Gen 2 Mini

Partner has had a 2012 one with the same engine from new. It doesn't do a lot of miles and hasn't had much go wrong. It did need a new clutch but the garage thought that was user error! Ride is quite firm even on non-sporty ones. Feels quite low and I find it a bit hard to get in and out of. But I like driving it and it's comfortable. Long journeys are fine.

Have you had a sit in one? As well as being low, the roof is low so it felt like driving a pillbox.

I don't know if it was my usual (very good) garage blowing smoke but they said to me when I asked about Mini's that Mini/BMW don't allow access to their full diagnostic data/service records on older cars to independent garages so if anything complex goes wrong you end up back at main dealers or specialists.

That age (2013) will be a R56 model - the newer F56 replaced it from 2014 and the interior and general feel is worth going to the newer car if you can. I've owned both - 2012 Cooper S and now a 2014 Cooper SD - and they're quite different. Also heaps more rear interior space if that matters, I can carry 2 x rear passengers no problem.

My 2012 was the 1.6 N18 turbocharged engine with a better reputation than the earlier N14 turbo petrol. I think the 1.6 non-turbo is a different engine again and not one I know anything about.

Have you had a sit in one? As well as being low, the roof is low so it felt like driving a pillbox.

They're certainly different to more conventional small cars. Upright windscreen and A pillars takes a bit of getting used to. No roofline visibility issues for me at 187cm with seat in lowest position.

Not sat in one as yet(will do this Saturday) guess the drive/sit in will be the clincher!

Missus prefers the look of the Gen 2 over newer one. Budget £7k gets a low mileage Gen 2 or a 100k plus Gen 3 ?‍♂️

I had a 13 plate clubman cooper from new for a few years so can't comment on longevity, but I'm 6'2 and didn't have any issues with the size of it. I loved it, was a bit gutted when it went back tbh.

We bought a Mini One 1.6 98hp, R56 2012 model in the summer for the teenager after he passed his test.  It's a great little car - feels 'special' inside in the way that similar newly qualified driver cars (107/Aygo/C1) just didn't.  Similar insurance too.  Feels quickish to drive, nice 6 speed gearbox etc.  He's had no issues so far and he drives everywhere - if they need a loaf of bread he gets the slices individually......  The engine's the same as Peugeot / Citroen put in DS3s and the like.  The internet will tell you about cam chain woes but (touches wood) we haven't had an issue.  Plenty of room in the front, we're both 6 foot plus, but if the seats are right back there's no rear legroom at all.

With regards to the "driving a pillbox" comments.  I heartily concur.  The wife has a 4 year old Mini and as a 6ft1 (but with a long body) it's really not a pleasant car to drive - so I don't.

Also the BMW/Mini design "philosophy" is basically vomit as many odd shaped buttons, switches and other controls all over place.

Want to change the mode from sat nav to radio on the round display in the dash?  Use the rotating control BY YOUR ARSE.

Ah yes, the round display in the middle of the dash... home to the most maddening sat nav/car play/radio/settings system I have ever had the misfortune to use.   The person who did the UI wants Spartan kicking into a scorpion pit, nothing makes sense and frequently text runs off the bottom/side of the screen.

Thanks for the reply’s and info. It’s odd how some newer cars have awful infotainment systems and non intuitive to use !! Guessing yours is Gen 3 @BillOddie ?

Yes I think it is.

Of that era, I would go for the Clubman. A mate had one and it was ok for getting bikes in the back with seats down. The extra space is worth it over the smaller versions. The gen 3 is much bigger though, with that Clubman being more Golf sized.

@BillOddie, yeah the UI isn't great but it's better than lots of others.  My gripe is that the demist window/ blower switches are completely hidden from a normal driving position. I have to crank my head downwards to see them. The other one is that the ESP/Traction Control on/off is buried in the main control menus. Probably similar to other modern cars, but when you need it off fast, you need a manual switch. I got stuck sideways straddling both lanes on a snowy road like this. Took me ages to get all that stuff turned off so I could get moving.

I think Gen 3 solves many of the issues folks have made about the Gen 1 and 2 cars. The only think that really annoys is the position of the light switch (down by your right knee on the dash) but then BMW have been putting it there for years now, so once you're used to it is no biggie.

I've no issues with getting comfy, I've driven it to Scotchland and Cornland (from Manchester) , and it was perfectly fine for two, I wouldn't want to be in the back of one for that sort of journey though.

The only things that really bug are the Bluetooth connection to the phone is buggy as hell - I frequently have to start from scratch to connect it , and my bike rack (on the roof) overhangs so that the boot lid won't fully open, but apart from that, it's fun to drive

We've got a Gen 3 1.5 5 dr auto and tbh I love it, it's fast, plenty of space and certainly in the front is fine for long journeys. Only downside is the economy around town is not great

My OH had an R56 and then an F56.  The F56 is superior in every way, IMO.  The 1.5 3-pot engine is an absolute peach.  I would try and avoid big wheels if you want to keep your fillings, though.

We've a 1.5 3 pot 5 door too. 2015 Cooper.

BRG with 17 inch minilites. It looks great. I'm 6 ft and I love driving it. It is a very firm ride and the roads (and our driveway) are shocking here so engine mounts don't last long, but overall it's been a good car. We would probably get a Countryman next as the kids are getting so big.

Good to hear generally positive views. Must say the Clubman would be ideal as I can borrow it for biking too.

Going to see a clubman tomorrow Gen 2 low mileage.

Guess the drive will be the decider !