Title says it all. Pretty new tires, new breaks, mostly highway miles. Regular maintenance preformed.

Assuming the VIN checks out when I get it, is this a wise decision? Here's the Clist link: http://chattanooga.craigslist.org/cto/4741362077.html

I previously owned a 2006 Mini until a deer smoked it.


Thanks

 

I would be wary. Even though it's all highway miles the 07-10 is notorious for timing chain problems. Have you seen the service records for regular oil changes and did they have the timing chain cassette replaced by the recent service bulletin? If you do buy this car I would go in knowing that a few thousand may be spent down the road for various fixes. That's a lotta miles for the turbo engine.

 

Unless you can do your own repairs...I say avoid this car. It's an awful car to own if you're going to pay someone else to fix it. There are just too many problems with the N14 engine, especially when it has 110,000 miles on it.

 

not unless you buy a really good extended warranty...

 

Unless you're ready to perform any maintenance at such a high mileage. I'd pass.

 

Ok... now I'm really worried. So you think I would be better off buying a 2006 model vs 2007? I really liked what the 2007 had to offer coming from a 2006.

 

Are you in a rush to jump into another vehicle? Depending on your budget, 2011+ is the way to go really..

 

I mean, I need a car. 2011 is unfortunately a little out of my price range.

 

I bought my 2010 MCS in may with 39k miles. Timing chain guides were cracked.. Pieces were in the oil pan, gasket shot on the oil pan as well. Luckily these were caught a few weeks before the factory warranty ran out. Could have been a few grand.

Whatever makes you happy at the end is what matters. Just be prepared is all. If you can, get a pre purchase inspection done and service records if possible.

 

I have a 2010 MCS that is mechanically solid at 114K miles. She was one of the last 10 off the line that year. I custom ordered her in May and they were about to re-set the assembly line. I guess they had the kinks worked out as they got ready to re-tool for the N18. I'm in NC, so it might be a haul for you. I have a GP2 and my wife is pressuring me to sell the old one.

 

I actually have always purchased my cars in NC or TN. I'll PM you.

 

If it checks out mechanically and the price is right, should be an ok MINI to purchase.

 

Thanks. I would definitely have it checked out. Otherwise, I could buy a used 2011 for the price it would cost to repair a 2007...

 

If the car has had routine maintenance and issues resolved then the mileage should not put you off - engine wise a car driven at reasonable steady speed on the highway will have less stress imposed than a low miler enjoyed on the back roads or auto cross events.

Bear in mind that whilst highway mileage is kinder to the engine, brakes and tyres all rubber items in the suspesion will have flexed and worn conducive to the miles.

Check the history thorughly, make allowance for possible extra maintenance due to the mileage and if it checks out , buy it.

You could find a fault free 70k miler, only to discover in 10k miles that the chain and tensioner need doing - buying a higher mileage one thats had the chain etc renewed is no bad thing.

 

I just have a hard time taking anyone seriously who puts their entire CL ad in all capital letters. I mean really?

That aside... it does look like a clean car. Like others have said maintenance history will be key and should give you an idea of how much you can expect to spend further down the road. They're going to likely require more maintenance than some other "appliance" car and you just have to be ready for that. The R53 wasn't a bombproof car either so you should know what you're getting into.

 

Well, I talked with the gentleman selling the car last night. He sounds like an older guy who's basically enjoyed the car but doesn't need it any more. He couldn't even remember if it had bluetooth.

From the questions I asked, he mostly just said it's been running great so he hasn't needed to repair anything. This does concern me a little bit because I'm wondering if he's failed to do some basic preventative maintenance. He said the spark plugs have never been replaced, I forgot to ask about how often he changed the oil. He also said the chain has never been replaced. But then again maybe the car has been running great and their regular maintenance has kept it running well. They have all the records since the day they bought it.

 

A car with those miles (and that previous owner) could need a serious overhaul (turbo, suspension, etc) unless the owner is just under-representing it and bad about recording maintenance.

I find it encouraging it's done 110k without chain problems, which would lead me to believe the car doesn't have issues with that particular part.

PPI or no, this falls into the category of German cars at a certain mileage that I wouldn't touch with a ten foot pole unless I had plenty of money to throw at a shop, or I could fix them myself with my own tools (which is my situation and the only way I can afford the cars in my sig).

 

My 09 R56s just hit 103K and aside from the typical recall work MINIs known for, it's been solid. Those last 2600 or so miles was a 3 day haul from North Dakota to Florida.

Tires, suspension, and a good overhaul/once over is in store soon.

 

Just because there are buttons on the steering wheel doesn't mean that the car actually has Bluetooth. It was an optional item.

Well the good thing is that MINI should cover the replacement of the timing chain, when needed. This will save you $2,000. Is there a MINI dealer near your house?

It sounds like you really like this car...if you do go forward with this transaction, don't pay more than $6,500 for the car. That's a fair price.

Good luck to you and do let us know what happens!

PS - I still stand by my previous post...if you're a mechanic, then this car was meant for you! (my opinion)

 

The 2007 year was the worst for the Mini Cooper S, if you can perform a compression/leak-down test at least to see how the engine has been wearing and at least have someone look the entire car over. Preferably someone who is familiar with known issues then consider it. It's still a big risk!

 

If you can take it to a dealer for an inspection, do it. The dealer can check the key to see what warranty repairs and maintenance have been done. There was a recall for a water pump controller, and extended warranty on the high pressure fuel pump and timing chain.

At a minimum I would expect that the engine will require carbon cleaning and spark plugs. This is probably $600 at the dealer.

The inspection will likely find leaks (water pump, thermostat, turbo oil line, oil filter housing), but hopefully no knocks or rattles. If you can do significant work yourself, then these 4 repairs will be about $500 in parts and 12-20 hours of work. If you have to pay, then this is likely $2k worth of repairs.

These are fun cars, but they need maintenance.

If the guy only changed the oil when the car asked for it, walk away now. If he at least used 3k to 5k miles on oil changes, then look further.

Have fun,
Mike