Who here owns a Mini?

What about brakes? I've heard that fitting R56 brakes is a big upgrade? But I doubt thats cheap.

I'm happy to try and then upgrade. The first track day I did was in the Clio completely standard, including Toyos lol.

Edit: browsing that thread the only thing you can be sure the JCW has over the S that isn't optional is an 11% pulley and some uprated injectors?
 
Last edited:
I can confirm the standard R56 brakes are very capable (only really tested under fast road use and they can bite hard, don't know if they'd fade after a few laps, ducts will help eliminate this) and can be had quite cheaply compared to some aftermarket kits.
 
Yep. I have removed my teeth from the dash board numerous times. ABS isn't intrusive which is nice. I haven't really pushed them on a track so can't add anything if that's what you're after.
 
That's another thing. Although you're likely to turn off things like the traction control, it's far less intrusive than you'd expect. I had some inside slip earlier on after gunning it out of a roundabout into NSL and the system didn't even bother. :)
 
TC will be handly for the drive to and from the track on rubbish UK roads with track focused tyres ;):p

I drove to work in the snow once with Federal RSRs on! Lol!
 
In my three years of driving, never been in the snow. Hoping it continues, although secretly want to believe I'm paddy hopkirk for a brief moment of glory.. Before I ring the AA. :p
 
If you've never done a skid pan day, try do one. I did one years ago at Zandvoort in Holland. They stuck us in Merivas with slicks on the back and set up slalom and obstacle courses on a massive strip of white paint which they then hosed down constantly (and I'm sure most folks know how slippery that white road paint gets when it's wet) and we had to complete the courses. It was without doubt the most fun I've ever had in a car and it taught me a hell of a lot about car control in slippery conditions. Can't recommend it enough.
 
Picking up a mini tomorrow - it's my Girlfriend's but i'll inevitably end up using it and driving it. It's an 09 Cooper D... yes, a diesel. It didnt seem to be any more expensive than the petrol Coopers and the engine didnt seem to spoil it - still felt very nimble and quite good fun.
 
We had a new 2016 Cooper D as a rental a few months ago and took it away for the weekend. I was very impressed with it - I am not a fan of small diesels and when we bought my GF's Cooper we specifically avoided the diesel.

However the current model is very refined, very unobtrusive and surprisingly responsive. It was also incredibly efficient - we averaged well over 60mpg.

I've also tried a Cooper petrol as a courtesy car and this was surprisingly quick for what it was, sounded funky as it's a 3 pot, but did seem quite thirsty.
 
[TW]Fox;29893265 said:
We had a new 2016 Cooper D as a rental a few months ago and took it away for the weekend. I was very impressed with it - I am not a fan of small diesels and when we bought my GF's Cooper we specifically avoided the diesel.

However the current model is very refined, very unobtrusive and surprisingly responsive. It was also incredibly efficient - we averaged well over 60mpg.

I've also tried a Cooper petrol as a courtesy car and this was surprisingly quick for what it was, sounded funky as it's a 3 pot, but did seem quite thirsty.
Click to expand...

We own a 2015 Mini Cooper D and I second the comments above - incredibly good diesel engine and great to drive.

Stick it in sport and it is very responsive fun to drive and quick but alternatively stick it in green mode and you average 70+ mpg on long journeys.
 
Owned an R53 Cooper S JCW for a while now, put the grand sum of 150 miles on it, just can't be arsed to drive the thing.

It's quick and fun and all but when I think "should I go out for a drive" I just end up doing something else instead. Perhaps I'm too old for cars like this now, should probably look at something softer.
 
Telecaster said:
Owned an R53 Cooper S JCW for a while now, put the grand sum of 150 miles on it, just can't be arsed to drive the thing.
Click to expand...

Why did you buy it in the first place? This seems odd - surely if you had no need to use it to the extent that you've only put 150 miles on it then why buy it in the first place?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom