MINI2

LizzyG · Apr 27th, 2007, 09:22 PM

I'm going to look at a cherished R56 cooper tomorrow. Is there anything I need to watch out for or check etc? The car is probably one of the earlier R56's, being an October/ November 06, and it has about 6k on the clock. It has the chilli pack and is up for £14,250 does that sound like a good price?

DerekH · Apr 27th, 2007, 09:58 PM

Hi LizzyG look at the threads with problems with early car's most comman seem's to be poorly fitted bonnet, ruler twang noise , gear box stiff to engage , but i'm not wanting to put you off as many owner's will have been trouble free, just look at most of the threads and ask for long test drive or don't comit untill you get this.

Restyle · Apr 27th, 2007, 10:25 PM

I also wouldnt advise anyone to go near an early R56 - far too many issues
Havnt got the prices to hand, but I dont think theres much of a price difference between that & Brand New Cooper + Chilli

Scrogg · Apr 27th, 2007, 10:32 PM

A new Cooper with CHILI Pack, metallic paint and TLC is £15,435.00, so you're only saving £1,185 by buying this one.

I'm with Restyle (for a change!

) on this one. Steer clear of the launch car and order a new one.

jamesbeaumont · Apr 27th, 2007, 10:37 PM

As said above, go for a new one, it really is worth it, (hopefully) none of the problems and a car that has only been driven by you. Take off the metalic paint and go for chilli red/pw

then youd be saving under £1000...

Vitesse · Apr 28th, 2007, 12:09 AM

All I would say is "Barge Pole" and "Touch"!!!!!!!

LizzyG · Apr 28th, 2007, 07:17 AM

OMG, I didn't realise it would be such a no no?! The trouble is, this used one as at the top end of my budget, don't know if I can stretch it further to get a new one.....

envy · Apr 28th, 2007, 08:39 AM

Its a gamble taking an early R56, there were problems with the car early on.
However of course some are fine.

I assume that it was an ex-demo which again for a £1000 Saving i would be put off, it may have been really driven hard and may lead to future problems.

If its not a demo, then why did the owner trade it in after six months? Possible problems? Of course your dealers not going to tell you much, so make your own assumptions.

Though for a £1000 just save a few more months and get a brand spanking new cooper

LizzyG · Apr 28th, 2007, 09:11 AM

I've got a nearly new car to trade in, and the longer I wait, the more it depreciates (it is a Fiesta ST so the depreciation is bad), so the bigger the gap gets between my part-ex price and a Cooper, whether it is new or used

The spec of the used one includes Chilli, ASC+T and sports suspension. I think it probably is an ex demo. I think I'll go and have a look and see what it is like.

Paul · Apr 28th, 2007, 09:12 AM

I'm with all the above, save up your pennies and get a new one.

KillerByte · Apr 28th, 2007, 09:28 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Paul Mullett (original)

I'm with all the above, save up your pennies and get a new one.

Ditto.

Spamini · Apr 28th, 2007, 11:07 AM

Where about's do you live LizzyG? Sycamores of Peterborough have an 07 plate chilli red with chili pack for £14995. Only done 668 miles. March registered so may be a better choice. Website is
Welcome to Sycamore Peterborough Ltd authorised MINI dealership

wiggis · Apr 28th, 2007, 11:32 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by envy (original)

If its not a demo, then why did the owner trade it in after six months? Possible problems? Of course your dealers not going to tell you much, so make your own assumptions.

Well, in my case, I traded in a 6 month old R56 Cooper because I bought an R53 JCW GP

Nothing at all wrong with the car I traded in and I was happy with it - it just wasn't "me", and I had the option on a GP and went for it.

It is linked here if you are interested :

MINI Cherished

Just wanting to make the point that there are plenty of reasons for cars to be traded in after 6 months of ownership, not all linked to a car being faulty.

KenL · Apr 28th, 2007, 02:51 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Restyle (original)

I also wouldnt advise anyone to go near an early R56 - far too many issues

Hold on a minute everyone

This is a Cooper remember, there were not a lot of issues with the Cooper. The only thing I can think of is the possible badly fitted bonnet - this is easily corrected.

