I’ve the same model more or less, but mine is the face lifted version. I do agree the steering and clutch are almost unacceptably heavy, especially for a city car. I’ve also felt the need to upgrade the lights, as they are below modern standards. Space (legroom) in the back is dependent on how the front seats are positioned. My usual passenger is only 5 ft 2. So rear space is acceptable. As a side note I’ve found the mini extremely noisy when driving in rain, not sure if this is due the screen angle or just because it’s a bit thin? Overall it’s economical and fun to drive, plus available options and tweaks are huge.
Yeah it is a fun car to drive for sure, almost go-kart style! The noise when driving is probably due to the shape of windscreen and also compared to todays cars it’s probably has less noise reduction materials dotted around the car. Meaning you hear more road/wind noise. Upgrading the lights is a must, happy for you that you’re enjoying this car!
I repair and sell on these mini r50 s your car is 04 so is a preface lift which has the 5 speed Midlands gearbox if it hasn't already I would change the gearbox oil as despite it saying it hasn't got to be changed the diff can explod looks a nice early car I have a later face-lift parklane model and and a early cooper which is one of the first off the production line
I have a 2003 R50 which I bought new and it has the Midland 5-speed. It shifts smoothly and is quiet and has never caused a problem. That may or may not be because I changed the transmission fluid at 12,000 miles to Amzoil transmission fluid....
Nice. I got myself a 2006 Parklane Cooper April last year for the city. I really love that little beauty. Although it has 188k km it runs smooth, interior is still great, leather seats are awesome. Engine lacks a bit in power, but thats fine.
Absolutely garbage my Mrs had a.late 56 cooper R50 build quality is crap ours wasn't too badly speced as they are very basic ours had crono pack as I hate the stupid large Speedo and cruise control . We've also had a 10 plate Cooper S R56 and the build quality was even worse . I'll never buy another mini for myself or partner there.crap .
@@The_Car_Yard Not that I don't like them just in 5 or 6 years owning an R50 cooper & R56 cooper S they just weren't very good reliability wise but they do drive fantastic.that is 1 thing I can't.denie.
My 2005 R50 (I am the original owner) just passed 150K miles. It's a BMW under the skin and is as solid as a rock. The caveat (I suppose) is that I have learned to do all the work on the car myself and have upgraded it significantly over the years. I'm sorry you don't understand or know how to work on cars and have bad taste.
I’ve the same model more or less, but mine is the face lifted version. I do agree the steering and clutch are almost unacceptably heavy, especially for a city car. I’ve also felt the need to upgrade the lights, as they are below modern standards. Space (legroom) in the back is dependent on how the front seats are positioned. My usual passenger is only 5 ft 2. So rear space is acceptable. As a side note I’ve found the mini extremely noisy when driving in rain, not sure if this is due the screen angle or just because it’s a bit thin? Overall it’s economical and fun to drive, plus available options and tweaks are huge.
Yeah it is a fun car to drive for sure, almost go-kart style! The noise when driving is probably due to the shape of windscreen and also compared to todays cars it’s probably has less noise reduction materials dotted around the car. Meaning you hear more road/wind noise. Upgrading the lights is a must, happy for you that you’re enjoying this car!
There was a recall on the power steering pumps. Had the pump on my 2005 replaced for free in 2014, and it wasn't even malfunctioning.
Didn't know this...thanks for the info!
Did this change the weight of thr steering at all?
just bought a 2005 1.6L Mini One as my first car at 17
Love that for you, enjoy the go-kart feel of it! 😁
I repair and sell on these mini r50 s your car is 04 so is a preface lift which has the 5 speed Midlands gearbox if it hasn't already I would change the gearbox oil as despite it saying it hasn't got to be changed the diff can explod looks a nice early car I have a later face-lift parklane model and and a early cooper which is one of the first off the production line
I have a 2003 R50 which I bought new and it has the Midland 5-speed. It shifts smoothly and is quiet and has never caused a problem. That may or may not be because I changed the transmission fluid at 12,000 miles to Amzoil transmission fluid....
Nice. I got myself a 2006 Parklane Cooper April last year for the city. I really love that little beauty. Although it has 188k km it runs smooth, interior is still great, leather seats are awesome. Engine lacks a bit in power, but thats fine.
Absolutely garbage my Mrs had a.late 56 cooper R50 build quality is crap ours wasn't too badly speced as they are very basic ours had crono pack as I hate the stupid large Speedo and cruise control . We've also had a 10 plate Cooper S R56 and the build quality was even worse . I'll never buy another mini for myself or partner there.crap .
I’m sorry you don’t like them, not everyone’s cuppa tea 👍
@@The_Car_Yard Not that I don't like them just in 5 or 6 years owning an R50 cooper & R56 cooper S they just weren't very good reliability wise but they do drive fantastic.that is 1 thing I can't.denie.
Had a number of minis old and new, loved them, never let me down and far better built then any other small car I know
My 2005 R50 (I am the original owner) just passed 150K miles. It's a BMW under the skin and is as solid as a rock. The caveat (I suppose) is that I have learned to do all the work on the car myself and have upgraded it significantly over the years. I'm sorry you don't understand or know how to work on cars and have bad taste.