New daily driver

[Trig]

Morning.

 

I had a Jag S-type as a daily driver for the past year and a bit, but as it was starting to need a few repairs I decided to trade it in for something that was a bit cheaper to run (the Jag was giving me about 23mpg on my 34 miles a day commute)

 

I looked for something that would be quick, fun, with a bit of character but very reasonable running costs. I came up with this:

 

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b81/trig_112/2010%20Mini%20Cooper%20S/2012-01-21095702.jpg

 

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b81/trig_112/2010%20Mini%20Cooper%20S/2012-01-21121155.jpg

 

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b81/trig_112/2010%20Mini%20Cooper%20S/2012-01-21121225.jpg

 

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b81/trig_112/2010%20Mini%20Cooper%20S/2012-01-21121241.jpg

 

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b81/trig_112/2010%20Mini%20Cooper%20S/2012-01-21121304.jpg

 

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b81/trig_112/2010%20Mini%20Cooper%20S/2012-01-21121320.jpg

 

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b81/trig_112/2010%20Mini%20Cooper%20S/2012-01-21121207.jpg

 

 

Its not got a huge amount of options or packs, it has the centr arm rest and the multifunction sport steering wheel (stereo controls and cruise), other than that I think it is standard. The previous owner bought the tlc pack so its servicing is covered for the next 35,000 miles.

 

So far, I love it. Granted, its one of the least manly looking cars I could have chosen, but when I'm getting 40mpg (among other lower cost stuff like tax & insurance) with 181bhp under my right foot, I'm not so fussed about the outside. The only drawback I'm suffering with at the minute is the size of the boot, its pitiful:

 

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b81/trig_112/2010%20Mini%20Cooper%20S/2012-01-21165707.jpg

[Craig855S]

Do you have kids? If not just drop the rear seats each time you go to tescos lol

[massivewangers]

I drove one of the supercharged ones of these a few years back and it was good fun I thought. Box was a bit notchy, but still a giggle to drive. Not been in one of the turbocharged ones though.

 

Looks ok though, nice colour, good fun. I think one of the optional extra wheels might improve it. When I helped run one of the racing versions, we borrowed a modified road car from one of our sponsors, had a few go faster bits, sounded pretty tasty!

[ScORTED]

these are pretty capable on a track, apart from the brakes, If i had that kind of money I'd have been down to renault and bought a 197

[DaweV6]

Granted, its one of the least manly looking cars I could have chosen

 

http://i1.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/newsfeed/000/210/119/%20_2acc5a8841f8752904d37f90a8014829.png

 

but when I'm getting 40mpg (among other lower cost stuff like tax & insurance) with 181bhp under my right foot, I'm not so fussed about the outside.

 

 

Yup, the R56 Prince BMW-PSA engine is much better than that supercharged Brazilian in R50-53.

 

To the point - has it been for a water pump recall yet ?

 

Also - I know you're not daft, but anyway - don't put JCW 18" on it unless you want to loose dentures.

Edited February 11, 2012 by DaweV6

[Craig855S]

What engine does this have?

[Hezz]

bet its a bit different getting used to it after the jag!

[Trig]

these are pretty capable on a track, apart from the brakes, If i had that kind of money I'd have been down to renault and bought a 197

 

The Clio RS would have given only a touch more fuel economy and the insurance/tax is higher, so it would have been a significantly more expensive car to run than this is.

 

 

Yup, the R56 Prince BMW-PSA engine is much better than that supercharged Brazilian in R50-53.

 

To the point - has it been for a water pump recall yet ?

 

Also - I know you're not daft, but anyway - don't put JCW 18" on it unless you want to loose dentures.

 

This was built just after they changed the part in late 2011 so as far as Mini tell me, as far as they know, I don't need it. I've got a fire extinguisher in the boot just in case.

 

 

What engine does this have?

 

1.6 turbo, 181bhp (184ps), 260Nm 192ft-lb

 

I love driving it, it is loads of fun without being thirsty. Its a really eager engine, a prod of the throttle and it wakes up, then when you let it rev, it picks up speed at quite a rate.

 

Part of the reason for picking this car was the 16 inch wheels. Most Cooper S's come with the chilli pack, which includes 17 inch wheels, I prefer having the extra inch of give in the tyres and having a touch more comfortable ride.