Mini R50 is 20 years old, and Goes for a drive

The first 1000 people to use the link will get a free trial of Skillshare Premium Membership: skl.sh/furious...
The Mini R50 is 20 years old! My Y reg/early or pre production car was built on May 1st, 2001, 2 decades ago! Lets take it for a drive and talk about its design and how it came to be
Hit the Channel Member JOIN button and become a Furious Driver or help support the channel on Patreon here: / furiousdriving
Furious hats! Hit paypal.me/furio... its £11 for the black/red words or £12 for the grey or yellow with logo, including UK P+P (email for delivery elsewhere)
Check out my new Photography channel 'Click Bait' - bit.ly/2Xek1Y1
Post me stuff!
Furious Driving
PO Box 477
AYLESFORD
ME6 9LE
The tools I use to keep my wrecks rolling:
Draper cordless ratchet wrench: amzn.to/39NvSmK
Draper 80808 Heat Induction Tool: amzn.to/2KTrDYV
Draper 3 tonne low entry jack amzn.to/2ZAbCRZ
Draper 3 tonne axle stand: amzn.to/3okTWlJ
Draper Impact wrench: amzn.to/2JSQhN2
Draper flexible head breaker bar amzn.to/3s4xqzi
Quentin the Rover stuff - rdbl.co/2N29flm
Alfa 145 stuff - www.redbubble....
'Broken Rovers and Shattered Dreams' - rdbl.co/3ggbThi
Rover badge mug - rdbl.co/2XNcmR1
Tea Shelf stuff - rdbl.co/3gLEhHJ
Furious sticker - rdbl.co/39KtkDY
Furious mug: rdbl.co/2FuZvJL
Rover logo stuff - rdbl.co/2s2LAqW
www.furiousdriving.co.uk for stickers, mugs, T shirts, travel mugs and more plus lots of car models, toys and books

[@tomparsons5096]

Such an underrated piece of design, the equivalent hatchbacks from that era look like sheds on wheels now, and the r50 still holds up on the roads today.

[@bensmithkent22]

Ha is this Tom Parsons from Bexley?? Kid I knew of (not knew but knew by face) also named Tom Parsons had a new dark green one circa 2005. Everybody was jealous. Could be the same person seeing as this channel is Kent based. Fresh cars in the wonderful pre nissan juke and dreadful crossover era.

[@tomparsons5096]

Haha no it’s not, I’m from Cheshire I do drive a Mini One however but it’s an r56, bit of a coincidence!

[@whatevernevermind5960]

Except for the Ford Focus & Seat Leon, both also groundbreaking & influential pieces of design

[@raftonpounder6696]

Underrated? I don’t think so!

[@iboswell]

Still prefer the original R50 Cooper over all the others including S and later versions. It has enough power to be fun at sensible speeds and goes round corners beautifully. A bit like an MX5 with a roof and a bit of interior space.

[@maxidyne]

Such an iconic car! And the R50 is still the nicest of all the modern Mini's. Happy birthday.

[@stuarthepburn6508]

Pity they were garbage

[@nickw9626]

This car has aged better than any other from the last 20 years (in looks, at least)

[@Stevieweevietv]

I had a mini Cooper from 2004 to 2007. I named him Monty. He was great fun. Felt so solid and well built, and was like a little Go Kart. Definately up there in my favourite cars ive owned. Actually saw him by chance about 7 years ago being driven by his current owner. I was so excited!!

[@Henry-iv4zn]

This is what I have been waiting for! I love the Mini videos. This is a good break from fixing the clock in my Y reg.

[@Canalsman]

I'm glad you paid tribute to the Rover engineers. They were very highly skilled and creative, but sadly much underrated. Take care of this little gem ...

[@morgman43]

Second this. The lazy way people referred to the MINI as the BMW MINI at the time has rewritten history to the point that you'd think Rover was already gone by the time it came into production.

[@benvenis9758]

I’ve been waiting for this video! Your r50 convinced me I needed one myself, 6 months later from purchase, my 2002 liquid yellow Cooper is the perfect daily alongside my 1964 Singer Gazelle.

[@davidwright1605]

Got to agree this is the best looking of the modern Minis. I think BMW has lots its way at least externally. I ordered mine in September 2001 and think I might have test driven your car. I wanted sports seats though so this delayed delivery until Jan 2002. As you say the extras were a major thing - even the spare wheel was optional. I kept it for almost 15 years and it was much loved. The first 6 months of ownership were quite special with other Mini owners flashing you as they passed. It was the only car I've owned that really caught the interest of the opposite sex. I finally replaced it with a VW Up which IMO has more of the spirit of the original Mini. The modern Mini was strongly focused on the Cooper - being an up-market sporty car rather than the basic transport the original Mini was.

