Hi guys,

If new on this forum and I'm looking forward to contribute to it when I buy my first Mini. The problem is deciding with Mini I'm gonna purchase. I'm going to purchase a used Mini and I really want the Cooper S but the price and insurance is too high. If I'm going to afford it, I had to buy a 2003 modell gone 100k km (~62k miles) and thats out of the question.

So, the aim is to purchase a 2010 model of Cooper (with the newest engine). The question is which one? Cooper or Cooper D? I've seen the Fifth Gear episode in which they compare these modells up against each other and they conclude (not a suprise) that the petrolengine is smoother and more joyable to ride.

My initial though then was: "BUY THE PETROL!". But the problem is that the Fifth Gear conclusion regarding the diesel-engine is mixed between motor journalists. Many say that the diesel offers the same punch as the petrol but with much less use of fuel. Add the difference in cost of diesel and petrol in my country, the diesel is much more favorable. I also read many threads of remapping/tuning the Cooper D gives great results. This is something I might consider when purchasing a Mini.

So, I'm might lean towards the Cooper D but the most important factor for me choosing which model, is the overall experience.

Does anyone have any thoughs of whch model I should purchase?

Sorry if this post is in a wrong forum, did not find a dedicated Buyers forum here

Having just had a Clubman D loaner while my car was in for repair (yet again :angry: )
i would go with the D every time. More pull, less juice and not a lot of difference in the noise level.

So, the aim is to purchase a 2010 model of Cooper (with the newest engine). The question is which one? Cooper or Cooper D? I've seen the Fifth Gear episode in which they compare these modells up against each other and they conclude (not a suprise) that the petrolengine is smoother and more joyable to ride.

As long as you definitely go for the newest, BMW engined Cooper D (rather than the slightly older PSA engined model) then I would go diesel every time.

To say "the petrol engine is smoother and more enjoyable" is, in my opinion anyway, complete rubbish if you're looking at the Cooper. Having driven both almost back to back, I found the diesel to be infinitely more enjoyable. Even having had both a Cooper S and John Cooper Works, I thought the "Dooper" was a hoot. :D

i would go with the D every time. More pull, less juice and not a lot of difference in the noise level.

Absolutely agree. :)

I would recomend the diesel engine cos its a BMW engine. Also the steering pump its a normal hidraolic one instead of the electronic one the Cooper has. I have already changed the steering pump once at 800 quid.

Thanks for great replies guys :)

I like the insurance from people who actually have driven these cars more than 1 hour for a TV-show ;)

I guess Fifth Gear tested the PSA HDi-motor and thereafter the conclusion. Anyways, I probably buy Cooper D..as soon as someone wants to actually sell their Mini :D