Thoughts on Minis?

- Paul - · 07-14-2010, 02:43 PM

I'm thinking about a change and looking at JCW Mini's. Anyone have one on here? Know what I should be looking for etc ??

willhollin · 07-14-2010, 02:48 PM

Psychiatric help?

MattOz · 07-14-2010, 02:54 PM

Paul,

Many years ago......well, 2002 actually, I sold my 330d and bought a Mini Cooper as my everyday car. It was an itch I wanted to scratch and I did so for about 5 months and 8,000 miles. Minis are brilliant fun, but they're still a small car and not a patch on a 3 series, let alone anything bigger. I changed it back for a new 330d and haven't looked back since. In short, don't do it!

Mind you, my wife has a Cooper Works, so I get my Mini fix at the weekends now!

Matt

- Paul - · 07-14-2010, 03:38 PM

-

It's going to be a bit weird moving from the 6 into most cars I guess but the Mini is an itch!

What else could I look at?

Got to be more economical (I'm after at least 35mpg)

Has to seat 2 Adults and 2 Children

0-60 of 6 to 7 seconds (or quicker

)

Handle well.

Be under £20k

MattOz · 07-14-2010, 03:42 PM

To be honest, the Mini fits the bill if that's the kinda thing you're looking for. Two kids in the back could be a squeeze if they're over 5ft 5.

They are a great car and if you want to scratch the itch, there are plenty out there to choose from and you shouldn't rinse too much cash on one if you decide it's not for you.

Matt

NFS · 07-14-2010, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by - Paul -

-

It's going to be a bit weird moving from the 6 into most cars I guess but the Mini is an itch!

What else could I look at?

Got to be more economical (I'm after at least 35mpg)

Has to seat 2 Adults and 2 Children

0-60 of 6 to 7 seconds (or quicker

)

Handle well.

Be under £20k

Second hand 335i.

THE END

parapaul · 07-15-2010, 04:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NFS

Second hand 335i.

THE END

I'll see your 335i and raise you a 135i

Rob55 · 07-15-2010, 04:22 AM

Can you get a used 335d for that kind of money? If so, do it. Reasonable economy and superb performance. My mum has had one since new and I can't get over the pace of it for a diesel, 286bhp or something, absolute rocket ship. My sister also has a Mini and it just doesn't compare whatsoever...

- Paul - · 07-15-2010, 04:28 AM

Rob - Is it the John Cooper Works Mini though?

Rob55 · 07-15-2010, 04:57 AM

Granted now it's not a JCW but all the same I think you will find the sheer size of the Mini very very different to the big 6. If you need a car that seats 2+2 then I would really advice you take the whole family on a test drive in a Mini of any description before considering a purchase... The boot is absolutely tiny as well, like REALLY tiny.

Ham09 · 07-15-2010, 05:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by willhollin

Psychiatric help?

+ 1 lol

Unfortunately whenever I see blokes driving them, they are being driven like they've just nicked it. My friends wife had a Cooper S (not works), and he said it was fun to drive though

pjs · 07-15-2010, 05:36 AM

Bored of the 6?

- Paul - · 07-15-2010, 05:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob55

Granted now it's not a JCW but all the same I think you will find the sheer size of the Mini very very different to the big 6. If you need a car that seats 2+2 then I would really advice you take the whole family on a test drive in a Mini of any description before considering a purchase... The boot is absolutely tiny as well, like REALLY tiny.

Fair point.

The 335i is still a possibility but the thought of 220+bhp in a Mini has go to be worth a try?

- Paul - · 07-15-2010, 05:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pjs

Bored of the 6?

Not bored - it just feels a little extravagant and excessive.

Imran@Evolve · 07-15-2010, 05:40 AM

The factory JCW works MINI is a fantastic little car. I love them. Not sure how good they would be for passengers on long journeys though.

We have been tuning a few of these recently and they make way over their quoted 211 BHP - usually 235 BHP plus.