[@stevenwright8674]

I purchased my first mini yesterday, exactly 20 yrs after yours was built. Mine’s a Red R56 Cooper and I love it. Brilliant video, really enjoyed it.

[@Neil-Aspinall]

Still looks very modern inside and out.

[@Jackmorvin]

I'm happy that they stuck to the Retro look for the car which made it unique when compared to other cars made the same year since they took the original Mini formula for it!

[@seancooke4127]

You are a wonderful custodian of this Y reg. My Wife's 2010 Cooper Convertible was bought to celebrate 30 years in her job. We both agree that it will never be sold. She decided to replace the front Run Flats with normal Bridgestones and the car became much more compliant. The rears will be done when the time comes too. Every detail of the MINI is simply beautiful and this Convertible shows shows no flex, it feels so strong. It's just so alive. The beer can exhaust is genius and everything works. Use it at every chance I get. I told the Salesman on the test drive to sell it to my wife because I'm sold already and I won't be listening to a word.

[@MA-dq4vb]

My partner owns an R56 and she struck a deer at 40-50mph last year. The plastic chrome headlight cover snapped off and there was a small dent on one side of the bonnet but you would never guess she struck a deer. It still amazes me till this day how strong the mini hatch chassis/structure is. Really nice cars.

[@DJWenlowe]

What a fantastic deep dive into the mini , my goodness, time goes fast, I can remember them being new and it seems like 5 minutes ago. Thanks very much for doing this 👍👍

[@nathannenna8182]

The one does have a tachometer above the steering wheel. One thing I love is the fact you can show the speed on the lcd screen.

[@jkk244]

No speed display on the tach screen on the early cars. I’ve got a ‘02 R53 and the big central speedo is the only place to see how fast the car is going. I like it that way.

[@nathannenna8182]

Sorry didn't realise it wasn't on until 2003

[@adarbs6384]

Loved this, and thanks for the bit of history. They really should have kept the Mini this way...what they are producing now doesn't even deserve to wear the Mini badge, they are so far removed from the original, at least this generation were as close as they were going to get to the classic. Watching this made me miss my '03 Mini One diesel...it had the stripes on the bonnet over the roof and down the back, really looked great...however, then I remember my mechanics bills nearly every month when something inevitably went wrong 😂 so, as much as I loved it, I wouldn't have another. Thanks for the video

[@the5th2000]

That red paint is in very nice order for such an old car. I've had an R50, and currently a last of the line R53. I love them. Great cars

[@michaelp0819]

Owner of two R53s. Love them. To me the first gen modern MINIs were extremely special.

[@jkk244]

My R53 Cooper S will be 19 years old next week, based on the build date. It’s one of the very first production Cooper S models sold in the US, and it was the first Cooper S in Texas (I purchased it in New York State and drove it here to Texas on a 2,300 mile roadtrip about a year before we had any MINI dealers inTexas - or even any BMW dealers selling MINIs). I don’t plan on ever getting rid of it. Definitely part of the family.

[@tonys1636]

It must look tiny when parked in a Walmart parking lot amongst all those trucks.

[@jkk244]

@@tonys1636 Seems normal sized to me! I’ve also got a classic Austin Mini and that car really is dwarfed by some of the pickups.

[@DavidJones-dq7iu]

Happy Birthday to the Mini

[@BackwardFinesse]

I've enjoyed every one of your videos but none more than this - really terrific. It struck a real chord as my family has gone Mini potty in the past few years. My elder son started the rot when he bought a second-gen Cooper S about 5 years back; then my daughter bought an R50 Cooper auto 3 years ago. I persuaded my wife to think about a Mini to replace her dreary Nissan Juke and she did, back in late 2019, buying a third-gen Cooper auto, which we both love. Then came lockdowns and I resolved to help the British motor industry by buying a British-made car. I had a BMW M140i, which was great but terrifying and I traded it in for a more sedate 5-door Cooper S auto back in September, which has not done many miles yet, but I love it too. I quite agree though that, from a design point of view, the original R50 is easily the best and I think they are more than a future classic - they're a classic right now. I might buy one as a hobby car.

