I am considering a 2010 Mayfair purchase. Looking for positive and negatives of both base and turbo "S" models. Is there any reliability issues with the higher outout S models from the naturally aspirated Base model? New to these forums so forgive me if I am going against any protocols....
Thanks,AA

 

The S has direct injection so the valves can get a little nasty, but you can alleviate this with Seafoam.

The S also gets the dreaded timing chain tensioner noise, but the new ones shouldn't have this problem.

I think those are the two biggest cons to the S, but since you're buying new, it shouldn't be an issue at all.

The S gets great mileage if you drive it easy. If you drive hard, you may actually get better mileage than the non-S, at least from my limited experience with a loaner non-S.

 

Thanks for the input, it all helps. One question though, what is seafoam???

 

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...t-r55-r56.html

 

I know the engines in new models are changing...
And i'm not sure on this but i think the base engine might be changed to direct injection

Btw, what are you looking for in your mini? I know everybody says this, but its true.... Test drive both! And make sure you select sport mode

 

Forgot about the High Pressure Fuel Pump, but I haven't seen many issues with the new ones. Just be sure to use good gas in the S.

 

So, we drove both the "S" and base versions. We also drove your more generic Corrola, Honda Fit & Civic, Still got to try the A3 & Golf GTI. The Hondas made us realize we prefer the Mini.

My only issue is the Mini may not be quite as reliable over time. Thats my biggest concern. Still leaning towards the "s" and the milage thing makes sense when driven harder.

Also like the Mayfair package. Will significantly upgrade the integrated stock head unit's output. I have read that it isnt too tough and I also worked a few years as a mobile electronics installer.

Thanks for the tips.....open to other input.....

 

My 2¢ - don't expect anyone to adopt my opinion as their own. That said, I test drove both the S and the Justa in 2008 and purchased the S. Loved it. Got rear-ended by an Infiniti M on the freeway. They repaired my MINI and totalled the Infiniti. These things are safer than most give credit for. Being the car guy that I am I didn't want a repaired car. I let my MA talk me into ordering an '09 Clubman (non-S). I drove it for four months and called my MA - placed an order for a new Cooper S and traded the "justa" Clubman in. Will never drive another MINI without an S on the boot.

 

A car's mechanical reliability is 90% dependent on the owner.

 

Perhaps that is why my cars have been good to me. Keep the oil changed and do all my own work/maintainence. Will hope a Mini will be just as good to me.

 

Seafoam is a basic fluid that all should know about. There's more to a well-maintained vehicle than oil changes every 3,000. For instance... In my R53, I used synthetic, changed it and the filter every 7,500 miles. Cleaned and oiled the air filter every month. Changed tranny fluid, differential fluid, coolant, brake fluid every 7,500 miles. Seafoamed the gas tank every fourth tank. Seafoamed the throttle body every three months.

Plus much more.

 

Anyboy seen a downside to seafaom? Seals, etc. This was not around when I worked in the shops. Heard many positives, are there any known negatives?

 

Personally I would not seafoam a low mileage engine. It is not something that I see as a preventative maintenance product per se. It seems to create as many problems as it solves with modern engines and unless I am having a specific problem that the product is intended to deal with I would not use the product. Would I use it in a 350 chevy?...sure Would I use it in my MINI....no. Admitted...I am no mechanic, I'm an engineer and If the OEM did't include it in the maintence manual then it wasn't designed for it.....I stick to if ain't broke dont fix it.

 

I can almost guarantee that Seafoam is not mentioned in the 350 Chevy's manual either...

Buy a shop manual. I have Haynes for all mine.
http://www.google.com/m/products?oe=...annel=products

IIRC, Seafoam is specifically listed in my Haynes manual for my Jeep. Not sure about my MINI, as its no longer with me.

 

MINI dealers use it to de-carbonize our DI engines, so it's good enough for me. If you need proof, use the search.