I may consider new, but would like opinions on years to avoid when looking at pre-owned Cooper S. From what I've found reading the forums thus far, the 2011 and newer have fewer issues with the Direct injection engines, but would like to save some dough and go for a older version.

Looking for some information on years to look at if I want more reliability.

Thanks in advance.

 

Older? The Gen1 MINIs have a good reputation. The 04-06 seem to be the best of the lot. Driving and experiencing a Gen1 Supercharged MINI is the only way to tell if it is for you.


Gen2 MCS? The big difference over the run of the 2nd generation MINIs was the switch from the N14 to the N18 engine. There was a bit of increase in power, but one of the big issues they were trying to solve was the timing chain tensioner issue. I have not heard of issues with timing chains with the newer MCS, but they don't have the miles on them that the '07-'10s do.


I have an '07. MINI has taken care of me with the timing chain campaign and I hope it will last for a good long time. Other than that no other problems. I do my own work for the minor stuff - fluids, brakes, filters and am putting away a little each month to cover issues that WILL arrive in a 6+ year old car.


If you looking for reliability.... look at a Justa. I have driven one and they can handle every bit as well as an S and are fairly zippy (not neck snapping fast).


These are only my opinions. Take them for what they are worth.

 

Thanks for the information, I'm leaning towards a newer MCS or even a new one. What's a Justa?

 

Justa is a non S. Hence justa Mini. I would go with an 2006 S if you go older. If newer buy new and get it the way you want it. Good luck on your search, test drive is best way to tell what will work best for you.

 

Thanks for the clarification. Finishing up a 3 week trip in Taiwan and China and plan to start test driving my short list of new vehicles when I return, but really leaning towards a MCS.

 

I got a 2011 MCSa back in September with 45000 miles. I opted for the extended warranty just in case. So far the only issue I've had is the squeaky water pump (the darn dealership cant seem to replicate the issue when they have the car). Other than that, you can bring the car into a MINI dealer and ask them if it already has the updated tensioner and chain cassette assembly along with the updated all metal water pump housing and the additional turbo oil return line heat shield.
Just by reading around the forum, you can see what Mini2na said is pretty accurate about the 04-06 Gen1s. The only problem with getting the much older Gen1 is the additional wear and tear stuff you may need to replace soon after you buy it. Going with the newer '11, a lot of wear and tear stuff will still be fairly new (hoses, bushings, etc).

What ever year you get though, no doubt you'll love it. I sure do

 

That's the reason I'm leaning towards a newer vehicle, less long term replacements. What is MCSa?

If I go with a 2011 or 2012, what are the replacements I should check to make sure they've been handled?

 

Most folks say MCSa to identify their automatic transmission equipped MCS.
The big items to ask about are all the warranty covered stuff like the high pressure fuel pump, water pump, timing chain assembly and tensioner and the service campaign for the oil return line heat shielding. I think if you get one with manufactured date of 05/2011 and beyond. Most of those would already covered but I would still take the car to a mini dealership just to make sure. Mine for example, had all the updated parts except for the water pump.

 

Been doing some reading through the forum about the Timing chain issue, Fuel pump and water pump. If I purchase a 2012 or 2013 pre-owned, am I safe to assume that BMW has addressed all these issues in the newer model year cars?

 

Buy a certified used Mini and all the issues will be covered.