Hey guys i'm new to the forum and know absolutely nothing about minis. So is this mini a good price for the year and mileage? I was reading around and I saw that N14 engine is a bad buy. So this year the 2011 have the N14 engine or am I safe in that regard? how is the auto transmission in these cars? can't find a lower mileage stick around my area under my max budget. Also is 10,995 a low ball offer for this car?

Cars for Sale: Used 2011 MINI Cooper in S Hardtop, Clinton Township MI: 48035 Details - Hatchback - Autotrader

 

Nice looking car. looks very clean, very little wear and tear. It has a few nice options, but is not "loaded". It does not have sport suspension or xenon lights, if that matters to you.

The N14 had a LOT of issues from 2007 to 2009. After that they were much improved (BMW took over quality control on them in 2010, i am told), and are actually pretty good. The auto trans' are better in the later cars also. The auto trans' in the first generation MINIs were terrible, prone to premature failure. but i dont know much about the ultimate long-term longevity on the autos in the later cars; for all i have heard, they are fine.

$10k, i think, would be a great deal on it. Do everything you can to get it under $11k if you go for it.

When you do take the plunge into MINI world (you will love it, BTW) i strongly recommend finding a reputable and recommended independent MINI specializing shop in your area. Ask other MINI drivers you run in to where they take their cars, find a local MINI club, etc.

Good luck

 

2011 is the year the N18 engine was introduced and the years for the N14 were 2007-2010.

It being an N18 is better than the previous N14 engine. They seem to have worked out a good amount of the quirks, but they still have their issues. The carbon build up isn't as bad and wont need to be done as often. The HPFP does still seem to strike the N18 engines. That can be costly as the pump part pricing went from $300 to about $900-$1300 the beginning of this year.

Those are some good low miles. I'd be curious about what routine maintenance has been done to it. I'd ask for all the service records. It being a Ford dealer, they most likely don't know much about MINI's. I'd also take a look at truecar.com, cars.com, KBB, etc and compare pricing to see what a fair price would be in your location. Prices do vary on location. If you can, I'd have a MINI dealer check it out first before you buy it. If they wont let you do that and you do pick it up, I'd recommend bringing it into an Indy MINI specialist to have it checked out further.

 

How are the autos in theses later cars? Any inherent issues? I have a friend that has one. She loves it, hopefully it will be durable for her.

 

The gen 1 CVT tranny's seem to be the worst of the autos, which you don't have to worry about with the gen 2 MINI's. They seem to be much better. Just be sure to keep up on the maintenance of the transmission.