[io1901]

Well it's been a year since I took possession of my Pure Silver Mini Cooper (pepper). I needed a new car quickly so bought one of the Dealers show cars. It is a Oct 2006 build so must have been one of the early ones.

It has now done just short of 19k miles and still has 7k to go before the 1st service is due. On the whole I've been pleased with it the only two problems I've had with it have been the ill-fitting bonnet and a problem with the Valve Tronic part of the engine.

The bonnet caused the wings to be chipped - but was fixed under warranty and has been fine ever since. The engine trouble was a bit strange - started the engine one morning and it sounded rough and the Engine Management light was on. Called Mini Assist who tinkered about a bit and told me to take to the dealers - who had it for two days and reset the Valve Tronic management system - it also has been fine ever since.

After reading the forum - I might not drive as vigorously as most of the forum posters as I am currently getting around 52mpg - which I'm quite impressed with (on standard 95 octane)

It is cormfortable and well equipped - I have read much about the short comings of the Stereo - but I think it is OK. I certainly wouldn' t pay hundreds of £s to have it upgraded. The centre console is counter intuitative and takes a little while to get used to - as does the electronic indicators.

If i was to buy another Mini I would have to have the heated wing mirrors - I can't understand why these aren't standard.

The only other things I would change are I don't like the rediculously small petrol tank or the old fashioned dual squirty window screen washers (other cars is a VW with the fan washers.)

The car is small - but as I use the car just for myself that's not a problem.

No problem with the build quality (apart from bonnet) as no car trim has fallen off (although the chrome on the keyfob is cracked and looks as though it may fail.) There have been a few rattles but seem temperature related and go as quickly as they arise.

At this time - I would buy another Mini.

[ALD0]

Seems to be reasonable MINI motoring then

[KenL]

What a great and positive post.

52mpg - amazing.

Please tell us what sort of driving and any techniques you emply to get such great figures.

[MiniMpi]

The 'heated mirrors' are a waste of money to be honest as the set of circumstances to get them to work are a joke.
My chrome trim on my key fell apart but was replaced free of charge by the dealer.
I also had the valvetronic issue but they replaced a sensor and it was perfect since then.
And other than a fair few dash rattles,which have been done but returned! I will send it in again to get these sorted when I change to ordinary tyres from the cement like runflats which cause the rattles in the first place!
19,500 kms from January 5th till now, and the MINI Cooper is flying! Really coming into its own.
A FAB car that I will keep for another year and probably replace with a Cooper S.
Fergal.

[ALD0]

Whats the set of circumstances to get the Heated mirrors to work?

[io1901]

Quote: Originally Posted by KenL (original)

What a great and positive post.

52mpg - amazing.

Please tell us what sort of driving and any techniques you emply to get such great figures.

Mostly busy motorway (m6 m62) driving (50 to 60mph) but on a clear run at the legal maximum. Get into sixth as quickly as possible but avoid heavy braking and acceleration

Not a lot of town driving and only a short trip (2-3miles) everyday down some fun back roads. I suspect I might get nearer 45mpg if I didn't go on the motorway.

[Zack]

Brilliant, im glad you are still lovin ya MINI.

[MiniMpi]

Quote: Originally Posted by ALD0 (original)

Whats the set of circumstances to get the Heated mirrors to work?

Believe it is temperature dependent now, think it's 3 degrees or less which is grand except on a misty morning with dew on the mirrors and 8 degrees, they dont work!

[KenL]

Quote: Originally Posted by MiniMpi (original)

Believe it is temperature dependent now, think it's 3 degrees or less which is grand except on a misty morning with dew on the mirrors and 8 degrees, they dont work!

I noticed that with mine too!

I wonder of the power supply to these is electronically controlled so that it could be programmed to come on at a higher temp.

When I had these on my Golf, they were great for clearing rain etc. from the mirror. These were (sensibly) manually controlled.

[Chris.F]

My Cooper celebrated its 1st birthday on 8th Jan (actually conceived Dec 06) even got a card!.
I have only covered 4,500 miles and apart from original i-pod interface problem have been thrilled to bits with the car. Had a recall for alternator bolt and a sensor. Had Lamda sensor replaced today after warning light came on yesterday. Fantastic service from Andy at Williams in Rochdale, car picked up from home at 9.15 ish and delivered back by 2.30pm today. Can't expect much better than that. Car has blasters and run flats drives fine if pressures correct. No trim problems other than a rattle from behind key switch, (replaced).

Returning high 40's mpg on semi rural run to 6th form. Best bits Xenons, heated screen, worth the cash. Mistakes not opting for Dab radio. Would I have another ...without doubt. Love it.

[mister.t]

Had ours for over a year now Verdict in one sentence? Now problems are ironed out, probably the best car we've owned Recommend one to somebody? Most definatly 52 MPG?????!!!!! 36.8 tops at the mo!! Oh well, didn't buy it to be economical

[~Marcus~]

I've done nearly 30k miles now since Dec 06. I've had the same problem with bonnet fit and the chrome trim fell off the key both sorted under warranty, but apart from that it's perfect. getting 38mpg which is good for stop/start London.

Quote: Originally Posted by MiniMpi (original)

A FAB car that I will keep for another year and probably replace with a Cooper S..

Great minds think alike! The speccing has started already....

[Sowellman]

Quote: Originally Posted by MiniMpi (original)

The 'heated mirrors' are a waste of money to be honest as the set of circumstances to get them to work are a joke.

We've had a lot of snow and ice recently and I've found the heated mirrors have worked fine.

[grodenglaive]

Quote: Originally Posted by Sowellman (original)

We've had a lot of snow and ice recently and I've found the heated mirrors have worked fine.

Agreed, I wouldn't want to be without them. I didn't realize they were automatic though, I just assumed they came on when I turned on the rear defrost (which is everytime I start the car during the winter). I'll have to see if they work without the defroster on.