Let me start by saying I have spent quite some time looking around this forum and there is a lot of great info on here. We are looking for a car in the next few months preferably convertible and automatic as our daughter will transition into it as her main car. I see we want to stay away from the CVT and look for oil leaks. We are trying to decide between an 06-08 or 10-12, either way will be cash but the older leave more for potential repairs, the newer hopefully doesn't need repairs any time soon. I will do some small wrenching but nothing major myself. Any feedback on one gen over the other and what else to look out for?

 

I've posted some good threads for you to check out below:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...10k-miles.html
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-purchase.html
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ml#post4112071

 

Thanks, I had seen some but not all of those.

 

You didn't post that you're looking for a Mini S or non S. If the S, avoid the years it had the n14 engine (07-10). If non S, just about any year is good.

 

S wouldn't be a requirement

 

I've had a number of convertibles thru the yrs (no MINIs) and the top usually needs to be replaced every 5 or 6 yrs. Miata tops are not too expensive and can be replaced by a careful owner/maintainer. I suspect MINI tops are much more expensive and more difficult to replace.

 

As a three MINI owner at one time, and now a 2 MINI owner, I would say shoot for the Gen 1 MINI 2005-2008 Convertible , hardtop, dont get the CVT ( Cooper auto ). Or a 2011+ MCS, or a 2011+ MC. Countryman and Paceman are a good alternative if you need 4 wheel drive.

 

We found an 09 non S that is 1 owner, Carfax shows dealer service right up to the current mileage, transmission serviced at 50k, one thing I noticed and maybe it is normal but at each oil change is list "engine checked" and there is also an entry for "Engine/powertrain computer/module checked", Is this all pretty normal entries from the dealer?

 

They do general scans any time you take it in. Perfectly normal.

 

If you're getting an '09 make sure to get the timing chain replaced/serviced. There is a notorious issue called "Death Rattle".

 

They did a general scan / scope of those two main components. Get a list from the dealership of the vin of all the service, some dont pop up on carfax reports. They can sometimes just tell you over the phone and also let you know if any outstanding TSB or recalls.

If you need anything else I am the MINI book of knowledge here.

 

Thanks for the additional info, I plan to call the dealer that did the service today. We like the car but it is 8 hours away so I want to make sure before taking on the road trip.

 

We found an 06 Convertible S model that could be interesting, from checking it looks like the engine and tranny for this model year would be a good combo, is that correct?