Hey guys! Excited of possibly getting a Mini, but I have some questions and concerns. First off it is an 07 Mini S being sold for like 15,900. It only has about 54k miles on it which isn't bad for an 07 and the body is in mint condition. Only issues, are small actually, it seems to lag a very very small amount which might be the dealer putting in crap gas...I'm not sure. Are the 07's pretty reliable? I'm ok with getting an 07 as a DD, the car is really awesome. Just want to make sure if I am going to invest on an 07 that it is on a car that is reliable.

Thanks for any suggestions or insight!!
-hopeful new mini owner..

 

Hello future MINI owner:-D,

I just want to give you some help but some of my opinions as well. I think you might be able to find a better 08-09 for that kind of price and lower mileage. 54K seems to be a little high when I've seen a few on CL for about $16,500 and 35K miles on it. I don't believe the 07's are that reliable because of the timing chain tensioner. I believe you look around on the forums, you'll see others response to it. But good luck on your hunt of your future MINI:-).

 

Thanks for the response Rob, I looked up reviews and reliability claims online, but I never really know how accurate they are. I figured I would ask some owners. They had an 08 with 34k on it but it sold in like a day....they sell fast..

 

Everywhere I have looked so far has been in that price range. I should mention that the 08 mentioned in the last post had some scratches and a little dent on it and was selling for 16.5k. We'll see, I am sold on a mini, just need it to be a reliable DD since I do quite a bit of driving.

 

Make sure that the timing chain issues have been fixed, or else you will be in for a lot of money later. Read up on it here and then ask the dealer for that info in writing. There are other issues that might come up but that is the big one.

 

Also, consider buying a new non-S. test drive one. It's only a few thousand more than the price you are considering, and you will have the advantage of the warranty and the first half of the car's life instead of the second half. It will be a reliable DD and a lot of fun too! The turbos are the main cause of problems down the road.

Whatever you choose, congrats!

 

I bought a 2007 MCS a month ago and it is my DD.

The car has 33,000 miles and I got it for 17,000, they had just dropped the price $1,000 from $18,000.

The first things I did was add an oil catch and have the Cam Tensioner replaced. I was getting a bit or rattling from the engine at start up and that is now gone. The money was out of pocket but well worth the piece of mind.

As far as reliability, I am hoping that with a little extra attention the car should last me many years, I absolutely love this car. Check the oil monthly, keep up on regular maintenance and do not let things go if it is not right is my plan.

There are a lot of horror stories here and I have to admit I am a bit scared, but I am hoping that I can handle most that comes my way.
I picked up the service manual and I found a garage about 45 minutes away that works on Mini's so I do not have to go to the dealer for everything.

 

Thanks for the heads up guys. I understand the cost difference is only 5g...but the turbo is so much fun to drive ! I will ask about the timing chain. I thought about new because of the warranty, or even an extended warranty but I don't think the ext. warranties are really worth it. Also, I don't really consider a car to be half over at 55k. I consider half to be 100k .

 

Another MINI to consider...a 2006 1st gen R53 S model. They represent the last of the 1st generation MINIs and are considered the most reliable of that generation. IMO reliability-wise it's no contest, no timing chain rattle, no HPFP or aux water pump issues in the '06. '07 is the first model year of the 2nd gens and potentially has all of these issues. And that's not counting the sticking sunroofs and melting hoodscoops.

This might sound bad coming from a 2x 2nd gen owner, but based on personal experience you should know what you're potentially getting into. If anything, try and get maybe a '10 or later 2nd gen.

 

Yeah that is the great debate here. 07 is already 6 yrs old, but the 10's in my area are going for close to 20k. Especially on an S. I understand it is a new year with a reworked engine, which is why I was asking some owners on here if they know of any big issues. I'm still debating...

 

Just throwing perspective in as a total car fanatic and someone in the same position as you. I'm shopping for a Mini myself. You can do a lot better than the one you initially listed. Given the well documented issues with the MCS, you may want to try to find one with as few miles as possible, and/or get proof the timing tensioner has been fixed.

Also, don't rule out the base Mini. Drive one. I drove it and while it lacks the power of the S, it felt almost identical once up to speed. Plus, it'll get better fuel mileage and be more reliable.

 

Yeah they have no record but the car drove solid. Things can take a fast turn south though. I'm sure the non turbo is great..I am just a sucker for a turbo. Had one on a vw golf and loved it also. anyway I'm still up in the air. Getting a mini is a definite though. all 07s in my area with the same mileage are starting at that price. What sounds fair to you guys. they are under book value.

 

I should also note that I have a garage close by that works on Mini's as well and they are well under dealer costs and do great work. They started as a VW/Beamer specialty garage and grew to all cars. Actually pretty good friends with them so I am hoping that will help. I did some extensive reading tonight on the tensioner. Seems like an easy fix if you are mechanically inclined and you catch it soon enough. If it can last till about 80-100k without a major issue, I would be content since I know it is getting higher in it's lifespan. Do you guys know if Mini is planning any recall or extended warranty with this or offers any discounts? I am going to call them Monday and ask, I put a deposit on the car so they hold it. Last time I took a day to think or ask questions, the car sold...lol. Thanks guys.

 

Followed the advice here and read up on this. Seems to happen between 07 and 09 models which is what I have been looking at....should this really be a reason to deter me from a Mini in that year?

 

low mileage R53....have you test driven that? I was set on a turbo as well, but the supercharger got me quick...

Just a thought...good luck

 

Ditto. IMO the turbo is for the tuner and the supercharger is for the driver. Dont't flame me this IMO. Go drive one and you will see. INTOXICATING

 

not gonna flame anyone I appreciate all the suggestions. If I can find one with low mileage that I can finance sure. I am fine with the tuning of the turbo, it's the issue of the cold start that I have been reading me that concerns me..I will keep an eye out for a supercharged one though. Thanks

 

I had an 01 Golf Turbo that was a little touche sometimes as well. I miss that car :(

 

I think if i get it, I am going to pre-order the newer tension part/oil catch can/ and boost plug which I have been reading about so I am ready in the even that I do start hearing some rattling

 

http://www.tommasano.com/detail-2007...d-8410011.html

 

Very Nice good luck. Remember to WAVE.

 

Are you in Reading? I'm in the same area you are. Don't worry, I won't steal your car. I'm looking at mostly non-turbo "justa"s...or if it is a turbo, one with low miles and documented tensioner repair history.

 

I am in Reading area, Fleetwood actually. Masano seems to have a steady flow of Mini's. Let me know when/where you get one man! I'm not worried about you stealing I have a deposit down for that reason!

 

That car had me when i saw the lounge leather (me wants me wants) and 2 keyfobs...
DO EITTT!!!

 

haha. Yea it a sweet ride. Will find out in the next day or two. Only issue on the body is some curb rubbage on the rims..