I would say that dark silver and electric blue were originally the most popular choices for the CooperS as these were only available on that model. Purple and hyper blue were then introduced and both good.
General colour trends in cars at present show sales of silver decreasing (although still popular) and an increase in sales of black and white cars (white making a bit of a comeback at present).
Remember (as someone already said) what a pig black is to keep clean. Especially on a Mini as the shape of car seems to create a vacuum behind it which sucks dirt, mud, water, tar, etc onto the back of the car (same happens on estate cars). I am not trying to put you off black as it looks great when clean - just bear in mind 1 drive in winter and it looks dirty again. Keeping it waxed is the key (wax at least once every 2 months).
I think the pepper white colour has got very popular over last couple of years and looks great with the black roof, etc. I guess this could also get dirty very easily though in winter. I have white wheels on mine (electric blue) and boy are they a job to keep clean.
Bottom line is I think all the regular colours are OK from a resale perspective (dark silver, electric blue, black, red, white, purple, hyper blue). Maybe yellow would be harder to sell and you dont see many in regular silver so not sure about that one......
CooperS is generally very well made. Get one with TLC remaining (5 years / 3 services normal from new and can renew afterwards). Preferably get one with some Mini warranty left (again this could have been renewed after 3 yrs).
Issues to watch out for: Clutch (some cars seem to wear clutches rapidly) - During test drive check the clutch feels normal and car pulls off OK without slippage or judder (try selecting a higher gear than normal say 3rd and labour the engine to see if it slips). I had a new clutch under warranty at 25k miles and searching this site so have many other people. Wishbone / suspension bushes split (need a mechanic to check this if you want to be sure). Again I just had this @ 28k miles and seems common according to dealer.
If you buy privately, with no warrantly left I would pay for an AA or similar inspection to check for above + other faults.
Good luck! |