[@esseff55]

Top marks for such an in-depth and professionally-presented review, unlike the usual glib Top Gear-like five-minute road tests.

[@mikes747]

My friend had an early Cooper S and that thing was hilarious fun! The run flat tyres were awful though!

[@thenewlife7588]

Excellent presentation Very well done. You've gained a new subscriber. Beautiful car. I love the mix of colors and I really like the chrome bits on the front and rear bumpers. I will add those to my R53 2004 S if such things exist in the aftermarket world. You really did an outstanding job detailing the historical events in the development of the "New Mini" including the persons associated with it. So much so that I created a Mini playlist using this video as its beginnings. I will revisit this video often to absorb it fully. The R50 is a brilliant car and this video is equally brilliant. Thank you sir!

[@farhanhussain5937]

I love these drive videos with modern cars especially keep them coming love your videos.

[@csm0772]

Having worked at Longbridge during that period - I'm constantly amazed Rover ever managed to get anything to production.

[@brycmtthw]

That’s probably why these cars are built at Cowley. Seeing in old videos on how large and seemingly chaotic and unorganized it appeared. And Longbridge labor unrest stories… I wish BMW would’ve held out a bit longer on Rover, and brought some of the cars to the US! Like the 75, 45 and 25! They would’ve done relatively well here, when positioned against Buick and Mercury! Maybe that’s just me, because I just LOVE how the 75 looks!

[@CathodeRayNipplez]

I didn't care too much for the Mini until I drove one. Then I just simply had to buy one. They depreciate something shocking so I picked up a great full spec R56S for a bargain. Other cars have come and gone from my fleet over the years, including some V8 muscle cars and a Porsche, and the Mini waves at them with it's silly grin on its face as they depart. This thing puts a smile on my face everytime I take it out, it's like taking a naughty happy puppy for a walk. Even here in Oz driving thousands of Km across the country it's a far better long distance car than you would think. Goes quick enough to embarrass many things far more expensive too. I like my cars but love my Mini like a goofy pet dog. Preference for the Cooper S over the JCW tho, just add a decent exhaust and you're done (Yes, avoid the N14 engine).

[@amc3964]

My mini is fantastic; like a puppy that is getting older however, but still a puppy at heart. I adore my car. Tons of personality and fun.

[@andrewingry2986]

got a mainly stock copper s 2005 love it jaw just more power mine very low mileage and cherished

[@alf279]

These cars are so good if you like driving and don't mind the annoying bits of impracticality here and there. We got a Cooper from September 2001 last year, primarily because my girlfriend loved how they look. But then I drove the thing and I fell in love with it. Such great fun on some twisty roads, looks good and it aged very well since it's a retro design. Panoramic roof, heated seats, I had some high quality speakers installed in ours and we got a fairly comfortable, nice to use, very fun and pretty looking little car. It's wonderful. Sure there are some maintenance items that are a bit more expensive than you'd like from a car of this size, but it's a BMW product and a Mini, not a Suzuki Swift. Something you have to accept.

[@MINIstryOfSpeed01]

Great looking early 2001 R50! I especially like the red interior, a rare option. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@eliechevarria7889]

It is 2022, and my R 50 is 17 years old with 182,000 miles on it. I absolutely adore this car but as others have mentioned if you own one you have to be prepared for all of the maintenance. It was one thing when parts of the car were breaking down left and right soon after I purchased it because it was still under warranty but once that warranty expired, Lord knows how many thousands of dollars I have put into repairs and replacement parts.

[@ihaveacoolhat1]

I distinctly remember being at the NEC in 2001. I was eight and car-mad. I saw the new Mini, and got given a load of Mini-branded stuff. I've always liked them, especially the John Cooper Works models.

[@cornishrider]

Stood the test of time extremely well

[@sbomorse]

I've just bought a 2005 Cooper and it is AMAZING! Even with 131K miles it drives like a new go-cart 😍 I love the design and how easy it is to do things like change bulbs etc

[@tonym7cvk430]

Happy birthday Mini I say that I have 3 in our household 2 R50s a 2002 a 2004 and a new countryman 2021 I have owned all the range over the past 18 years and I still prefer the R50 even over the new F5x

[@dsan2509]

I loved my 2005 Mini Cooper. Had it about six years 120000 miles HOWEVER out of the thirty plus cars owned from fiat to Ford the mini was the most maintenance intensive car as things just didn’t last. Engine mounts. Radiator. Power steering. Transmission. Brake sensors. Air bag. Etc …. Phew.

[@boredsund]

I've got a 2003/03 black mini one, with the red interior. It's battered, a bit rough and I've spent more fixing it than I paid for it, but I love it. It's a fantastic little car.

[@Redstoneghost133]

Very cool car. I've got the production R50 02 car, I've worked with it a bit now over the last two years and every time I drive it round a corner and speed up out the turn, I always smile to myself. I wish there was a little more standardisation in the chasis, like with toyotas, but otherwise it's a great little car. The 02 R50 looks identical bar the red trim and logos on the foot pedals. I think my shelf on the driver side got taken out, cause I didn't realise there was one supposed to be there lol.

[@j.b.w.]

My girlfriend has one of these and it's a 2001 (but it was registered in Italy). Recently, she parked it outside the house and two other minis parked nearby but they are the new models, the proportions just don't work. The original just gets everything right, you have a great car there. I have a few bits and pieces to do on it, the headlining is sagging badly , one of the headlights' electric level motors is gone (probably) and the black mouldings need a bit of TLC.

[@adamoreilly6337]

I remember being in America in 2001 and pizza restaurants were using the new Mini and Beetle as delivery cars.

[@scottishcarenthusiastsandtrain]

Great informative video Matt, Happy 19th to the Mini R50. Makes me miss my R56!

[@mg-roveradverts]

Great video! After 12 years I have just bought myself another 2001 R50! Fantastic cars!

[@Stephenb033]

I bought a new Cooper in 2004 and sold it 3 years later as baby was due. It was black with a white roof and stripes. I loved that car. I love my Daugter much more though.

[@darrencottrell5541]

Brilliant journey and narration of the MINI evolution. A very enjoyable watch.

[@andrewblades8368]

Great video but just a couple of notes. Very late Mini Classics (1997-2000) had airbags. But as you say they would never have passed NCAP. I had a 2003 MINI One in velvet red with the red interior trim and red half leather seats. I think it was discontinued not long after mine was built

[@woodrow_mayes]

My '06 R50 Cooper is called Herbert (after Herbert Austin). He is full of engine leaks and dash squeaks. The driving position gives me CHRONC BACK ACHE and the rock hard suspension is just a little too firm for my taste... I think. 40mpg may be good for some but given that I am a broke student - it is poor, _very_ poor when I have pissed my money on Lidl beer; I cry every time I go near a filling station. I personally think the cabin ergonomics are a bit idiotic- flashing someone with your fogs when you want the window open isn't funny the first time, nor the the forty-sixth. But, if you tried to take him away for me, I would snap your fingers.

[@gichi-ri]

I also have one! I realize now it's 20 years old, It does not look old at all, so classic!

[@thomas316]

I loved my Mini but after the second "front off" event I descided that someone with more time or deeper pockets would enjoy it better. 😢

[@Ryanux]

Always loved this "new" mini, very nice design and much more inline with its heritage than say the new Beetle that came around the same years. 20y later the mini is a huge success, while the beetle is clearly not !

[@joshhulse6141]

i have an r50 one in chilli red (salt pack) with panoramic roof and optional cooper s wheels in white. absolutely love it. dare i say it they're underrated imo.

[@milliepaterson2758]

I have a 2008 cooper d and I love it. The most fun car I've ever had.

[@markharris7662]

We ordered a new mini in 2001 and got a Y reg. We loved it so much. We are now on our 3rd mini. That has clocked over 200k miles and still goes like a rocket. We are looking at getting our 4th soon. I've owned the original mini and they are not the same but I think the new mini complements the original mini. Both are fun in different ways.

[@shadgrind]

This just dropped into my feed, from three years ago! I recently bought a mini one not Cooper although I had the badge on the back? Also had the Cooper seats just like in the video I have got the Chrome insert in the kick plates. Also being a 2006 it doesn’t have the original gearbox which was very weak. It was a Midland gearbox not a GetRag. Mine has the GetRag, and if one of the few five speed GetRag boxes, I believe they were putting in from late 2004. It also has the 1.6 engine which is definitely robust as mine has done 150,000 miles and still going. Normally, we don’t get much from remapping a non-turbo car but this is exactly the same ECU as the Cooper, except it was crippled for the Mini one. I paid £200 to have mine remapped, so theoretically it is exactly the same power, although being 150,000 miles old it probably has lost a few ponies from the stable. It has the usual problems of red cars, lacquer peel but the paint underneath is good. Someone has painted stripes on the roof. and on the rear bumper, I guess they were on the bonnet too, but the bonnet has been re-sprayed and no lacquer applied. Don’t know why. As it is my winter car I’m not really too bothered about it. The lacquer peel on the roof I will take care of by putting a cheap raffle can or two of plain white on it after preparing the surface and the peel on the driver side or be dealt with by flashing down and putting some 2K lacquer on it. Oh, I said I thought it with money, it was actually given to me free by a friend I haven’t seen for 35 years. 😎

[@johnedwards3198]

Cup holders that don't hold cups... "BAD MINI, BAD CAR!!"

[@tonys1636]

Back when it was designed take away tea and coffee cups were only 7oz's, think US Solo cup size but in white.

[@johnedwards3198]

@@tonys1636 I think that's what they now call Energy Drink sized cans... 250ml of Torro Rosso

[@bendoyle5023]

I remember my friends mum picking me up in a red one of these as a kid, it had only just come out and might have even been on a Y reg. It was the coolest thing ever when I was at that age

[@bryanmower2703]

awwwww

[@ash7990]

These to me feel very much like a Rover product. There's lots of designs, parts and materials which are so very Rover. 75 style dashboard, 75 style rear suspension, curved waste line below the window like the Rover 200/25. Alloy wheel design, door mirror design etc. very Rover. The door card texture/material feels the same as my Rover Streetwise did. Some parts are the same - door pins, door locks, rear seat locks etc.

[@themightyimp08]

I laughed at the cup holder bit. I've had mine from new (October 2001) and must say that anything bigger than a coke can isn't going to fit. And even then, you need to drink about a third of it before putting it in or it will spill as you angle it into the holes.. and then, the rubbers will pull the silver surrounds off as you try to remove the can..

[@baronvonjo1929]

My neighbors had a convertible manual. We drove it one time and it was pretty cool. But also super impractical and cheap interior. The back seats were literally soft touch plastic. I didnt even know car manufacturers did that.

[@briero]

Great looking car. I love the red interior. I’m really enjoying owning my 09 R57.

[@shankarbalan3813]

My 2012 Cooper S R56 with the 1.6 Turbo N18 engine is a hoot. I love driving it. And end up literally finding reasons to drive it. It’s a great little city runabout and highway vehicle and I enjoy owning it. Mine has an aftermarket Magnaflow exhaust which emits a wonderful growl.

[@Banom7a]

wow, you finally big enough to be sponsored by skillshare haha

[@Thereal_prettyinblack]

Great review! Hate people doing "mini tours" showing buttons and stickers, huffing and puffing without actually a piece of history, feel or taking it for a ride. Worse are the girls with long fake nails pressing buttons, keep saying "like" and "andsoon" and not having a slightest idea how to open the bonnet. Thank you, that was a joyous ride!

[@deltafoxtrot2]

I think the early MINIs look far better than the new ones which have a large snout

[@mattw8332]

I had my 1990 Rover Mini 'Racing Green' when these came out. I went to the launch event at my local dealers and sat in one (a 'One' spec I think). I was very impressed: 100 times more comfortable than my classic Mini.

[@Sd1v8v]

I had a rover mini racing green untill last year, a fun little car but had no place to keep it. So I sold it to a guy in the lake District.

[@owenprice8377]

My January 2002 r50 with only 80,000 miles and original clutch, is still going strong. 19 years and counting

[@robertstancliffsr9575]

I have a red 2003 Copper R50 with a little over 20K miles. I am now driving it more and enjoying it a lot. I recently had to have the power locking system replaced and that cost me 450 bucks. Still, I like the car a lot and get good comments on it often....Mine is a Midland 5-speed so I appreciate the 80,000 miles on the clutch comment.....

[@mini50]

2003 R50 71,000 miles here 😄 The clutch, gear box and engine are very strong indeed. I almost replaced everything else though...

[@JR90.]

Loved the video Matt, especially when you go full Anorak mode with the details! Yours looks pretty much the same as our old 2003 Cooper. Our 2018 Cooper 5dr is slightly different 😳... that said, there are touches that harp back to these older cars.

[@BrooksterMax]

The Corsa B I hope to get to you to drive one day finished in 2000 and looks and probably feels leap years behind this as this arrived on the scene. Never been in a new Mini but certainly admired from afar what they pulled off!

[@simonhodgetts6530]

I remember test driving a ‘new’ Mini in 2001 when they were launched - it was a very impressive car indeed, and had we nor been skint at the time, I think a purchase would have been made. We ended up buying an ‘89 Mini Racing Green instead, which was tremendous fun! We looked at a ‘One’ - and yes, the rev counter was an option! Interestingly, I had my 145 1.6 t spark at the time, and felt that the Mini compared very favourably in the handling department, especially steering feel and a quick rack, which was always one of the 145’s great strengths. The Mini felt as sprightly as the 145 too, although I think that the Alfa had a tad more power.

[@ColumbusII]

Thanks for sharing this beautiful example. Amazing that it has been 20 years now. Owning a R60 Holland Street and a very unique R57, the actual two millionth MINI ever build, wich PM David Cameron drove from the production line at Cowley. We love them and cherish both cars. Kindest Regards from the Netherlands 🇳🇱

[@furiousdriving]

Glad they are being kept safe and known about!

[@ColumbusII]

It came to the Netherlands as a prize in a Facebook competition by MINI, was won by a fellow Dutchman. By sheer luck we've stumbled on it. We now are third owners. It's amazing to know most "millionth" cars end up in factory storage or at heritage centers, but we take pride in driving the two millionth as a daily, cause that's what it is meant to do....: Drive! .... Maybe not too Furiously😂. You can see it driven by David Cameron at the Cowley plant shortly after being built in August 2011: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o36Ulp6vaK6FfZI

[@scoopybenz]

When Jimmy Iovine talks about cars

[@robertstancliffsr9575]

I often get compliments on my red and white 2003 R50. I only have 23,000 miles on it so I can't speak for durability. Problems I have had are having to get the fuel pump replaced, and problems with the power locking system. It's fun to drive. The Midland 5-speed shifts smoothly and I have had no problems with it. It feels a lot quicker that a 112 HP car would be expected to feel..........

[@furiousdriving]

Hey are enormous fun, I don’t drive mine much in winter and I guess you don’t, they last well but look out for the fuel tank hanger strap rusting out, not expensive but or technically difficult but tricky as the tank will drop out when it’s taken off!

[@robertstancliffsr9575]

@@furiousdriving Thanks, the next time it is in for an oil change, etc. I will take a close look at the fuel tank........

[@exgtt2061]

I own an R53 and have owned for spot on a year now. Other than a replacement exhaust it’s not let me down and I’ve done about 10k miles in that time. I think the R53 with its supercharger really encapsulates minis of old - the supercharger kit being a period modification in the 60’s & 70’s. I think going forward I’m going to downsize the wheels from the 17in multi spikes to 16’s and fit some Koni FSD shocks as I’d like to refine the ride. I can’t take stiff suspension like I used to and the 16’s should help with potholes. The big question is am I going to fiddle under the bonnet - 30bhp seems easy to find hmmm…

[@springy-2112]

As an ex Austin Rover mechanic who's owned dozens of minis . I can't bring myself to praise this bmw. ( keep reading for a complete U Turn ) My daughter has a 4wd paceman (pacman) it's a wonderful car and easy to service . But I will never admit it to it in public ! Don't tell anyone 👍🏻☮❤ .

[@WILLIAM1690WALES]

Considering it is 20 years old it does not look outdated it still looks modern retro looking testament to the design team from BMW and I like to think British as well

[@grayfool]

Teah, early ones are great. Then they just go too big. Good one Matt, thanks.

[@stevemelling8450]

I’ve had a r50,r53 and a r56SD ,the r53 has been the best of the bunch

[@patrickh7368]

It is fascinating to learn a little more about this BMW/Mini.... I understood they were plagued with reliability issues, especially the later 3 cylinder versions, nice to know yours appears to be one of the good ones....

[@jerzywoking1699]

The unreliabilty is connected to the "Prince" designated engine. Not just fitted to the Mini, but some French cars too.

[@patrickh7368]

@@jerzywoking1699 hi, I got the impression they were french engines that gave issues, also a rear axle issue with similar links to similar design area. I like the look and “drive” reviews

[@jerzywoking1699]

@@patrickh7368 Its the "N14" engine in the R56 that seems to suffer so many issues. And sorry, I was wrong, the Prince is a Peugeot engine that BMW decided to fit. Don't know about subframes, just read of the mechanical shortcomings with the engine.