With just a remap they go to up 275 BHP and 300 Ft/lbs Torque.

zaheer · 07-15-2010, 05:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by willhollin

Psychiatric help?

haha u guys r too funny!

zaheer · 07-15-2010, 05:54 AM

i nearly bought this mini before buying my previous e90 last year...i had payment ready and deal fell through so went for a bmw instead...boy am i happy or what...

both cars were similar price but the 1.6 cooper s is just too revvy with no exciting power...but only good if u buy one at a cheap price.. however too expensive for what they are...stick with a bmw!

Rob55 · 07-15-2010, 05:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by - Paul -

Fair point.

The 335i is still a possibility but the thought of 220+bhp in a Mini has go to be worth a try?

I'm driving a 330bhp Focus RS at the moment - if you want something small and fast, there are better options out there than the Mini imo if you need to transport the family around. I can comfortably take 4 people in my car - my sister can take 4 people in the Mini with no luggage and it's really cramped.

A couple of my friends have 2007 Audi S3's running over 300bhp, they have all the creature comforts, the performance and also the family practicality. And under £20k. Would be hard to pass up for your needs imo!

Just playing devils advocate here, Mini is a fine car but NOT practical for a family!

- Paul - · 07-15-2010, 06:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob55

I'm driving a 330bhp Focus RS at the moment - if you want something small and fast, there are better options out there than the Mini imo if you need to transport the family around. I can comfortably take 4 people in my car - my sister can take 4 people in the Mini with no luggage and it's really cramped.

A couple of my friends have 2007 Audi S3's running over 300bhp, they have all the creature comforts, the performance and also the family practicality. And under £20k. Would be hard to pass up for your needs imo!

Just playing devils advocate here, Mini is a fine car but NOT practical for a family!

Always good to have others input - it is valued.

KadeSdad · 07-15-2010, 06:43 AM

We have a mini cooper s, great if you like torque steer!

Em135eye · 07-15-2010, 06:53 AM

Minis have power steering made from a dentist's drill - or so it sounds.

Brilliant handling though.

I'd be more tempted to go 130i/135i for small or S3/Golf R for bigger. The looks of the FRS do my head in.

chrisbin · 07-15-2010, 07:17 AM

So where is the salon going to be??

Oh and I think

<<

answers your criteria.....

07-14-2010, 02:43 PM	#1
- Paul - Major General 769 Rep 7,308 Posts Drives: see above. Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Yorkshire, UK iTrader: (5) Garage List 2005 320D SE [10.00] 2005 645 [9.00]	Thoughts on Minis? I'm thinking about a change and looking at JCW Mini's. Anyone have one on here? Know what I should be looking for etc ?? __________________ My Photos
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07-14-2010, 02:48 PM	#2
willhollin Major General 274 Rep 9,914 Posts Drives: VW T5 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Worcestershire iTrader: (1) Garage List 2007 BMW E92 330d SE [10.00] 2010 Transporter T5 ... [0.00]	Psychiatric help? __________________
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07-14-2010, 02:54 PM	#3
MattOz Lieutenant Colonel 345 Rep 1,830 Posts Drives: Alpina G21 D3S Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Midlands iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 E90 M3 [0.00]	Paul, Many years ago......well, 2002 actually, I sold my 330d and bought a Mini Cooper as my everyday car. It was an itch I wanted to scratch and I did so for about 5 months and 8,000 miles. Minis are brilliant fun, but they're still a small car and not a patch on a 3 series, let alone anything bigger. I changed it back for a new 330d and haven't looked back since. In short, don't do it! Mind you, my wife has a Cooper Works, so I get my Mini fix at the weekends now! Matt
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07-14-2010, 03:38 PM	#4
- Paul - Major General 769 Rep 7,308 Posts Drives: see above. Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Yorkshire, UK iTrader: (5) Garage List 2005 320D SE [10.00] 2005 645 [9.00]	- It's going to be a bit weird moving from the 6 into most cars I guess but the Mini is an itch! What else could I look at? Got to be more economical (I'm after at least 35mpg) Has to seat 2 Adults and 2 Children 0-60 of 6 to 7 seconds (or quicker) Handle well. Be under £20k __________________ My Photos
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-14-2010, 03:42 PM	#5
MattOz Lieutenant Colonel 345 Rep 1,830 Posts Drives: Alpina G21 D3S Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Midlands iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 E90 M3 [0.00]	To be honest, the Mini fits the bill if that's the kinda thing you're looking for. Two kids in the back could be a squeeze if they're over 5ft 5. They are a great car and if you want to scratch the itch, there are plenty out there to choose from and you shouldn't rinse too much cash on one if you decide it's not for you. Matt
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07-15-2010, 04:22 AM	#8
Rob55 Private First Class 18 Rep 114 Posts Drives: E90 320d M Sport Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: N. Ireland iTrader: (0)	Can you get a used 335d for that kind of money? If so, do it. Reasonable economy and superb performance. My mum has had one since new and I can't get over the pace of it for a diesel, 286bhp or something, absolute rocket ship. My sister also has a Mini and it just doesn't compare whatsoever...
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-15-2010, 04:28 AM	#9
- Paul - Major General 769 Rep 7,308 Posts Drives: see above. Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Yorkshire, UK iTrader: (5) Garage List 2005 320D SE [10.00] 2005 645 [9.00]	Rob - Is it the John Cooper Works Mini though? __________________ My Photos
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07-15-2010, 04:57 AM	#10
Rob55 Private First Class 18 Rep 114 Posts Drives: E90 320d M Sport Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: N. Ireland iTrader: (0)	Granted now it's not a JCW but all the same I think you will find the sheer size of the Mini very very different to the big 6. If you need a car that seats 2+2 then I would really advice you take the whole family on a test drive in a Mini of any description before considering a purchase... The boot is absolutely tiny as well, like REALLY tiny.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-15-2010, 05:36 AM	#12
pjs Colonel 287 Rep 2,774 Posts Drives: i8 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: NORTH iTrader: (1)	Bored of the 6?
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07-15-2010, 05:40 AM	#15
Imran@Evolve 5527 Rep 3,832 Posts Drives: All of them Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Bedfordshire UK iTrader: (0)	The factory JCW works MINI is a fantastic little car. I love them. Not sure how good they would be for passengers on long journeys though. We have been tuning a few of these recently and they make way over their quoted 211 BHP - usually 235 BHP plus. With just a remap they go to up 275 BHP and 300 Ft/lbs Torque.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-15-2010, 05:54 AM	#17
zaheer Captain 88 Rep 861 Posts Drives: E93 335i Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: London, UK iTrader: (1)	i nearly bought this mini before buying my previous e90 last year...i had payment ready and deal fell through so went for a bmw instead...boy am i happy or what... both cars were similar price but the 1.6 cooper s is just too revvy with no exciting power...but only good if u buy one at a cheap price.. however too expensive for what they are...stick with a bmw! Attached Images
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07-15-2010, 06:43 AM	#20
KadeSdad Colonel 147 Rep 2,070 Posts Drives: E350 CDI Sport Cabriolet Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: UK iTrader: (3)	We have a mini cooper s, great if you like torque steer!
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07-15-2010, 06:53 AM	#21
Em135eye Banned 180 Rep 4,302 Posts Drives: M135i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: South West iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW M135i 5 door [0.00]	Minis have power steering made from a dentist's drill - or so it sounds. Brilliant handling though. I'd be more tempted to go 130i/135i for small or S3/Golf R for bigger. The looks of the FRS do my head in.
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07-15-2010, 07:17 AM	#22
chrisbin Colonel 121 Rep 2,333 Posts Drives: 640i MSport Coupe Join Date: May 2005 Location: S.Wales, UK iTrader: (1)	So where is the salon going to be?? Oh and I think << answers your criteria..... __________________ Current: F13 640i MSport, e85 Z4 3.0i Previous - Alpina D3 BiTurbo E90 LCI Manual, 320d M Sport E92 Auto, 330i M Sport E92 courtesy of BMW UK....320i M Sport E92 Auto, 320d SE E90 Manual.
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