I sure would like some thoughts...


I bought a Justa automatic back in 09. I figured I would be satisfied with the Justa performance 95% of the time compared to an S. And that's been the case.


Another reason I got the Justa was because the "S" was more problem prone. There just seemed to be more problems, whether it was fuel pump or other repairs that many "S" customers had, even under warranty.


I'm starting to think about getting an F55. The 4 doors and extra room will give me a little more flexibility. I'm wondering a couple things about performance.


- The new 4 door has 134 horsepower, so 18 more than my 09 Justa. But it's bigger and heavier. Will the F55 Justa be as peppy as my 09 R56 Justa?


- The engines in both the new F55 are new, correct? So really no historical information as to whether the Justa or the "S" is more likely to have problems? Is there a sense that one is likely to have less chance of problems compared to the other? If reliability is same for both, I may go with an S this time.


I probably should just keep my 09. Only has 37,000 on it and have had no issues. But I'm kicking around the thought of getting a new one.


Thanks,
Finner

 

I test drove an F56 MCS not the Justa. But my MA has worked at the Mini dealership in Scottsdale since it opened and test drove the Gen 3 cars in California. He said the new Justa is about as quick as the R53 MCS model. I think they're selling about half and half Justa/MCS now. With the R56 it was 70/30 favoring the MCS in this country. I bet you'll love the new Justa with the turbocharger.

 

Even given the extra weight, you may feel that the F55 will seem much more peppy than your 2009. The new 3-cylinder TwinPower turbo 1.5 litre engine feels much more powerful. In 2-door form, a 2015 automatic Cooper is almost equally powerful to a 2006 automatic Cooper S! Ideally, you need to test drive it, of course, but I think you will be pretty amazed.


The Cooper 1.5 3-cylinder turbo motor (B38) is the newer motor. It is also used (although tuned completely differently) in the new BMW i8 Hybrid Sports Car. The Cooper S 2.0 4-cylinder turbo motor (B46) is also used in the new European BMW Active Tourer model, which is tuned to the upcoming US John Cooper Works model specifications (230 hp). It is also a modified, front wheel drive version of the BMW N20 4-cylinder turbo found in the Z4/3er/4er/5er/X1/X3, etc. As far as reliability, so far it seems that the pendulum has swung the other way with some folks having issues with the B38 motor. From what I have seen, most (if not all) issues have been resolved with program updates.



I have always had the S model and I have been over-the-top happy with my 2015! I am just amazed at how much more refined it feels and drives. I know that this has been a source of complaint from some MINI loyalists, but I have been with the brand for 11 years and this is truly my favorite iteration so far!

 

^miniwuff, don't you mean b48?

OP, the reliability will likely be the same as the only real difference is 1 more cylinder. The 3 banger is fun and will get better MPG and the 2.0 is fantastic fun. At this point you only need to decide whether you want to go a little faster or get better MPG.

 

No, B46

Unless, of course, you are referring to a 2014 model F56 Cooper S, then yes it would be a B48 motor.

The engine designation was changed for 2015 due to a slight redesign for SULEV reasons, making the B48 motor a "one model year run" only.

 

oooooh yeah, keep forgetting they did that...silly BMW/MINI

 

It's all about engine torque ...

2009 Cooper = 114 ft-lb @ 4250 rpm
2015 Cooper = 162 ft-lb @ 1250 rpm

 

Thanks for the insight given so for. And I didn't realize the torque was so significantly better in the 2015. Of course I will test drive. Just wanted some opinions. MPG is not really much a concern.
If really no overall difference in reliability (as there was with the R56 Justa and S), if I decide to let my 09 Justa go, I may get the S. Trouble is, I will get Nav and other Pkg's. It sure runs the price up. I could get an Audi Q3 for not much more. Or a 3 series BMW. We have an X3. Wife's daily driver and our larger car when we need. If I decide to do something, I'll do a good test drive of both the justa and S.

 

I feel you on the price! Mine was 34 out the door. There are a lot of other vehicles I could have purchased for that price but I have no regrets as it meets my needs exactly how I wanted.

 

I've been driving a 14 MCS since September. No regrets. Been in a couple times and hoped to get a Justa for a loaner, but no luck. I'm very curious about that car as many people have raved about the engine. The performance figures are impressive considering its displacement.

 

When I was younger the boredom of 5 year old car would have got me. In fact I don't think I ever had a 5 year old car then. Now with 37000 on it I'd drive it for a few more years at least.

 

Just bought a F-56 Justa for my son which replaced a '13 Justa, both with manual trannies. Completely different fish. The 13 needs higher revs and has the razor sharp handling, a real
blast to drive, perfect for a in-town/commuter DD. The newbie amazes you with power from the low end torque, negating the use of routine revving and with the softer handling. Like my 545i-comfortable, but butter- knife smooth. Reminds me of what BMW did to the 3 series with the intro of the "eta" engine back in the last century. Both are great cars, but he misses his '13 Cooper. He says they are not a MINI anymore Test drive for an extended time if you can, to be sure you want to trade. Best wishes!

 

Minnie,


You made me laugh as my common sense tells me to just keep my 09 R56. I'm in my 60's. It was hard for me to keep a car much more than 3 years back in the day too. I doubt I would trade in the 09. Maybe sell private. Most likely I will give it to my daughter and sell her car privately. She's driving a 2006 with 150,000 on it. An X3 that still runs well but I figure its time to start thinking of getting rid of it.
Lots to figure out.

 

Rottvet,


Yes I have heard some say that the new bigger Mini may be better in some ways but in other ways, some of that Mini driving experience is not the same. I will definitely test drive and decide when/if I decide to make some changes. Thanks!

 

I had one of those "eta" engines in my previous e30 that burned down...it had something like a 4.5k redline or something like that and was pretty torquey compared to my current e30 with the "i" motor. I miss that car...