Restyle · Apr 28th, 2007, 04:16 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by KenL (original)

Hold on a minute everyone

This is a Cooper remember, there were not a lot of issues with the Cooper. The only thing I can think of is the possible badly fitted bonnet - this is easily corrected.

Heres a few of the problems common to ALL early models -

The Plastic Ruler Twang Rattle
The Sunroof Wind Noise
Wheel Arch Trim Popping Out
GearShift Crunch Noise
General Bad Gearbox Noises
Splitting Drive Shaft Gaitors[/list]

KenL · Apr 28th, 2007, 06:15 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Restyle (original)

Heres a few of the problems common to ALL early models -

The Plastic Ruler Twang Rattle
The Sunroof Wind Noise
Wheel Arch Trim Popping Out
GearShift Crunch Noise
General Bad Gearbox Noises
Splitting Drive Shaft Gaitors[/list]

Ruler twang - is this really a fault?
Sunroof - has this been cured at the factory? What was changed
Trim - only reported by Paul?
Gearbox - any problems with Cooper boxes, I thought it was S only
Splitting gaitors - is this a recall, quality enhancement?

Restyle · Apr 28th, 2007, 08:12 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by KenL (original)

Ruler twang - is this really a fault?
Sunroof - has this been cured at the factory? What was changed
Trim - only reported by Paul?
Gearbox - any problems with Cooper boxes, I thought it was S only
Splitting gaitors - is this a recall, quality enhancement?

Hmmm, seems only half the links work - but they were supposed to link to Cooper related Faults
Ruler Twang - Owners say fault & Dealers say "Dont know but probably another R56 Characteristic"
Sunroof - Fault / Characteristic - Some have had alterations to cure it {although I agree todays cars are probably still faulty}
Although mostly affecting MCS some Coopers make noise as well >> See HERE
Splitting Gaitors - Yes it is a Recall - affecting All models but in the context of this thread, it emphasises the point that its better to get a Brand New R56 with all recall & enhancements already done than an early model.

Could you honestly say Ken, that for the sake of saving just over a Grand, you`d choose an early model with 6K miles, over a brand new one ?

KenL · Apr 28th, 2007, 08:36 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Restyle (original)

Could you honestly say Ken, that for the sake of saving just over a Grand, you`d choose an early model with 6K miles, over a brand new one ?

No, I too would go for the new car.

Not because of any possible issues but you can spec your own and not have it 6 months old with 6k on it.

KenL · Apr 28th, 2007, 08:37 PM

I must have a look at my gators.

Are these ones at the end of the drive shafts near the wheels?

Mini Moo · Apr 28th, 2007, 08:39 PM

Mine is a Feb 07 build and has the ruler twang. . .

MM

Apr 27th, 2007, 09:22 PM	#1
LizzyG MINI2 Senior Join Date: Mar 2007 Local Time: 05:44 AM Posts: 384 Offline	Used R56 cooper I'm going to look at a cherished R56 cooper tomorrow. Is there anything I need to watch out for or check etc? The car is probably one of the earlier R56's, being an October/ November 06, and it has about 6k on the clock. It has the chilli pack and is up for £14,250 does that sound like a good price?

Apr 27th, 2007, 10:25 PM	#3 (permalink)
Restyle Damned My Classifieds Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Shropshire Local Time: 05:44 AM Posts: 4,319 Offline	I also wouldnt advise anyone to go near an early R56 - far too many issues Havnt got the prices to hand, but I dont think theres much of a price difference between that & Brand New Cooper + Chilli In da Wud

Apr 28th, 2007, 08:39 AM	#8 (permalink)
envy Now im Hyper! Join Date: Jan 2006 Local Time: 05:44 AM Posts: 428 Offline	Its a gamble taking an early R56, there were problems with the car early on. However of course some are fine. I assume that it was an ex-demo which again for a £1000 Saving i would be put off, it may have been really driven hard and may lead to future problems. If its not a demo, then why did the owner trade it in after six months? Possible problems? Of course your dealers not going to tell you much, so make your own assumptions. Though for a £1000 just save a few more months and get a brand spanking new cooper Sig Coming Soon..

