Looking into buying my first MINI. Love the looks but what I'm reading repairs-wise is pretty daunting I must admit. Found a low miles '08 Clubman S with premium pkg but it sounds like right out the door I'll need to get the timing chain changed since the original owner has not done that. There is presently a nice 2013 available in just the base model but it's priced right. So, I'm here doing research. The site is very helpful!

 

You only need to do the timing chain when the death rattle makes an appearance.

Where do you live in GA? I've got a mechanic who can do the timing chain cheaper than a dealer. We're down in Warner Robins, south of Macon.

 

We live in Newnan. The 2008 is actually in Macon owned by the Menkes. Wondering if it's a small enough world that your indy is the one who has worked on it as the owners said they were using a local guy to do their work since there is not a MINI dealer close by.

 

Hi GeorgiaGirl,

Well, you are just down the road from us, sorta.

There is a MINI motoring club in Macon.

Don't know what kind of money you've got to spend but I see 4 clubmans for sale in all of GA ranging in price from $9k to $28k.

2011+ clubmans have a different engine that doesn't suffer from the timing chain problem.

 

Yes, there are quite a few around. I really want a red one. I was hoping to stay under $16k.

 

There is a really sweet 2011 Clubman S in Nashville but it's a stick. Not a problem to drive but I'm in traffic so much, a manual transmission kinda sucks, plus I bet these things positively eat clutches given that their longevity for most things mechanical is, shall we say, suspect? LOL! It's a good thing these cars have a lot of personality or no one in their right mind would get one.

 

Welcome to NAM, GeorgiaGirl and good luck on your search for the perfect MINI.

 

Thanks. Still searching...