Hi y'all, just signed up as I'm looking to purchase a Mini, and I always like to get info from those that have the car I will be buying.

Looking to get rid of my old 2001 Volvo S40, and since I test drove a Mini way back when, and enjoyed it, I thought I'll finally get one and join the fun.

Looking forward to getting some good info on what I should avoid, and what I should go after.

Hoping to find a fun car for my trips to the NC coast and back....

 

Welcome to MINI Cooper Forums! First you need to figure out what gen MINI you're looking to buy. If you're looking at first gens 2002-2006, read up on the buyers guide HERE. It gives you good things to look out for. The best from the gen 1 MINI's seem to be 2005-2006 Manual MCS. If you're looking into a second gen MINI 2007-2013 it would be recommended to purchase 2011-2013 with the N18 engines for the S models. For the base models, those tend to not have as many issues and are more reliable. If you do, however, want to purchase a 2007-2010 MCS N14 engine then be sure to get all maintenance records to see if the HPFP, timing chain, P/S, oil leaks, thermostat - water pump, turbo feed oil return line, etc have been maintained. The HPFP on gen 2 MINI's has sky rocket in price recently so that will be a much more expensive fix now unfortunately. Post up some prospects and let me know if you have any questions.

 

Whats MINI have you looked at ? And welcome of course.

 

Hello and welcome on board! Nice to have you here. You've came to the right place - lots of knowledgeable people here who can help you when you get what you're looking for. Good luck with the hunt and ask away if you need any info.

 

So,

I'm going to check out a 2 owner 2008 non turbo coupe 6 speed next week.

It came from a 3 yr lease, then 4 yr private owner.

58000 miles. Seems like all the standard equipment, although it does have leather heated seats.

Anything I should take a hard look at?

 

That has the N12 engine, which doesn't have as many issues as the N14 has (the Cooper S). I'd ask what previous maintenance has been done such as plugs, filters, and even to the cooling system (the cooling system is often neglected). Check for oil leaks as well. I'd highly recommend you getting a PPI (pre purchase inspection) by a qualified MINI independent shop so they know what to look out for as far as common problem areas. Let me know if you have any questions!

 

Thanks for the good info.

Sounds like pretty much the same as I would do for any used car then. Get an independent inspection.

For my needs, it sounds like a non turbo car will fit the needs well, as all I want is good gas mileage, and heated seats for those rare cold mornings when I go outside.

The car will mainly be used for runs to the beach and back (3 hrs one way), and I want something reliable and fun to drive along the way.

 

That's the N12 engine, not too many issues there, but i would inspect and check the old receipts if any. Check the clutch , water pump, thermostat, expansion tank, valve cover, and any oil leaks. If you need anything else let me know as I am a 2 MINI owner also. Work on them daily.

 

Wow,

So much time has gone by, life got in the way, so I am just now looking again.

WILL be buying at the end of this month since the Volvo is history as of Friday,

Current find is a 2009 Clubman S with 48000 miles, Sport package, Cold Weather Package and all the standard stuff.

If the seller has full records and it looks good from my inspection perspective, I'll probably do the deal, IF we can negotiate to my side of things.

 

Welcome to the forum!