Who here owns a Mini?

[Ewaf]

@Ewaf

Any pics of said Cooper S.

Some here: https://imgur.com/a/TdY9hQ5

@Armageus thanks for that, really helpful.

The more I think about it the more it feels like I shouldn't be touching a 91k mileage car. I literally just need a run around to be driven twice a week, which is why I'm limiting it to £4k. Perhaps I should just look at the normal 1.6L ones from that era as opposed to an S.

 

[Armageus]

The more I think about it the more it feels like I shouldn't be touching a 91k mileage car. I literally just need a run around to be driven twice a week, which is why I'm limiting it to £4k. Perhaps I should just look at the normal 1.6L ones from that era as opposed to an S.

Part of the reason why I bought myself a Cooper rather than another S at the start of this year (in theory less to go wrong, and even things like tyres and other consumables are a little cheaper)
I'm honestly enjoying my 2011 Cooper far more than I did the 2007 Cooper S that I bought brand new.

 

[Ewaf]

I saw a decent mini this eve which I've gone for. 2010 Mini Cooper, 1.6 petrol, 52,000 Miles.

Bloke was very knowledgeable and has looked after it well, full serv history, all paperwork for work carried out, he went through and explained a few things he'd gotten sorted in recent years that are common issues.

I drove it and it seemed fine, drove really well. Couldn't really fault it anywhere, but I'm not knowledgeable on them.

I did record a short vid of the engine which is here:

Cooper engine

Watch "Cooper engine" on Streamable.

streamable.com

I have no idea what the deathrattle that @Armageus mentioned sounds like, but the engine sounded like this pretty consistently, didn't change/get louder/quieter.

Or is the death rattle specific to the S only?

Touch wood all is well and I'll be picking it up Friday.

 

[Armageus]

I saw a decent mini this eve which I've gone for. 2010 Mini Cooper, 1.6 petrol, 52,000 Miles.

Sounds ideal. 2010 Won't be a facelift (LCI), but depending on exactly when in 2010 may have got the newer N16 engine (122hp vs 120hp)
(https://minicooper.fandom.com/wiki/2nd_Gen_Mid-Life_Refresh)

I did record a short vid of the engine which is here:

Cooper engine

Watch "Cooper engine" on Streamable.

streamable.com

I have no idea what the deathrattle that @Armageus mentioned sounds like, but the engine sounded like this pretty consistently, didn't change/get louder/quieter.

Difficult to tell 100% from that, but in all likelihood I think that's fine

Or is the death rattle specific to the S only?

Don't think it's specific to the S, but it's more common I think due to it having more power and also frequently using more oil (and consequently being run low if not checked regularly)

 

[Ewaf]

Sounds ideal. 2010 Won't be a facelift (LCI), but depending on exactly when in 2010 may have got the newer N16 engine (122hp vs 120hp)
(https://minicooper.fandom.com/wiki/2nd_Gen_Mid-Life_Refresh)


Difficult to tell 100% from that, but in all likelihood I think that's fine


Don't think it's specific to the S, but it's more common I think due to it having more power and also frequently using more oil (and consequently being run low if not checked regularly)

Makes sense, cheers. It was first registered in 25th November 2010, so the 122hp I believe.

I know with a car this age there's potentially a lot of things around the corner, or it might be perfect for the next few years. Fingers crossed it's the latter..!

 

[Armageus]

I know with a car this age there's potentially a lot of things around the corner, or it might be perfect for the next few years. Fingers crossed it's the latter..!

Mines only slightly newer ('61 plate), I bought it in March with 49k miles. So far the only things it's needed have been:
- Battery low warning when sitting with ignition on but engine not running (recharged the battery fully with a Stop/Start compatible charger - been fine since)
- Headlamp replaced due to having a very slight crack that I hadn't noticed (~£50 for a used one - not strictly needed)
- Air con condenser replacement (as mine had rotted) - with the cold weather when I test drove the car the air con seemed fine, but obviously wasn't (£430)
- Washer pump blocked with congealed goo - 20 minute job (no cost £0)
- One of the Rear bulb holder's had been damaged probably due to being fitted badly following a bulb change and was throwing intermittent bulb warnings (£14 for used one)

 

[Ewaf]

Mines only slightly newer ('61 plate), I bought it in March with 49k miles. So far the only things it's needed have been:
- Battery low warning when sitting with ignition on but engine not running (recharged the battery fully with a Stop/Start compatible charger - been fine since)
- Headlamp replaced due to having a very slight crack that I hadn't noticed (~£50 for a used one - not strictly needed)
- Air con condenser replacement (as mine had rotted) - with the cold weather when I test drove the car the air con seemed fine, but obviously wasn't (£430)
- Washer pump blocked with congealed goo - 20 minute job (no cost £0)
- One of the Rear bulb holder's had been damaged probably due to being fitted badly following a bulb change and was throwing intermittent bulb warnings (£14 for used one)

Good to know! I did test the AC and it seemed fine, though obviously not a thorough look at it.