Apr 28th, 2007, 02:51 PM	#14 (permalink)
KenL MINI2 Master Join Date: May 2002 Location: Edinburgh Local Time: 05:44 AM Posts: 5,216 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Restyle (original) I also wouldnt advise anyone to go near an early R56 - far too many issues Hold on a minute everyone This is a Cooper remember, there were not a lot of issues with the Cooper. The only thing I can think of is the possible badly fitted bonnet - this is easily corrected. Red/Black R56 Cooper

Apr 28th, 2007, 04:16 PM	#15 (permalink)
Restyle Damned My Classifieds Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Shropshire Local Time: 05:44 AM Posts: 4,319 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by KenL (original) Hold on a minute everyone This is a Cooper remember, there were not a lot of issues with the Cooper. The only thing I can think of is the possible badly fitted bonnet - this is easily corrected. Heres a few of the problems common to ALL early models - The Plastic Ruler Twang Rattle The Sunroof Wind Noise Wheel Arch Trim Popping Out GearShift Crunch Noise General Bad Gearbox Noises Splitting Drive Shaft Gaitors[/list] In da Wud

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Apr 27th, 2007, 09:58 PM	#2 (permalink)
DerekH MINI2 Master Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Fraserburgh Local Time: 05:44 AM Posts: 827 Offline	Hi LizzyG look at the threads with problems with early car's most comman seem's to be poorly fitted bonnet, ruler twang noise , gear box stiff to engage , but i'm not wanting to put you off as many owner's will have been trouble free, just look at most of the threads and ask for long test drive or don't comit untill you get this.

Apr 27th, 2007, 10:32 PM	#4 (permalink)
Scrogg YLYP Reclamation Squad Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Gloucester Local Time: 05:44 AM Posts: 15,246 Offline	A new Cooper with CHILI Pack, metallic paint and TLC is £15,435.00, so you're only saving £1,185 by buying this one. I'm with Restyle (for a change! ) on this one. Steer clear of the launch car and order a new one.

Apr 27th, 2007, 10:37 PM	#5 (permalink)
jamesbeaumont Addicted to MINI... Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Edinburgh Local Time: 05:44 AM Posts: 454 Offline	As said above, go for a new one, it really is worth it, (hopefully) none of the problems and a car that has only been driven by you. Take off the metalic paint and go for chilli red/pw then youd be saving under £1000...

Apr 28th, 2007, 12:09 AM	#6 (permalink)
Vitesse MINI2 Senior Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Westerham Local Time: 05:44 AM Posts: 668 Offline	All I would say is "Barge Pole" and "Touch"!!!!!!!

Apr 28th, 2007, 07:17 AM	#7 (permalink)
LizzyG MINI2 Senior Join Date: Mar 2007 Local Time: 05:44 AM Posts: 384 Offline	OMG, I didn't realise it would be such a no no?! The trouble is, this used one as at the top end of my budget, don't know if I can stretch it further to get a new one.....

Apr 28th, 2007, 09:11 AM	#9 (permalink)
LizzyG MINI2 Senior Join Date: Mar 2007 Local Time: 05:44 AM Posts: 384 Offline	I've got a nearly new car to trade in, and the longer I wait, the more it depreciates (it is a Fiesta ST so the depreciation is bad), so the bigger the gap gets between my part-ex price and a Cooper, whether it is new or used The spec of the used one includes Chilli, ASC+T and sports suspension. I think it probably is an ex demo. I think I'll go and have a look and see what it is like.

Apr 28th, 2007, 09:12 AM	#10 (permalink)
Paul Trained Monkey My Classifieds Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Bedfordshire Local Time: 05:44 AM Posts: 40,709 Offline	I'm with all the above, save up your pennies and get a new one.

Apr 28th, 2007, 09:28 AM	#11 (permalink)
KillerByte Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly. Join Date: May 2006 Location: Nottingham Local Time: 05:44 AM Posts: 9,822 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Paul Mullett (original) I'm with all the above, save up your pennies and get a new one. Ditto.

