18 year old newbie needing advive on buying cooper

[minipeps]

Hi guys new to the forum looking to buy a second hand mini cooper probably 2001-2006 model post 2006 if my budget allows, will have about 7k budget max. Ideally I would prefer a relatively low mileage 1st generation <60k miles rather than a high mileage second generation. Looking to get one in black with ideally a jcw sound kit or harmon kardon stereo maybe even full leather seats or half leather and a cooper s bodykit. So is this spec common? and would I be able to obtain it within my budget? also would I be able to insure it looking to buy it around November when I will have my 1 years no claims as a second driver with co-op insurance. thanks in advance and sorry if I've made mistakes or posted in the wrong section.

[Scupham]

£7K will easily get you a first gen with 60,000 miles.

You could go for a one and chip it for cooper performance with reduced insurance.

Not totally sure about what you will get but may i recommend the Aero kit, absolute lush.

Check out autotraders website and throw in your details, you soon get to know whats going for what

[asiwa]

I don't want to totally hamper your endeavors, but some of your conditions aren't necessarily going to live up to reality.

To begin, I don't agree with the above. R53s can fetch VERY high prices, even with 60k miles. Maybe after some hunting could you find one for £7K, but after conversion that's around 10K here in the U.S., and honestly I haven't seen many R53s at all with prices like that. If I do, they generally have mileage closer to 70 or 80K.

As far as the model generation - buy an R53. The cost will be less, the cars have more character, and the driving experience will just be a bit more fun. I personally have a 2002 Cooper S with all of what you wanted; a Harman Kardon Sound System, full leather seats, and obviously the Cooper S body kit. Wicked fun to drive.

However, I could be very wrong - if you want a regular Cooper, you may be able to find a car for 7K with 60K miles, it's just going to take some searching. No matter what though, your decision to find a car is a good one you'll enjoy your purchase if you end up buying one.

[minicore]

Look on Pistonheads - there are hundreds of Coopers for sale within your budget and you're pretty likely to find something akin to your preferred spec.

Quote: Originally Posted by minipeps (original)

also would I be able to insure it looking to buy it around November when I will have my 1 years no claims as a second driver with co-op insurance.

Your no claims discount will not count if you're only named as a second driver, just so you know.

[mab01uk]

The R50 1st Gen Mini Cooper as described (don't think you asked about an R53 Cooper S) is within your budget in the UK ............they are probably cheaper here than in the USA due to greater numbers.

The 2nd driver no claims may not count but the extra age and experience will, try 'Elephant' for a quote, usually good for young drivers on a Cooper or One.

[minibooshman]

Hi, welcome to the world of mini (or relatively soon anyway)

I own a Mini Cooper S 2005 Model, its pretty good spec and only had 32k on the clock when i got it a couple of months ago.

and the good news is that it only cost me £6,250.00

With your budget of £7k, it should be quite easy to find a cooper with around 60k miles. you would probably be pushing it to get one with less than 50k for £7,000.00.

But if your willing to hold out and wait, im sure one will pop up eventually! You may not be able to get the spec that you want, but im sure you could upgrade the bits you need if you cant get hold of one you want.

Cheers

[minipeps]

thanks a lot for your help guys, great to be on the forum. yeah looking to get a cooper would love a cooper s but doubt I will get insured on it. Apparently co-op insurance take the fact that your a named driver into consideration into account. been scrolling through the ads on pistonheads/autotrader/ebay/gumtree everyday found this one which ticks every box even love the wheels, 53 plate full leather 59k miles harmon kardo
harman kardon stereo body kit and alloys for £5250 on autotrader but i reckon this may be few and far between

[mab01uk]

If you can, go for a post July 2004 Cooper or One as these have the more reliable Getrag gearbox fitted rather than the Rover 'Midland' box.

"In July 2004 the first generation MINI had a "facelift" to coincide with the launch of the MINI Convertible. The new models had different (smooth) grill surrounds, new front and rear bumpers and headlights. Inside the face lifted MINI has a three piece rather than five piece dashboard, a new Getrag gearbox for the One and Cooper, and many other revisions."
MINI2 - MINI Forum - FAQ & DIY: General MINI FAQs and Advice

[MiniTheOne]

Just avoid the 2001-July2004 models. I treat my 2001 ONE as if made of glass and still have to take it back to the shop five times a year. Just now at 80.000 kms (50.000 miles?) the Midland transmission has developed the dreaded noise of imminent destruction.

[EL-COOP]

I'd imagine with 7k a first gen Cooper will be well within your price range. I just purchased an 05 Cooper myself with around 45,000 on the clock for 6k on the dot. That included the standard Chili Pack, interior/exterior chrome, half leather interior, a few other bits and bobs that the lad before me had put in himself and everything was in pretty mint condition. Happy Hunting!