Just seen this car on the way home

[gbb]

I've just seen its MOT history, I wouldn't go near it.

https://www.check-mot.service.gov.uk/

On the face of it, there's nothing major there BUT...
Tyres, it seems to get a lot of advisories for them (and shocks), this might mean a couple things...
Its suspension geometry might be off, or its been ragged and the owner was destroying tyres.
If its been ragged, i'm not sure i'd want it. If it's the geometry, you'd need to put it in for a good alignment...which might (equally might not) show up hidden problems.

 

[gbb]

My SIL is a garage mechanic, lets say he has a very low opinion of these Minis, early ones...and the later BMW ones.

 

[Smokin Joe]

It probably needs a new battery......

 

[Deleted member 26715]

As somebody who has actually owned one of these & just sold it within the last 7 days a few things to consider, the N14 engine which is fitted although badged as a BMW is actually a Citroen/Peugeot unit, which in itself is not a bad thing, but this engine is not a good one. They have issues with the timing chain guides which break up & drop down into the sump, this causes 2 issues sloppy chain which causes problems with valve timing & problems with the oil pump which is also chain driven (different chain though) they clog up & it's a new engine time.

They also have problems with the exhaust manifold clogging up with carbon, they leak on the turbo pipe, which although is only £70 the whole of the front end has to come off to replace it. The oil filter housing is of a poor design, it's only held on with 3 bolts all on the top side of it which allows oil to escape from the underside. Another issue is the rear main crankshaft seal which leaks & the only way to replace it is to remove the gearbox.

I also had a front spring snap on mine which cost me a spring, a strut, a top mount & 2 tyres

As far as fuel consumption I was getting around 32MPG which TBH is pretty poor, they aren't that fast to say they are a 1.6 Turbo producing 170BHP, I didn't particularly like minel, the ride is harsh, I don't think they handle that well, or not as well as I expected, I bought it as the wife wanted one & then refused to drive it.

On a plus side the interior build quality is high, doors shut with a proper clunk, they're bigger than you think inside.

I will wager there is something wrong/hidden with that one though, it's too cheap, it's private sale price, not back street dealer price, approach with caution with both eyes wide open

 

[Accy cyclist]

As somebody who has actually owned one of these & just sold it within the last 7 days a few things to consider, the N14 engine which is fitted although badged as a BMW is actually a Citroen/Peugeot unit, which in itself is not a bad thing, but this engine is not a good one. They have issues with the timing chain guides which break up & drop down into the sump, this causes 2 issues sloppy chain which causes problems with valve timing & problems with the oil pump which is also chain driven (different chain though) they clog up & it's a new engine time.

They also have problems with the exhaust manifold clogging up with carbon, they leak on the turbo pipe, which although is only £70 the whole of the front end has to come off to replace it. The oil filter housing is of a poor design, it's only held on with 3 bolts all on the top side of it which allows oil to escape from the underside. Another issue is the rear main crankshaft seal which leaks & the only way to replace it is to remove the gearbox.

I also had a front spring snap on mine which cost me a spring, a strut, a top mount & 2 tyres

As far as fuel consumption I was getting around 32MPG which TBH is pretty poor, they aren't that fast to say they are a 1.6 Turbo producing 170BHP, I didn't particularly like minel, the ride is harsh, I don't think they handle that well, or not as well as I expected, I bought it as the wife wanted one & then refused to drive it.

On a plus side the interior build quality is high, doors shut with a proper clunk, they're bigger than you think inside.

I will wager there is something wrong/hidden with that one though, it's too cheap, it's private sale price, not back street dealer price, approach with caution with both eyes wide open

How old was it, how long did you have it for and how many miles had it done?

 

[Accy cyclist]

I've just typed in my details and this was the cheapest quoted price for insurance. It's about the same as I pay now.


MINI COOPER S (184) 1598cc
26 March 2022 02:38
Cheapest Price
£221.74

Cover Type:
Comprehensive
Cover Start Date:
01/04/2022
Claims:
No previous claims
Voluntary Excess:
£250
Protected NCB:
Yes
Additional Drivers:
No additional drivers

 

[Deleted member 26715]

How old was it, how long did you have it for and how many miles had it done?

It was a 2008 had it 6 months, bought it to run through winter as my 'normal' car doesn't have a roof, it had just over 101K on the clock with FSH. I paid £2450 for it last September & sold it for £2550 last week.