[@farmergeddon7527]

Three cylinder ones only came out in the F56 2014 model and are still in situ now (I think) although have been tweaked. Not saying they’re perfect, but I wouldn’t say plagued. The real dog engine was the first PSA/BMW 1.6 turbo used in the R56 starting in 2007. Later R56 Cooper S cars had a revised version that was better, but the ones that were in it for about four years typically ended up being right oil burners or dead. I’ve had an R53 for four years, an R56 for for years and I’m on my second brand new F56 Cooper S. I don’t blindly think they’re great as they have their faults, and build quality on the first two was bad, and the mechanicals on the second were horrendous, but as an overall package nothing has quite beaten them for want I want. This is my last and an MX-5 awaits but I imagine I’ll be back when they do a new one - I’m just bored and don’t want a third F56 on the bounce. Although everyone says they’ve grown ridiculously, the F56 is still one of the narrowest cars about and dramatically thinner than a Mk8 Fiesta/current Polo. It definitely fits need to shrink again though to the size of the reviewed car here which is allegedly what the next evolution of the 3-dr will be.

[@farmergeddon7527]

@@jerzywoking1699 Correct, although it was sorted later in its life. I had an 07 Cooper S and it was a right oil burning git in its later years. They also had timing chain issues with recall after recall. I wouldn’t touch another in any iteration of it as mud sticks, but Peugeot later went on to squeeze 260+ bhp out of it on the RCZ R so you’d hope something had changed.

[@markonmotoring]

Think I've heard that about the tail pipe somewhere before. Back in the late 90s I was bent in having an origiinal mini as my first car, looked at a few but ended up with a Renault 5 instead. Liked to look of the early BMW Mini at launch but never did buy one. Personally I prefer these to the current chunky looking versions with the big tail lamps. Think I've been put off by reports of reliability (and cost) issues with things like failing steering racks for example. Part of me is still curious though and I did like the look of that Mini Goodwood you previously tested.

[@jamesc6693]

Hubnut would like the rear wash action at the end with the polo.

[@owenwilliams8317]

Great video; factual bang on. What a car the mini is old and new !!!

[@BRED510]

Has yours had the normal replacement gearbox yet the pre face-lift one/coopers were prone to? The Getrag gearbox was fitted to all the face-lift minis (05 on) as the Rover Gearbox the earlier cars had was so bad, and all Cooper S got a 6sp Getrag gearbox from the off.

[@MrManBuzz]

I actually laughed out loud when he told the story of the Rover engineers arguing in favour of that shite Midlands gearbox and winning BMW over, I wasn't aware of that story, interesting he decided to leave out the fact the gearbox was made of chocolate and BMW eventually did change it to a Getrag box, a decision in hindsight they probably wish they made in the first place.

[@BRED510]

@@MrManBuzz it made me chuckle too. They were terrible gearboxes.

[@maverick4177]

On the flip side VW launched the Lupo Gti, an 800kg aluminium panelled 125bhp 1.6 16v, that would see off any Mini Cooper in a heart beat with its power to weight ratio I own one, it’s an awesome little car 👍🏻

[@MrManBuzz]

Comparing the Cooper S to the Lupo GTI is a fairer comparison. The Cooper makes no claims about being a hot hatch. That's left to the Cooper S.

[@nigel9843]

Your example looks so good, it has lasted very well , unlike an original mini which would have fallen apart by now after 14 owners.😂

[@themightyimp08]

I also chuckled at the airbag warning light @18:53 We've all been there with the 2001 minis.. pretty easy to fix, but is an MOT failure, so we all get good at fixing them or pay through the nose at the dealership

[@furiousdriving]

Ive had to sort it every MOT! Wiggle stuff and it goes out long enough to get a pass

[@themightyimp08]

@@furiousdriving most people disconnect the battery, and replace the connectors under the seats with new connectors, better still, use 2 sections of a connector strip to eliminate the problem caused by the quick release mature of the oem connections

[@alansimpson835]

Very enjoyable and I love your particular one with the red interior and those pepper pot type allots. As someone with an old Mini I was so happy to see the brand continue and I think the R50 is a great looking thing. They really do drive so well too. It was launched in July 2001 wasn't it so, as well as the pre production cars, there must have been a few private Y reg cars sold in that month and a half before 51 plates launched. Still a very exclusive club though

[@TVtwarn]

Bit late to the party but I’ve just bought a 51 plate cooper I hated them at launch as I owned my second mini at the time (an 86) I still own a classic mini albeit a clubman estate These cars have grown on me considerably

[@gratigo1]

The new beetle had basically the same useless cup holders when it first came out haha

[@bradcomis1066]

Love the white R81 wheels! "rover wanted to use wishbones in the front" "Rover wanted to use a K-series" OH MY GOD. Could you imagine how amazing it would have been if they did those two things???!!! AGH. Such a missed opportunity. If your clutch is stiff it probably needs servicing. "The newer models have become a much bigger thing" R50 Mini footprint is 6.13sq.m. F56 Mini footprint is 6.6sq.m. 8% increase in size. Not bad really. At 151' long the F56 is still very small. The footprint of a '97 Mini is only 4.4sq.m! Classic Mini to R50 was a ~30% increase in size!

