Newby with questions - MINI Cooper Forum

Christopherjames · #1 (**permalink**) Dec 2nd, 2012, 10:36 AM

Hi All,

I have just register as Im looking to get my First Mini Cooper S/JCW.

I currently have a Nissan 350 Z that Im hoping to sell so I can move into Mini ownership. The reason for the change is the petrol and running costs of the Zed and a recent house purchase.

Im looking to get a JCW so the performance isn't such a huge drop and hopefully MPG is more than the Zed.

Are there any things in particular that I should be looking for and any common problems that I need to be aware of when having a look around a car?

I will be looking for the mark 1 Mini cooper S JCW or a Mark 2 Mini cooper s without the JCW.

Cheers,
Chris

The Nun · #2 (**permalink**) Dec 2nd, 2012, 12:33 PM

Stay with the Z, being Japanese it wont ever be going wrong.

newbeemini · #3 (**permalink**) Dec 2nd, 2012, 03:10 PM

From a fuel and reliability point of view go with a mk2 cooper s the engines better and younger plus if you careful you can get about 45-50 mpg

Christopherjames · #4 (**permalink**) Jan 2nd, 2013, 12:12 PM

Hi all,

Sorry if this question has been answered before but I'm new to the site and in need of a answer.

I'm looking at a 2005 Mini Cooper S and it has everything I'm looking for.

The one annoying part is the centre part of the dash where the speedo is has a dial for just the water temp or oil temp and fuel.

Can I replace this with either the standard speedo or a nav unit?

leebeeb24 · #5 (**permalink**) Jan 2nd, 2013, 07:48 PM

I have a cooper clubman 58 plate, and recently when i reach speeds of 55mph + the car starts juddering, and the steering wheel vibrates,l anyone please help,

Angib · #6 (**permalink**) Jan 2nd, 2013, 09:11 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by leebeeb24 (original)

....recently when i reach speeds of 55mph + the car starts juddering

About 60mph is a very popular speed for wheel balance problems to show themselves. The juddering shows up as vibration in the steering if the problem is with the front wheels.

Is there any chance that you have knocked a balancing weight off a wheel? On some Minis the weights can be clipped onto the outer rim of the wheel, where they can be hit on a kerb. Cars with bigger wheels tend to have self-adhesive weights stuck inside the rim where they don't tend to come off.