Howdy Y'all

Trading in the my DW's VW Bettle for a loaded CMS Pure red 2012 with 13K miles on it going for about $26K with clean title/carfax.

BIG Q:
I haven't purchased a MINI since 2003 (Still got my little MCS ) so what should I look OUT for in this? In paticular, problematic issues in the next 30-50K miles other than the dreadfull run flats (same runflat *&#$ as 10 years ago).

Any inputs, warnings, concern etc. are welcome.

Cheers,

 

The clutch if it's an ALL4 and a manual (search for smelly clutch.) Other than that, it's like shopping for any other used car.

 

I have a 2011 CMS All4, and I haven't had any major issues... just the coolant temp sensor, lumbar support and timing belt tensioner.

Several countryman owners have also experienced an oil pump solenoid leak and manual clutch issues (slipping, smell). Check out the Fixing Problems and Issues section, but remember that many of the issues reported aren't very common.

 

BTW -- coming from an R53, you will find that the run flats are less objectionable on the R60. Not good, but less objectionable.

I have a JCW R53 with sport suspension and thicker rear sway bar. If any current R60 owners think the run flats are bad on the CMS, I challenge you to a 300 mile drive in my old R53. HAD to change out to regular tires to save on dental work!

Our 2012 CMS 2wd (auto) has been most excellent once the TPMS was sorted.

 

Thanks detours and Koopah,

I'm hesitant as the Countryman has Halogens and no auto climate control, both which I love in the MCS.

The run-flats were off the MCS after 2 months since they railed every line in the road and we have lots of lines on the concrete roads in Houston.

 

Yeah, no Xenons or auto climate would be a deal breaker for me too

 

Oh yea, Xenons. i will not buy a car without them...the difference is truly night and day....I hear that Mini will be using the new LED type of lights for 2014....very nice as well....

We also opted for the auto headlights that turn with the car. We drive through some really dark, two lane country roads and that will help us tremendously.

That's one thing that kind of blows about buying used...it's certainly cheaper, but there can be a good deal of compromise regarding features....

good luck!

Jeff

 

Yep - test drove it today in 95F - Auto Climate was the deal breaker. Seller (small used auto-dealer) looked at me like I was crazy for passing it up just for that! - he can never understand....

 

You get more fan speeds, that's why! Lol

 

Also be careful with the carfax thing, while they try to make it sound like it is the end all be all in the commercial it is a false sense of security. A vehicle can be very easily wrecked and it not show up. The opposite is also possible where work is done on a fat fingered VIN that then shows up on a truly clean car.