Used Mini Cooper Cars For Sale

A history lesson…

When BMW announced they’d be building a new MINI Cooper for the 21st century, most people laughed, laughed some more and then wished them lucky – with large amounts of sarcasm. The reason why they were so sceptical is because, well, the original was pretty much perfect. It’s like trying to remake The Godfather or Beverley Hills Cop; you’re bound to struggle.

Unbelievably, though, BMW did it. They somehow managed to create a modern day MINI but without ruining the original. Sure, the new one was quite a bit bigger thanks to today’s modern day safety regulations, but it was still cute, very funky and, most importantly, brilliant in the corners.

The Cooper S followed which featured a supercharged 1.6-litre engine and that was bloody excellent, too. And despite the fact that the MINI is now getting on a bit, people are still buying them. Well done, BMW.

Bang for your buck

The original MINI was a very inexpensive car to buy and run, but now, thanks to the BMW connection, things have changed. It’s still a cheap car to run, but to buy; it’s a whole different ball game. You have to pay a premium for that BMW build quality, so yes, you do get a lot of kit, plenty of lovely features and that MINI badge, but you definitely pay for it.

All MINIs get ESP, air-con, loads of cute features like a massive speedo and rev-counter and bags and bags of character. Most people who buy MINIs get them because they’re cool; a fashion-statement that tells people you’ve done well.

If fashion isn’t your bag, the Cooper S will give you all the thrills with that legendary Cooper-handling and supercharged performance.

What you’ll pay

Prices for the Cooper are still very high. They do last the course, though, so if you do buy one you’ll be safe in the knowledge that they should stay pretty reliable. Prices for a Cooper S on a 54-plate are around £3.5/4k, which is a lot of money for a car that’s getting on a bit.

The Cooper Ds go for less on a similar plate, but remember that the newer the MINI, the higher the price.

What to check

There’s been some trouble with the newer turbo-charged Cooper S models regarding a potential fire-risk. BMW issued a recall for this problem, so make sure this issue has been fixed before you buy.
Other than that, it’s pretty much plain sailing.

Parts

Parts are expensive due to the BMW connection. A clutch assembly is around £130, while front brake pads are around £40, a full exhaust about £360; so expensive, but it’s what you pay for that bullet-proof BMW reliability.

How it drives

MINI Coopers are famed for go-kart handling. It’s what the brand is pretty much built on, and whichever MINI you go for whether it’s the D, S or One, you’re assured of an agile and informative drive. Driving the MINI really does make you wonder why other car manufacturers don’t make cars like this. As good as the Fiat 500 is, it can’t touch the MINI for driving dynamics. It’s really that good.

The pick of the bunch has to be the Cooper S. It features everything that’s good about MINI: a buzzy engine with 165bhp and that legendary handling. If you can afford the S, get it. You won’t regret it!