mini cooper vs 318ti

[Willy]

Yes that is almost true,

Must get a facelift one in any case, but there are 200+kw prefacelift ones with that gearbox so that is not the issue.

I use my car very well and never had a hint of clutch issues. So that is like any other car that might need a cluthc replacement.

And yes the powersteering was covered already.

Powersteering rack doesn't fail, engine is bulletproof and forgive me if I am wrong, but a 8 year old car with runflats and sport suspension and a body that was more ridgid than the M3 of the time may rattle. And even so it does less than a Z3/Z4.

As I said the Cooper S and normal Cooper is two very different cars. And if you are looking for a 318 then the normal cooper is probably your best bet. These give good milage and is good for everyday use.

I myself have a normal cooper for everyday use and it is still fun.

Pimped off another forum

I would not touch a Mini sold between 2002 and 2004/5, Cooper or Cooper S.
These originals had many issues, and specifically the Cooper had a Midland gearbox that was crap. The facelift got a better box from Getrag.
Other issues on these were:

> Power steering failure.
> Steering rack issues.
> Electric window failure.
> Dashboard rattle/s - Fix is to strip dashboard and fit a better bracket = $$$

Engine was based on a Chrysler Neon, but not identical. Not very efficient or economical, but I did not ever have or hear of engine problems.
Also, to change the clutch on the mini is an engine out affair...not cheap for a stukkie on a toight budget.

If she must have one, rather get a facelift, non supercharged one.

 

[Kopano]

And closing statment. A mini is not expensive to maintain, if you are looking at a normal cooper even more so. Service at specialist won't cost more than R1200 and it does not have a timing belt so don't even worry about it. Only thing that does go wrong is the powersteering and that can be fixed for less than R3000 and it will only happen once.

The rest is cheap and fun motoring all the way. Obviously if you get an S you will also enjoy it. BUT they are two completely different cars. The normal one is soft and quiet, the S is hardcore.

I just got a MINI Cooper S R53 with the powersteering dead. so far the lowest quote I got to fix it was R8k. please tell me where I can do it for R3k:rollsmile:

 

[m0lt3n]

we also concidered a cooper for my wife. she hated the funky interior. i loved the performance and handling. that 1.6 is way more nippy than your average 1.6.

get the one she wants. each have their equal pros and cons...so why not be happy with whT you chose. the 318 engine is also a hit or miss same as with general reliability on mini

 

[Willy]

Fastserve near menlyn 012 346 6450

And closing statment. A mini is not expensive to maintain, if you are looking at a normal cooper even more so. Service at specialist won't cost more than R1200 and it does not have a timing belt so don't even worry about it. Only thing that does go wrong is the powersteering and that can be fixed for less than R3000 and it will only happen once.

The rest is cheap and fun motoring all the way. Obviously if you get an S you will also enjoy it. BUT they are two completely different cars. The normal one is soft and quiet, the S is hardcore.

I just got a MINI Cooper S R53 with the powersteering dead. so far the lowest quote I got to fix it was R8k. please tell me where I can do it for R3k:rollsmile: