2008-2011 Coopers, buying help...
 

Thinking about getting a Mini somewhere between a 2008-2011 model. Probably a regular cooper or maybe cooper S. Not interested in a clubman or anything. Anything to look out for, or check for? Seems prices are kinda high for one with low miles even for a 2009 model then around $9000 for high miles. I hear about high maintenance costs and the tranny issue. Thoughts? Thanks

Get a 2011 MINI Cooper S. Stay away from '10 and earlier models as they have the N14 engines. The '11 with the N18 will have far less problems. They still have their quirks though, but not has many and don't have the "death rattle" timing chain issue. If you're DIY capable, it will help keep down the costs, but yes MINI's do have some maintenance needs. Be sure to keep up on them and take care of it and it'll take care of you. If you have questions, let me know. Good luck!

what if a 2009 had the timing chain already repaired?

here are a couple i've been looking at:

2009 Cooper S
2009 MINI Cooper S , $13,115 - Cars.com
This one here has a lot of miles - 85,7xx miles. and according to KBB and Nada the retail price of this car should be $9700-$10,000 NOT $13k like they are asking.

2008 Cooper
2008 MINI Cooper , $8,000 - Cars.com
low miles at 54k and $8000

You can compare pricing on truecar.com as well. The Non S will be more reliable in terms of common issues with the R56 models. Also has some pretty low miles and the asking price is decent. I see the S has an intake, any other mods that it may have? The S is an auto and the non S is a manual. What are you going to be happiest with, manual or auto? For the S, I'd ask if the HPFP, valve cover (full cover, not just the gasket) has been replaced and P/S pump have ever been done. I'd check the oil filter housing gasket and turbo oil feed line for leaks. Also, I'd ask if it has ever had a carbon clean up. Just about every 50,000 miles the intake valves need to be cleaned to maintain optimum engine performance. Let me know if you have any questions!