Hi Everyone,

I live in Peoria, AZ and planning on purchasing a used Mini Cooper S but need some advice. My budget is $10K and I want a manual transmission.

Is there a particular year and model that I should avoid?

I noticed both turbocharged and supercharger models? Any preference or should I avoid?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

John

 

Avoid the following because of the N14 engine:
2007 – 2010 R56 S model
2009 – 2010 R57 S model convertible
2008 – 2010 R55S Clubman S
Note: The JCW used the N14 thru 2012.

It's important to note that most problems are with the earlier model years.

Problems can include excessive oil consumption and timing chain issues. Also, carbon buildup happens on the N14 engine, but it's really easy to fix with a walnut blast...to me it's a nonissue.

Only consider a car with the N14 if you get a very good price and if you have the mechanical aptitude to do your own repairs.

 

Also, avoid like the plague an earlier model with the CVT auto gear box. Your best bet for the most fun is a '05 or '06 S with the manual Getrag 6 speed gear box. The supercharger whine is intoxicating. Drop in a 19 or 22 MM rear sway bar and as set of KONI FSD struts and you've got yourself a street legal go-cart.
Some things to look for are:
has the oil been changed regularly
thermostat housing replacement
are the front strut towers square
check the strut bushings.
serpentine belt
use ONLY top tier 90+ octane fuel

 

Thanks mini_Wisconsin and Fly'n Brick for the advice. I have a question on the Getrag 6 speed gear box. Is this standard on the 05 and 06? If not, how can I tell if the car has one?

Thanks in advance.

 

Getrag is the standard gearbox. The justa has a 5 speed and the S comes with 6.

 

High miles, but it may be worth checking this out: http://www.mininorthscottsdale.com/V...-AZ/2747521813
That Mini dealership is really good on going through their used cars to make sure they're up to par.
I just picked up my R56 at the Autoplex in Tempe a few days ago.

 

All very good advice. Maybe post some prospects up for us to take a look at while you search. Welcome to NAM by the way.

 

Hi PelicanParts and thanks for the warm welcome.

Here is a listing from this site. I look forward to some feedback.

Thanks in advance.


2006 Mini Cooper S 6 Speed Manual R53 Year: 2006
Make: MINI
Model: Coupe
Price: $7500
Mileage: 98000
Color: Astro Black Metallic
Private or Dealer Listing: Private Listing
Location (Region): SoCAl

2006 Mini Cooper S, 6 Speed Manual Transmission, Astro Black Metallic with Black Leather Interior.
This is one of the nicest R53 Generation Minis you will find anywhere. Tastefully lowered about 1" inch with Swift Springs. Konig Flat-out 15x8 wheels with BRAND NEW Hankook Ventus RS3 Tires in the 225/45/15 size. The tires have less then 800 miles on them.
Engine has 15% Supercharger Pulley Reduction and a Tune by Revolution Mini Works.
Car was measured on the Dyno at 200 horsepower 3 years ago when the mod was complete.
Exterior and Interior is in excellent shape, it has been my daily freeway driver for the past 4 years.
50% Light Tint all the way around was just completed 2 months ago, all windows are perfect..
Seats, door panels, headliner in excellent condition without rips or tears..
The Mini has the Harman Kardon system, hooked up to a cradle that holds the iPhone 6. In my opinion this stereo is the best sounding, most balanced system I have ever seen. Just perfect.
Synthetic Oil Change every 5000 miles and wash every weekend is my standard.
Car runs excellent, strong. Currently at 98,000 miles but changing as I am using it daily.
I get thumbs up on this mini at red lights on a weekly basis, its just a very cool looking car with the aggressive bulldog stance and 15" inch classic looking wheel and tire setup.
The bike racks are not included in the sale, but if you are a cyclist and would like them, I can include them for 400 dollars. Price is negotiable within reason

 

Great analysis , and if the N14 is taken care of , it can last like mine does. Most are with those early years.

 

Mini Cooper

or

MINI Cooper

?????

big difference . . .

 

Cap, a lot of guys with 2 posts or fewer don't know the diff.
Mini refers to the classic or pre BMW series as in the BMC Mini, Sir Alec's pride and joy.
MINI implies all produced since 2002 by BMW

 

Brick is right re Mini is Classic and MINI is the new BMW version. For early Cooper S 2004-2006 seems the sweet spot. Any Mini 2011 after is good. Any basic Mini without super or turbocharger also good.

Please check our website for a variety of articles on various models. Welcome aboard and Happy Mini Motoring!

http://new.minimania.com/Search_Resu...r%20S/Articles

 

Doc, there's a great book about the history of the marque that you may enjoy. You can find it on Amazon.

Golding, Rob. Mini 50 Years. St. Paul: Motorbooks, MBI Publishing Co. LLC, 2007

 

Thanks

 

That's a good one! And, here's some additional reading

http://new.minimania.com/ss/ACCESSOR...761.1461179948