Hi all...joining this site to do some research ahead of purchase. I just moved into a house with a short side in the garage that I need something as short or shorter than something like a Honda Fit, so now I have a great excuse to get into a car I've always been curious about but never pulled the trigger on.

Shopping for a 2nd gen S hatch...am about ready to buy an '08 with 99k miles but admittedly getting nervous about the N14 vs N18 issue. It's a good deal so I suppose I'll still go for it as long as it checks out to have had the proper maintenance.

 

Welcome to the forum. Best excuse I have heard to date to buy a MINI. Don't wait too long, from my experience, that short side of the garage can get filled up quickly unless you have a plan and stick to it.

Post some pictures when you get it.

 

Just shop the 2011+ Cooper S models and you will be fine if you are worried. If its been taken care of and the thermostat, water pump, and timing chain have been done then it should be fine.

 

When I was looking at getting an MCS I read a bunch and asked around on here. I ended up going for a 2013 just because of all the N14 issues plus starting out with higher HP anyway.

I'm sure it's possible to get an N14 car and not sink $4-5k into it due to inherent issues. But, I was concerned enough to simply avoid that known problem. However, If I were to find one in perfect shape with lower mileage for about $3k then that might be cheap enough to be worth sinking more money into it. Each person has to make that call for themselves. I would just suggest doing the research and then do the math to see if it is worth it to you.

 

Yeah this one I'm looking at is $2k+ less than any of the comparable N18s in the area, it's had the timing chain recall and appears to have the replacement valve cover, and I'm not intimidated at DIYing the walnut blast, so I think I've talked myself into going for it as long as it turns out to be as clean as it appears in the online ad.

 

I think I saw on one of the vendor sites an attachment used for the walnut blasting process. I think it was about $100 or so. Probably a good investment for diy. Sounds like the high pressure fuel pump and vacuum pump are good things to replace. Along with thermostat and housing.

All good things to use when negotiating.

 

Well I went for it. My 3 year old calls it the "race car" (on account of the stripes) and is already showing signs of boost addiction.