[@kf-dk5pb]

Hi great video thank you, could I please ask how reliable your car has been, as my wife is considering purchasing a first generation Cooper, but I’m a little unsure after reading several horror stories online. So could I please ask your opinion and experience. Cheers paul

[@colinhicks4174]

Given that the Mini went on sale to the public in July 01 would there be some production ones on the Y plate. The rev counter was a £50 option on the One. They added a glove box as standard soon after, under a year, due to complaints about security. A cassette player was standard, and these days better as you can get a MP3 converter. After 19 years, and 14 Minis I no longer own a Mini. Switched to Suzuki. 15in wheels are the best for handling and ride.

[@rimmersbryggeri]

The front cup holders are for lead weights to put camera gimbals in.

[@huwjones5879]

Excellent video. Well done. I think the 'Budweiser exhaust' story really pertains to the Cooper S twin pipes as they really do look like beer cans. And of course the Cooper S, like the original Mini has the battery in the boot. They certainly are stiff, I can jack mine up with a jack on the front jacking point and both wheels will lift and the door still opens and closes perfectly. This is impressive on a 16 yrs old car. The later cars have a 6 speed Getrag gearbox which is stronger. This first version of the 'new Mini' is a future classic.

[@furiousdriving]

Im sure he told that story in Chasing Perfect on Netflix about the exhaust (well worth a watch as well)

[@vspencer9764]

I haven’t used my immaculate 20 year old Cooper for about 6 months now and it just sits up the side of my house since it went through its ticket and it’s meant to be going to my girlfriends daughter but every time I take the cover off I think wow as the style looks as amazing and as fresh now as it did 20 years ago. My only gripe is don’t buy one like mine with the sports plus suspension package as it knocks your fillings out and obviously bin the run flats. My stainless door plate came unstuck but they’re only about £20 odd quid from BMW and I’ve named my Frank as I found a 2001 10 franc coin under the seat.

[@mbarker]

Well timed video! Happy you saved your Y-Reg Mini review for a special occasion. Mixed feelings watching though... recently metal debris was found in the oil of my second gen Mini clubman s and the engine is on death's door. It's parked up on the side of the road and I'm without a garage to fix it in.

[@sambagogo777]

Looks way better than the current generation BMW Mini. Nicer to drive too with none of the awful turbo lag or the artificial-feeling steering of the current Minis.

[@Jam3sA]

I remember reading that in the original design brief that the "new" Mini was meant to have a sub-1000kg kerb weight & 125hp in Cooper form, but missed targets because of BMW's insistence of 24,000N/degree torsional rigidity it was going to be 18,000, which is still fairly high for a Supermini) & lack of performance from the Chrysler Pentagon engine. Because BMW insisted on the Z-axle late in the day & the BMW standard h-point, that's why they're a little short on space inside. It does make you wonder if it would have been a better designed car if Rover's designers were left to their own devices?

[@geoffreyrawlings9736]

Excellent information love the BMW mini .just goes to show what Rover could have achieved if if they looked outside the box.Thanks

[@stevenjones19-m8i]

Hi Matt, awesome drive on the R50 Mini.i went to the N.E.C. when they came out.

[@frothe42]

Having ridden in a Mini Cooper, it simply handles phenomenally. Go-cart handling, good fuel mileage, nothing comes close to it. The only shortcoming is typical British build quality, but many still overlook that as like yourself, they love the Mini, warts and all. Personally, I would love an EV Mini Cooper!

[@frothe42]

Here in the US, when introduced, it was the Mini Cooper and Mini Cooper S, the later with the supercharged engine as standard.

[@MrManBuzz]

The Mini does handle well but it isn't perfect. In stock form it has a nasty habit of tramlining, and even after I've modified mine to try and improve it, it can still feel a bit sketchy on uneven roads when you're pushing on.

[@mjsdecember1990]

I've never seen the van version the only one I've seen is a picture on Top Gear when it was announced

[@furiousdriving]

They look really good but are tiny!