Here's my story
 

Newbie to Mini Cooper. Been wrenching a long time. Just purchased a 2008 "S" off Craigslist with 88,000 miles for $2000 bucks. Has automatic transmission issues. Big slip between 3rd an 4th gear.
Gonna try a trans filter and fluid change first. If not, change the trans. Nice car. Just need some love and attention.

If anyone has insight to the transmission issue, please let me know. Ok, back to reading every page of this website!

Welcome to NAM, suggest you make a post in the Gen2 Stock/Problems section.

Also, you aware of the N14 engine issues?

I am learning as I go. I would be appreciative if you enlighten me more, please.

Some consider the engine a better boat anchor than a car motor. If there are any maintenance records, check to see if the guides were changed. Be sure to change the oil every 5,000 miles and then be sure to change the oil every 5,000 miles. Carbon build up is also a big issue, need to walnut blast the valves.

But those people would be incorrect.

I bought my MINI new, it has the N14 engine and has been absolutely trouble free.

I change my oil every 5000 miles, blocked off the PCV line to the throttle body, installed an oil catch can on the PCV line to the turbocharger suction, wrapped the hotside of the turbocharger with insulation and installed gages so I can monitor oil pressure, water temperature, boost/vacuum and oil temperature.

I also check the oil every time I fill up with gas.

Welcome to NAM! Check out the Gen2 forum and FAQ section, some important information there for N14 owners. Good luck with the project!

I did say "some" . . . .

Congrats, thats a good deal but just watch out when they get that low in price they sometimes are not maintained but with some fixes you can bring it back to life, i did with my 2007 R56 S.

On the trans it could be fluid /filter but my guess is the main valve body.