962 replies to this topic

[megamini_jb]

Thanks! I'll sign up to totalmini and mini2

[Sean C]

 

I have to admit that I too quite like the Bini's and will be getting a diesel. Looking at an 11 plate one just now :)

Part of the reason I got rid of my Focus was because of the many issues associated with that Citroen engine that they share, mine was the exact same 110bhp version as the Cooper Ds have, as you can see we went for a petrol instead! turbos pop at any time which after a rebuild usually results in a knackered crank due to oil starvation due to blocked oil ways. I f you really want a diesel with the PSA engine ensure it has had fully synthetic oil at every service and never missed one, if not walk away trust me. Short runs will kill them too, ours did 40 mpg on short runs and 60+ on long ones giving an average over the months of about 53 but the DPF filter will become blocked without plenty of long runs. This petrol Clubby is doing about 43 all short runs so far and 10 per litre saving at the pump, less purchase cost or get a newer car for the same outlay, for me the MINI suits the petrol better.

 

Hi Pete, the power units I will be looking at will be the BMW ones. I'm a big fan of the Peugeot diesels  and have ran XUD and Hdi's for years without any problems. I have been pretty lucky with cars in the 21 years of motoring so hopefully I won't have any issues with the Bini. I'm going back to the dealership on Saturday to look over the midnight black car I had my eye on and I've just took a call a few minutes ago about another Diesel (Horizon blue) that they have just taken in and that's a 60 plate. I'd love to go petrol but my wife does a lot of miles and won't drive anything other than a dirty derv lol

[CityEPete]

As long as you bang the miles on and keep the oil changes regular you should be fine, our Focus was still perfect when we sold it but it did worry me seeing cars with less than 50k on the clock, £1500 turbo replacement plus the possibility of crank problems later. As you say 60 plate or older should not be psa anyway, pics of the purchase anyway!

[Sean C]

I'll post a pic up when I finally get a Bini 

[CityEPete]

Looking again upto 06 is toyota, 06 to 2010 psa, 2010 onwards bmw.

[CityEPete]

I'll post a pic up when I finally get a Bini 

Cool! We are loving ours mate, you wont be dissapointed.

[alex-95]

[mab01uk]

Thanks! I'll sign up to totalmini and mini2

 

See you on there....Mini2 is quite international and good for technical problems (I answer some of the R50/53 queries if I can) it is owned by Autoforums of Canada since it got sold off a few years back.

TotalMINI is more UK based forum run by enthusiasts like TMF and is good for Mini/MINI events, etc.

MINI Torque is mainly performance tuning orientated and has a big turn out of members at MINI in the Park......their 'hardcore forum banter' does not suit everyone until you get to know them though, best not to join in until you have observed how it works!

 

There are also many very active regional clubs/forums like 'Surrey New MINI' who will have a big club stand at the Brooklands Mini show on Saturday..

Last year at Brooklands in the video below it was so cold......!

 

This R50/53 MINI Buyers Guide should help you (allow for its USA bias):

http://www.motoringf...3-buyers-guide/

 

£2400ish  could get a reasonable early R50/53 if you look carefully......at least you should not find any serious rust !

This '52 plate Cooper S R53 on Mini2 with low miles was only £3000 recently

http://www.mini2.com...mini-world.html

Edited by mab01uk, 19 March 2014 - 07:53 PM.

[sirjakethebrit]

New minis are better built, faster, more reliable, more economical, easier to drive, easier to drive fast.
They look awesome. The works cars are proper cool, but! I wouldn't have one over my cooper works mpi and I have owned a 220bhp cooper s.

[mab01uk]

For anyone interested in the build spec of this red low rider R53 Cooper S, which has been posted in this thread a few times.......there is a full write up and centrepage photo spread featured in this months "Modern MINI" magazine (May-June 2014 issue)

http://www.modernmini.co.uk/

 

 

[Black.Ghost]

A bit different....

 

http://www.dailymail...style-tent.html

 

It says none will be offered as production models, but I think they would sell quite well! That caravan at the bottom looks pretty cool!

Edited by Black.Ghost, 27 March 2014 - 11:11 AM.

[CityEPete]

I have seen very similar caravans to that on sale already and I guess anyone could just fit a pop up roof tent on a country man if they wanted?

[megamini_jb]

I've found a MINI fairly local and sounds as though it's been very well maintained, but it's on 96 thousands miles already. It's a 2003

[mab01uk]

I've found a MINI fairly local and sounds as though it's been very well maintained, but it's on 96 thousands miles already. It's a 2003

 

Check the gearbox carefully for noises as it will be the early Rover Midland gearbox on pre July 2004 R50.....it may have been replaced /reconditioned  already but the MTF94 gearbox oil should be changed every year or two if possible to prolong bearing life.

[alex-95]