Looking to buy a Cooper S

[nickyboy]

Hi i' m Nick from Forres, Moray. Currently driving an 07 Golf GTI Edition 30 but had enough of VW and want some fun again and a bit of extra cash. My budget was originally 5 grand for an R53 but as always the way that has gone out the window and looking to spend around 7 which takes me into R56 territory.
I test drove an 07 yesterday which was fun, but there were a few niggles like squeaking electric windows, creaks/knocks on full lock and quite bad torque steer. I hope these are not indicative of the quality of these cars? The front tyres were shot which probably made the latter issue, worse.
I suppose I could get a 53 but from research online, they suffer more problems? Having different engines (Chrysler) etc, leaking crank oil seals and failing steering racks?
If I buy one from a BMW dealer, would the car be an approved BMW with the same 12 month warranty as one?
Also, i'm finding many cars have the Chilli pack but not the Winter pack, which is frustrating as I really want heated seats after blessing my butt with them in the Golf.
And a full BMW service history is also rare in my experience, is this normal? It's a bit off putting imo to see back street non specialist services, especially the likes of Arnold Shark.
Thanks a lot

[LadyR]

Hi Nick, welcome to nms. You seem fairly well informed so I can't offer you too much info other than to say good luck finding your S, I've just upgraded from a cooper and am loving it! Same as you I went for the (over budget) r56 with my first mini due to reading about faults and problems with the r53s, but plenty of guys on here have them so I'm sure they'll be able to help you out with the technical stuff 😄

[nickyboy]

Thanks. Yeah i've been hitting the internet hard doing my research, it always pays to know more than the salesman when car shopping. My biggest issue is location, all the good cars are at least 100 miles away, and there has always been some sort of highland tax, where cars are a good 15% cheaper further south.

[T5LLC]

Approved Mini dealers ie BMW will give you minimum 12 months MOT and warranty

Then at least the little niggles ie window creeks etc they'd fix.. As for heated seats I don't think many have them, more a convertible thing I think. I love them but would rather spec other things in my Mini so guess its personal taste.

Good luck!

[nickyboy]

I just want them after having them so long in the Golf.

Saw a nice 2006 R56 in a BMW dealership in Edinburgh (online) priced at £7250, only to discover the slyness of "non VAT qualifying"

So that will be £8600 then! Slimy sales technique there

[Stewart]

Welcome to the site Nick. That price should be the sticker price where did the extra price come from??? Did you just estimate it or did the sales team actually say that.

When is says it VAT Qualifing it’s just disclaiming that VAT is part of this price otherwise would it not just be without VAT. So I think the original price is the right one.

[nickyboy]

I see, I assumed it was a marketing ploy, to those who can claim back VAT or something. Still, Edinburgh is a fair trek from here just to look at a car.

[Craig]

In my experience (I had 2 of them) the early R56S's are not very well put together. For your money I would find an 06/56 high spec R53 which are better built and use any spare cash for upgrades or tweaks you want to make

[nickyboy]

Yeah i would need to test an R53 for comparison, but they are quite a jump in mpg, tax and insurance

[Craig]

In my experience and opinion I'd have an R53 over an R56 at the price your talking about...