Purchasing a Mini Cooper

flicks

There's no such thing as a car that can do no wrong in my opinion.


I'm sure you'll love every minute as you seem to be aware of the pitfalls.


And if you're happy with the heavy steering then don't worry as it doesn't seem to be a fault just a rather strange built in feature.


Don't remember it getting lighter as the car got faster though but my head certainly did.

motorguy

flicks wrote: »

There's no such thing as a car that can do no wrong in my opinion.

Absolutely. The problem with MINI's though is that your £4K might well buy you a low miles 08 Fiesta, but it buys you a 04/05 more mechanically complex MINI. Also people sometimes have an expectation that because its built by BMW its going to be more solid and well built than its peers, when actually in some ways the reverse is true. Also £4K is a lot of money, and when people spend that they have perceptions as to the level of reliability and wear and tear that they are likely to experience, which may not in reality be met.

The O/P seems to be being realistic in their expectations though, so all good.

forgotmyname

Its a 9 year old car so anything can happen.

Loosens up as you go faster err yes as will any car. But some systems are supposed to get lighter the slower to go to aid parking etc.

What happened to the Fiesta to kill it with only 60,000 miles??? It should do double that with ease.

A 2005 Mini or something else on an 08 or 09 plate?

KatieDee

forgotmyname wrote: »

Its a 9 year old car so anything can happen.

Loosens up as you go faster err yes as will any car. But some systems are supposed to get lighter the slower to go to aid parking etc.

What happened to the Fiesta to kill it with only 60,000 miles??? It should do double that with ease.

A 2005 Mini or something else on an 08 or 09 plate?

See my other thread...basically it started juddering in 1st/2nd gear, seemed like a clear cut coil pack, changed that (plus leads and spark plugs) and it didn't fix the problem. Checked my oil, it had used over a litre of good quality oil in about 8 miles.

Got a mobile mechanic out to have a look, did a diagnostics test which said the second cylinder was still misfiring, with a brand new correctly installed coil pack. He said given the issue with the oil, it's more than likely something deeper in the engine and his guess (without going into the engine) was the pistons.

I'm a bit tired of the Fiesta now...I've had issues with the exhaust, with the alloy wheels (all dented, one to the point of catching the suspension) and I feel as though I'm pumping money into something. It is also due a cambelt change.

I know I could be buying the exact same thing with a Mini, but it seems to have a great history and I'm hoping it won't be anything to huge. I was also reluctant to have the Fiesta towed to a garage, only for them to redo everything I've had done (and charge me for the labour as well).

I'm debating selling it on ebay for spares/repairs (similar one went for £900 the other day, with far more mileage, plus mine is a special edition!) or just scrapping it. Really gutted I have to get rid of it, but secretly happy, as it has been a bit of a money pit.

The only 08/09 plates I can find nearby for up to £4500 with similar mileage tend to be Fiats, MK6 Fiestas (never again), a few older shape Corsas and Chevrolets (I would genuinely rather walk).

colino

MINI is a great (not so) little car, but with your tales of woe on previous cars that had predictable faults that could have been easily fixed, I recommend you find a new garage to look after this one.

KatieDee

colino wrote: »

MINI is a great (not so) little car, but with your tales of woe on previous cars that had predictable faults that could have been easily fixed, I recommend you find a new garage to look after this one.

I will definitely be looking for a new garage...I've seen a "good garage guide" mentioned on here and will do a bit of research as to where I should take it. I'll probably drop it off for a quick once over once I've brought it home as well.

Thanks for the tip

colino

Please don't use any, easily manipulated, online guide for picking a tradesman. Ask as wide a group of family, friends and colleagues - even your local taxi drivers - who they would personally recommend. A good, local, friendly, independent garage is worth its weight in gold in looking after your second largest purchase.

musafir05

KatieDee wrote: »

Thank you. How do you find the drive? I couldn't really "open her up" during my test drive (although everything was spot on)...so I'm looking forward to hitting a 60 road.

The drive quality is impressive than most of the cars I have driven which are closer to the Mini's price boundary. Steering is lighters than most cars however the clutch is stiff therefore longer or start and go journeys are difficult. I been driving for 2 years therefore I have gotten use to the clutch. Please note make sure you check your oil weekly because Mini's engine burns alot of oil. Don't think hard, purchase the car and take it for a ride down the motorway and come and thank me.

warehouse

Guy at work had a mini that was similar age but more miles on the clock. When it went wrong it was literally £thousands worth of problems, so he got rid of it.

Newer = better.

KatieDee

warehouse wrote: »

Guy at work had a mini that was similar age but more miles on the clock. When it went wrong it was literally £thousands worth of problems, so he got rid of it.

Newer = better.

Obviously. But I know somebody with a three year old Audi TT who has had nothing but problems. My mum on the other hand has a 13 year old Clio that runs like a dream.

Unfortunately, this is my price range and this Mini is the best one within that price range. I'll just have to cross my fingers, look after it and see what happens!