[ITSv40]

'er indoors had a Mk4 Fiesta for 17 years and did 170,000mls in it. Whilst it was a good reliable car I never warmed to it. Time came to replace it and she announces 'I want a Mini Cooper and it must be red'. So started the hunt for a red Cooper.

It didn't take long to find the perfect example, a 2007 Second Generation Cooper with full service history and 50,000mls - that was in 2016. She still has it and now on 100,000mls with no issues apart from a failed interior blower fan.

It is extremely well put together and a joy to work on. A little cramped in places, but putting it in 'service mode' gives sufficient room to work on. I have completely fallen in love with it and a real hoot to drive on the B road twisties.

Style wise I think the first and second gen stayed true to the original mini concept, albeit with a modern twist, however, from then on they were fed increasing amounts of steriods and have now lost the way completely.