a decent model? O don't know a lot of about and the difference between them really... I just go by there look.

KylieWyley

The S is a petrol with a turbo. The D is a diesel. Two very different cars.

Mind the mileage. The timing chains can snap after 80k miles. Make sure replaced if buying an older car.

The mini is a fun car. Great handling.

2011abc

2008-2011 is a NIGHTMARE ,avoid at all costs .2012/2013 ok .2014 and after awesome

Marcusm

LilacNails wrote: »

What would be a decent model? O don't know a lot of about and the difference between them really... I just go by there look.

Meaning one that has been well looked after, serviced well, had necessary changes (water pump was an issue at times) and has not been run to death. If you have little knowledge then best to find a few that you like and get a good mechanic to check them over.

On the petrol side, up to 2007 it was a supercharged 1.6. Enthusiasts love these but many will be getting on in age.

From 2007, you had a turbo’d 1.6 which was shared with Peugeot/Citroen and Ford. It’s nice and revvy but has had some problems. If it’s been well maintained and issues dealt with, not a problem. From 2013, some models got a BMW 2.0 turbo (although my Paceman still has a 1.6).

LilacNails

I've seen online someone was saying 2015 upwards were given newly designed better parts.

Roger Mellie Man on the Telly

LilacNails wrote: »

I would LOVE to get one(

This says it all. It'll put a smile on your face!

Do some research and buy one. The petrol S would be the one to go for imo.

LilacNails

Roger Mellie Man on the Telly wrote: »

This says it all. It'll put a smile on your face!

Do some research and buy one. The petrol S would be the one to go for imo.

Why would u say that the one to go for, st out of curiosity?

It really would out a smile on my face! I have enough saved, I just wanna be certain this is the one I'll go for.

beauf

S is more fun.

If everything else reliability etc , being much the same.

KevRossi

What are later models of the original R50 like for reliability? 2005-06 or so.

LilacNails

beauf wrote: »

S is more fun.

If everything else reliability etc , being much the same.

What makes it more " fun"?? In terms of what? Looks wise?

beauf

It depends what you mean by fun.

It's a more powerful and enthusiastic engine. More fun to drive and likely had more kit and toys depending on spec.

You should really drive both before starting this thread. You might prefer diesel.

2011abc

KevRossi wrote: »

What are later models of the original R50 like for reliability? 2005-06 or so.

Better than any other year from 2001 to 2011

Roger Mellie Man on the Telly

LilacNails wrote: »

Why would u say that the one to go for, out of curiosity?

I own one! Albeit a 15yo R53. Still makes me smile at times, although needs a bit of ongoing tlc.

If you do big mileage diesel will be more economical. Turbo diesel SD model I'm sure is good fun, although probably a heavier car than the petrol S which may affect handling.

If you do mostly short trips, petrol S model probably better in this case.