Hey there...
I test drove a friends 2007 base mini and fell in love with it.
I'm selling my big ol Yukon and just have to have a mini, ok the gas mileage helps a bunch as well.
After about a week of looking for mini's she contacted me and asked if I was interested.
It's a 2007 Base model with only 31,000 very easy miles on it.
It looks like it just rolled off the showroom floor. Always garaged.
Well I just got through test driving a "S" turbo one and could not believe the power it had.
I'm really torn with the base model. She offered to sell it to me for 8,000.00
And I think that's such a good deal not to pass up even though the "s" was a super blast to drive.
Are there mods I can do to the base model that would add some HP without compromising MPG and dependability?

 

The NA wont really benefit from any real mods done in angst to gain HP output. If you want HP go with the S. The R56 N14 engine does have its issues though so be wary. Here is a good thread about the R56 S models. If you're looking at an S, I'd suggest 2011+ with the N18 engine. Although they still have their issues, they have fixed a good amount of issues from the N14 R56 2007-2010.

 

Oh Gosh Thats Some Great Info...
Man I hate to turn down this deal but I think I will.

I know every car has it's issues but I would like to start out with one that has not so many to start with.

How will I be able to tell if it has an N18 engine?

Thanks again... Wheel I feel a BIG sigh of relief.
I'm going to be traveling a lot and do need something as reliable as I can.
I have to say I'm so hooked on these Mini's! I still cannot wipe the grin off of my face from the test drive.

 

I don't want to scare you out of buying one you really want to buy. If you're DIY capable and handy, you should be fine. That's some very low mileage and I'm sure the owner took good care of it, but if you look at getting any MINI I highly recommend you get it looked at (PPI - Pre Purchase Inspection) by a MINI specialist so you know what you're buying and if there are any repairs that may need to be done. The base R56 has the N12 and doesn't seem to have as many issues as the N14, but if you're wanting power, you're definitely going to want an S. Although, each gen MINI has its flaws unfortunately. The 2011+ MINI Cooper S has the N18 engine. The 2007-2010 MINI Cooper S has the N14 engine. If you want something that is going to be more reliable-ish, stick with the N18. That's the magic of the MINI, they're so darn fun to drive! Sometimes that's worth more than what the repairs cost. And if you're able to find a good one with a warranty, that's a plus! You're welcome and if you have any other questions, let me know.

 

Well I was just a little scared, but I still managed to sleep well... LOL
I really do appreciate the advice. I am a DIY kinda guy that doesn't mind turning wrenches or getting dirty. I am going to be traveling a lot and I don't want to spend my time on the side of the road. Or at least lesson my chances... It really is a super clean one for sure and she had it serviced all of the time with records. I did notice this standard model was a smoother ride than the "s" model. Are all "s" models a stiffer ride?

 

haha that is good! And I'm glad I can help out. I'm no expert though! Well, if it's been well maintained and you get it checked out it may be a good purchase. I don't see too many issues with the base models and it is probably going to be more reliable than the S, but getting it checked out and speaking with a specialist about it and common failures will at least give you some good insight about the purchase. The trade off for more reliability vs. more performance will be up to what you're ultimately wanting the most in the end. It is also what you're seeing online too. Most people come on to the forums seeking help with their issues, so you have to think about those who don't come on and who don't have as many issues as those people coming to the forums. I believe the S and base have different shocks/struts, springs and sway bars. It does depend on what she ordered from the factory as I know the sports suspension option on the base and S are the same. Hope this helps you a bit.