It was the same colour scheme as the one you're looking at, but be careful with them, there is a huge difference in options fitted, mine was fairly basic, no Sat Nav, no Cruise Control, no Bluetooth,

 

[CXRAndy]

Don't buy German mini. They are extremely unreliable and very expensive to fix

2011 MINI Cooper Common Problems

• 7 Common Repair Problems Mini Cooper Owners Face. July 24, 2018. ...
• Front Radiator Support and Coolant Hose. ...
• Movement in the Timing Chain Can Create Noise and Vibration. ...
• Electric Power Steering Pump. ...
• Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Issues. ...
• Water Pump and Thermostat Housing Leaks. ...
• Clutch Failure. ...
• Transmission Problems and Failure.

 

[CharlesF]

I have had three BMW Minis Coopers (not the S) - ‘09, ‘15 and now ‘21. The worst that happened was the ‘09’s handbrake jammed. I took it to the local garage who offered to free it, or install a new cable. I chose the later. I regularly change the air filter and plugs; maybe not necessary but I do it anyway.

 

[Accy cyclist]

I think it's fair to say that no matter which car is suggested on such forums there'll always be some who say 'don't touch them', then give a list of their bad experiences of a certain car. The BMW Mini I've owned for two and a half years had been trouble free apart from the fan belt mounting (or summat like that) which coat me £300 two years ago, oh and the battery, but that's another story. Touch wood it's been a good buy. They are certainly better cars than the rust bucket British Leyland Minis of the 1960's/70's/80's I've owned in over 43 years of driving, where one month it'd be the cylinder head gasket going kaput, the next month the windscreen wiper motor, the month after the sub-frame etc etc. I'm going to ask a friend to phone the seller of this Cooper S and ask how many miles it's done etc and ask 'has it any mechanical problems that you know of'. Yes. I know he won't tell the truth, but that way you can get an idea if it's dodgy or not.🤔

To swap yellow for blue, or not? 🤔

 

[Accy cyclist]

I can't say that I like the clock/dial on the Cooper though. I much prefer the one on mine, even if it is a little dusty.

 

[JtB]

If you’ve already got a reliable mini, I guess I don’t understand why you’d want to go to the expense of changing it for an old s version that might end up being a lemon. Is being able to speed away from the traffic lights a little faster really worth all the hassle and expense?

 

[Gunk]

Not looking too good Accy. Might make a nice mobile barbecue though :

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Avoid These Mini Cooper Model Years if You Want a Good Car
by Desiree HomerUpdated onMarch 2, 2022Published onMay 16, 2021
If you have the Mini Cooper on your mind, you’re not alone. This popular model continues to impress with its fuel economy ratings, compact size, stylish personality, and super-quick dynamics. Over the decades, the Mini Cooper has also been reliable and adaptable based on consumer preferences. However, before you buy, especially if you’re considering a used model, there are a few Mini Cooper years to avoid. For anyone serious about buying a reliable car, steer clear of these Mini Cooper models.


These are the Mini Cooper model years to avoid

Mini Cooper years to avoid include the pictured 2011 Mini Cooper S Countryman driving in snow
2011 Mini Cooper S Countryman | TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP via Getty Images
CoPilot highlights some of the worst model years for the Mini Cooper Countryman, including 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013 models. The team cites many of the problems with the 2010-2013 Mini Cooper Countryman are about safety hazards, like fires and engine failures. However, those aren’t the only Mini Coopers to avoid.

Consumer Reports surveys indicate many different types of Mini Cooper models displayed issues across a broader timeline. Some of the lowest predicted reliability scores suggest 2006 to 2012 model years are the worst years for the Mini Cooper. To be safe, you’d be wise to avoid models in the early 2000s too, where problematic models were noted.

I'm sure the motor trader says it's a pristine example, owned by a little old lady who only used it for going to church. Hymn book still in the glove compartment.

All depends how they are looked after.

The long life service regime was a mistake, it meant that cars were neglected early in their life, they’re also often first cars, driven and not serviced.

Our 2008 Cooper D has been virtually perfect but it’s had a sheltered life, only one previous owner and serviced every year regardless of the mileage.

 

[Chris S]

How about an electric bike instead?

 

[Cycleops]

How about an electric bike instead?

View attachment 637135

Is that The Queen's new mobility scooter by any chance?