Hey everyone, my name is Tyler and I'm looking to buy my first mini soon. I have a lot of experience working on various cars and trucks, so while all the bad I've heard about minis had me wondering if this was really a good idea...I decided the gear head in me would enjoy the challenge that these cars will bring.

I haven't decided what I want quite yet. But am thinking that I will likely go with an 09-13 mcs/jcw. They seem to be the consensus choice for better reliability. Are the jcw models typically any better in terms of the problems that have plagued the s models? And if within budget are they worth the extra ~$2k in terms of performance and any increase in reliability they may have?

Given that I plan to do as much of the maintenance as possible, can anyone give a list of any specialty tools and where to get them? I apologize if this has been asked a lot. I did search here and through the power of Google and have found kits to help with the timing kit change and 27mm socket for oil/filter changes. But beyond that I wasn't sure what if any tools I might need for maintenance and common repairs.

Thanks for any input on this (or links to already good threads)!

 

If reliability is a concern. N18 all the way. It can be found on JCW from mid 2012+ and MCS 2011+

Stay away from N14. Numerous threads on this..

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...4-turbo-2.html

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...tensioner.html

 

Yeah that is what I've been seeing. I'll probably end up with an 11-13 mcs. Somehow I'm already looking at mods and tools I might need haha. I know I won't be turning this into a monster like the fully built 06 STi I had with over 500hp, but there is just something fun about these little cars that HP in a bigger car just doesn't achieve.

I already feel like I've learned a lot from the site, and it is a pretty civil group which is nice. Coming from the mustang forums and then a couple of Subaru forums, this seems nicer.

So thanks for the nice site, I will lean on it heavily moving forward!

 

My $0.02

Avoid:
2007 – 2010 R56 S model (N14 engine)
2009 – 2010 R57 S model convertible (N14 engine)
2008 – 2010 R55S Clubman S (N14 engine)


Also, the "Factory" JCW used the N14 thru 2012; however, most probs are with the early models. Later N14 engines do not seem to have as many problems.

Good luck to you!

 

Good advice, get a set of metric wrenches and a metric socket set , thats a good start.

 

Officially on the hunt for an 11-13 mcs. Hoping to have one within the next month, but trying to stay patient (not always a strong suit of mine haha).

As far as tools I am fortunate to have a Dad who use to have a Snap-On tool route, so between some hand me downs and gifts, I'm already metric tooled.

Now I'm in the process of narrowing down which mods I would like to go after first when the car comes. Again, the need to stay patient with this is killing me!

 

Sounds like a great adventure. I know it took me a while to pick up my most recent MINI, an '04 MCS, low mileage, great shape. It took awhile, but worth it. You're looking in a great range per the advice below.

Here is a service and maintenance guide that should help with what to look for, and what needs to be attended to when you find one. In the meantime, feel free to ask any questions!

http://new.minimania.com/Mini_Cooper...for_Gen2_Minis

Drive Hard. Drive Safe. Keep Grinning.