I'm looking at a 2006 Cooper, W10 engine with a LOT of miles. However, in the last two years, they have updated:

Clutch
Battery
Shocks
Struts/mounts
engine mounts
gearbox mount
Rear-end seal
Tires

Interiour looks surprisingly descent. No seat cracks. A/C works (important for TX). Some rust dots on the hood. A small dent on the fender. No leaks.

Anything I should consider on this? I'm a BMW guy. However, I dont want this to be a high maintenance vehicle. Its for a kid to go to and from school with.

I'd like to know if there is anything I shoudl specifically look for, etc.

Love to hear your feedback.

 

That Tritec engine has been nicknamed “the unbreakable lump”. As long as the oil changes were done regularly, it should be fine. I’d take it to a mechanic for a compression test to be sure.

The manual transmission is far more reliable than the CVT one. There was a 5 speed and a 6 speed Getrag, and a 5 speed Midlands. The Midlands is said to be marginal. The 5 speed Getrag seems to be second best as far as reliability, and the 6 speed is excellent.

Hope this helps.

P.S. I use Loctite Extend on the rust, then touch up paint.