Apr 28th, 2007, 11:07 AM	#12 (permalink)
Spamini MINI2 Regular Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Spalding Local Time: 05:44 AM Posts: 166 Offline	Where about's do you live LizzyG? Sycamores of Peterborough have an 07 plate chilli red with chili pack for £14995. Only done 668 miles. March registered so may be a better choice. Website is Welcome to Sycamore Peterborough Ltd authorised MINI dealership

Apr 28th, 2007, 11:32 AM	#13 (permalink)
wiggis VW GT Sport 170 TDI My Classifieds Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Oxford Local Time: 05:44 AM Posts: 343 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by envy (original) If its not a demo, then why did the owner trade it in after six months? Possible problems? Of course your dealers not going to tell you much, so make your own assumptions. Well, in my case, I traded in a 6 month old R56 Cooper because I bought an R53 JCW GP Nothing at all wrong with the car I traded in and I was happy with it - it just wasn't "me", and I had the option on a GP and went for it. It is linked here if you are interested : MINI Cherished Just wanting to make the point that there are plenty of reasons for cars to be traded in after 6 months of ownership, not all linked to a car being faulty.

Apr 28th, 2007, 06:15 PM	#16 (permalink)
KenL MINI2 Master Join Date: May 2002 Location: Edinburgh Local Time: 05:44 AM Posts: 5,216 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Restyle (original) Heres a few of the problems common to ALL early models - The Plastic Ruler Twang Rattle The Sunroof Wind Noise Wheel Arch Trim Popping Out GearShift Crunch Noise General Bad Gearbox Noises Splitting Drive Shaft Gaitors[/list] Ruler twang - is this really a fault? Sunroof - has this been cured at the factory? What was changed Trim - only reported by Paul? Gearbox - any problems with Cooper boxes, I thought it was S only Splitting gaitors - is this a recall, quality enhancement? Red/Black R56 Cooper

Apr 28th, 2007, 08:12 PM	#17 (permalink)
Restyle Damned My Classifieds Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Shropshire Local Time: 05:44 AM Posts: 4,319 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by KenL (original) Ruler twang - is this really a fault? Sunroof - has this been cured at the factory? What was changed Trim - only reported by Paul? Gearbox - any problems with Cooper boxes, I thought it was S only Splitting gaitors - is this a recall, quality enhancement? Hmmm, seems only half the links work - but they were supposed to link to Cooper related Faults Ruler Twang - Owners say fault & Dealers say "Dont know but probably another R56 Characteristic" Sunroof - Fault / Characteristic - Some have had alterations to cure it {although I agree todays cars are probably still faulty} Although mostly affecting MCS some Coopers make noise as well >> See HERE Splitting Gaitors - Yes it is a Recall - affecting All models but in the context of this thread, it emphasises the point that its better to get a Brand New R56 with all recall & enhancements already done than an early model. Could you honestly say Ken, that for the sake of saving just over a Grand, you`d choose an early model with 6K miles, over a brand new one ? In da Wud

Apr 28th, 2007, 08:36 PM	#18 (permalink)
KenL MINI2 Master Join Date: May 2002 Location: Edinburgh Local Time: 05:44 AM Posts: 5,216 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Restyle (original) Could you honestly say Ken, that for the sake of saving just over a Grand, you`d choose an early model with 6K miles, over a brand new one ? No, I too would go for the new car. Not because of any possible issues but you can spec your own and not have it 6 months old with 6k on it. Red/Black R56 Cooper

Apr 28th, 2007, 08:37 PM	#19 (permalink)
KenL MINI2 Master Join Date: May 2002 Location: Edinburgh Local Time: 05:44 AM Posts: 5,216 Offline	I must have a look at my gators. Are these ones at the end of the drive shafts near the wheels? Red/Black R56 Cooper

Apr 28th, 2007, 08:39 PM	#20 (permalink)
Mini Moo Mini Pilot Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Nr Oswestry, Shrops Local Time: 05:44 AM Posts: 175 Offline	Mine is a Feb 07 build and has the ruler twang. . . MM

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