 

[Ewaf]

Picked it up today, really pleased with it. In good nick, and drives really well.

Only things I've noticed is that the tracking needs to be done as it's slightly off, and the AC doesn't get all that cold, but perhaps that's something to explore next summer.

I was surprised at how nippy it feels for a 1.6L, especially as I'm coming from a Polo GTI+. It really does feel like a go kart. I'll only be driving it once or twice a week so hopefully will do the job.

 

[dannyjo22]

Picked up my new (Auto) Mini this week. I have a stupid question I can't find googling. When I select Sport mode, the traction control, engine mapping and suspension changes. What happens if I push the gear shift to the left into the M/S position? Is this Sport gear shifting without the other changes? Loving driving the car and the overall quality but the cruise control and volume buttons on the newer model are terrible! It's like an awful 1990's D-pad.

 

[Armageus]

Picked up my new (Auto) Mini this week. I have a stupid question I can't find googling. When I select Sport mode, the traction control, engine mapping and suspension changes. What happens if I push the gear shift to the left into the M/S position? Is this Sport gear shifting without the other changes? Loving driving the car and the overall quality but the cruise control and volume buttons on the newer model are terrible! It's like an awful 1990's D-pad.

From a quick google - yes tapping it to the left will put the gearbox into Sport mode (will stay in a lower gear for longer, and will downshift sooner). If you tap it left again it will put it in Manual mode (although I believe shifting up/down will put it in manual anyway)

 

[kona786]

From a quick google - yes tapping it to the left will put the gearbox into Sport mode (will stay in a lower gear for longer, and will downshift sooner). If you tap it left again it will put it in Manual mode (although I believe shifting up/down will put it in manual anyway)

As far as I understand sport mode changes the gearbox into sport mode already. Lower gears and holds gears longer etc.

Move the gear lever to the left at any time engages full manual mode. Tapping the paddles just engages manual mode with auto override after a while.

 

[dannyjo22]

Yeah this is confusing me. Even in eco or Mid mode I can push the gear lever to the left and an S comes up on the instrument cluster. I do not get the colours all changing to red etc as I do when I select the toggle switch to sport mode.

The Manual states the toggle switch adjusts the throttle response, transmission shift points, stiffness of the suspension and steering, while also turning off the traction control.
So pushing the lever to the left just activates transmission shift points while still in automatic?

 

[kona786]

Yeah this is confusing me. Even in eco or Mid mode I can push the gear lever to the left and an S comes up on the instrument cluster. I do not get the colours all changing to red etc as I do when I select the toggle switch to sport mode.

The Manual states the toggle switch adjusts the throttle response, transmission shift points, stiffness of the suspension and steering, while also turning off the traction control.
So pushing the lever to the left just activates transmission shift points while still in automatic?

Nudging the gear lever to the left just switchs the gearbox to full manual mode. Nothing more.

 

[Dangerous Dave]

Nudging the gear lever to the left just switchs the gearbox to full manual mode. Nothing more.

Not on the LCI Mini's at least over to the left puts only the gearbox in sports mode so it will drop a gear or two and hold the revs higher and will still shift automatically, to put in manual mode you then move it up or down.

 

[Dangerous Dave]

It is poor the way they do all the modes, if you put the gearbox in sports mode and the car in sports mode you get the quickest gearshifts. Slams the next gear in you have to be careful with using it as it can unsettle the car if you are powering round/out a corner

 

[dannyjo22]

It is poor the way they do all the modes, if you put the gearbox in sports mode and the car in sports mode you get the quickest gearshifts. Slams the next gear in you have to be careful with using it as it can unsettle the car if you are powering round/out a corner

Thanks, I don't need to worry about that. I more pootle than power around corners these days. I drive like I rode a motorbike. Straight line only! Anyway thanks for clearing that up, I doubt I will ever use function but it was nice to know what it did

 

[Dangerous Dave]

Putting the gearbox in sports mode is good for overtaking never find the need to use manual mode/paddles on the steering wheel.

 

[Stu999]

Picked up my new (Auto) Mini this week.

Pics or GTFO

 

[dannyjo22]

Pics or GTFO

It's not that exciting compared to some of these on here It was my first try with the Mini and I would have liked the 3 door but didn't fancy the faff with my son being 14 and all the places and clubs I have to drop him and his friends off etc. When that stops I will change it for a 3 door 2litre variant. I wanted the 2L engine but the way the packs are done now I didn't want to pay for options I didn't want. I should have ordered a few months earlier while you could still get the 2L with luxury pack.

 

[Stu999]

It's not that exciting compared to some of these on here It was my first try with the Mini and I would have liked the 3 door but didn't fancy the faff with my son being 14 and all the places and clubs I have to drop him and his friends off etc. When that stops I will change it for a 3 door 2litre variant. I wanted the 2L engine but the way the packs are done now I didn't want to pay for options I didn't want. I should have ordered a few months earlier while you could still get the 2L with luxury pack.

Nice, yes I like the black detail replacing the chrome on these and also like the colour a lot.