Looking to buy??

[Loving_it]

Hi all.
New here and totally new to the Mini. I am looking to buy myself a cooper s, 2004 ish. Have £3500 to spend. Looking for more room from what I drive now believe it or not, . I am after a fun and exciting car to drive and a car I can mod a bit, as that's just what I like to do.
So just a couple of questions that I am sure you have all had before, done a bit of research but like to hear from actual mini drivers.
Are they a fun car to drive? Is the road holding good, steering good and engine good and responsive?
How much to fill the tank and how many miles from it, mpg?
Are they easy to work on, such as lowering yourself? Service yourself? Service intervils and cost of service?
Answer 1 or all if you like, would really love to hear your views, no matter what they are. I hope the mini community it good.
Thank you in advance.

[Loving_it]

Over 100 views and not a single answer?? Someone on here must at least know how much to fill up from empty ish and how many miles per tank?

[S8RAH]

Hi, I'll answer what I can but, tbh, it's 6 years since I owned an R53.
Firstly, you will be pushing it to find a decent 2004 S for £3.5k.
Are they fun, hell yes! The supercharger whine is addictive and they handle brilliantly . I can't remember what the tank size is but I only got about 300-350 from full to empty or about 30mpg; when you are 'having fun' 20-24mpg isn't uncommon.
Most owners find that they are relatively easy to work on but, what also happens is, you join a local club and there are all manner of people willing to help. Servicing is comparable to most modern cars as long as you don't rely on dealers.
They are quite expensive to own but worth every penny.
I hope you find one that you like.

[mab01uk]

These Mini Buyers Guides should also help you get started:

Buying guide : MINI 2001-2007 - AROnline

MotoringFile MINI R50/R53 Buyers Guide

[Loving_it]

Thanks
That's great, now to just keep my eyes open. I'm a bit fussy when buying and always want as much as my obey can buy, but the bonus is I am in no hurry. Even if it takes 3 months or more. So I will keep researching and if it does take 3 months then ill be up 4 to 4.5k to spend
And I did see a nice cooper s go for 3250 with only 35k

[Loving_it]

Looks like a nice sight, as for mpg looks like its a low as 16 and high as 42 on some. I will be doing mostly motorway miles, and about 25k a year. Is a mini good for this sort of mileage?

[The Nun]

25000 a year is a fair bit to be doing in a MINI, theyre small cars, thats why Ive got a Range Rover for the high mileage, slightly more comfortable when youre in it for ages, maybe you should get one of those.
Except £3500 will only buy the rims so maybe not :0

[Loving_it]

Got my motor for room if I need it, it's the smart roadster that I am changing for a mini. Just need a bit more room as the roadie just does not quite have enough. But it will be very hard to get rid of the roadster as it is so so much fun to drive and I have moded mini to be a bit of a 1 off with a very engine tweaks to
Just some times I need a back seat, not for people but for stuff. And I thought a mini would be great and hopefully as much fun as my roadie.

[S8RAH]

What is it with Smarts and MINIs? I have both though I can't run to a Roadie; I have a 12month old Boxfresh ForTwo (daily driver) and several others have both or have had both.
Honestly, and daft as this may sound, if you don't need the extra seats there won't be much more room in a MINI. I actually prefer to take the Smart on shopping safaris.

[Loving_it]

Ok, I don't really needs the extra seats at all. But the room on the back seats would come Iain very handy. The rear boot is not very big at all and the front is not that much bigger.

[Zipy]

I'm in the states; so, can't help much on most of your questions; however, don't wait to locate a Mini Club. Mini owners are usually enthusiasts and know who might have a nice Mini to sell as well as help in maintaining it afterwards. I only put about 12K on mine annually; love the handling and it's definitely fun to drive. It's a driving experience I always look forward to.

[Loving_it]

Thanks Zipy, great idea.

[Loving_it]

Had a good look at a 2002 cooper s taday. Very good condition, service history, double sunroof, air con, 16" black wheels and a few other bits, 40 k on the clock. Does £4500 sound good. I think it's a bit steep.

[Ryanjdover]

Sounds steep for an 02


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[Loving_it]

Thanks Ryanjdover. That's what I thought, even with only 40 k.
Oh we'll, the search continues.