First time post here, after learning a lot over the years. Now at a crossroads with my 2008 Cooper (110 k miles). Great car, btw. Long story short, my mechanic spent serious time ($2,000) and parts ($1,500 - including re-machined head) to figure out cylinder 3 rings are shot. His advice: get a rebuilt N14 engine, or trade it for a new-ish vehicle. He's willing to eat the labor, and settle with me for $1,500 parts. Problem is, I'm getting the same non-functioning (it runs, but just barely, and not long) car back - so it's likely worth less than $1,500. And the cost of replacing the engine could exceed the value of a 2008 Mini in good condition ($6,000).

The best price I can find for a used engine is $1,800, and they go up from there as the quality and assurances increase, and I don't have the time or shop resources to do the labor myself. So, choices (and assumptions):

1) Replace engine ($1,500 sunk + $1,800 engine + $2,000 labor).
2) Grind out cylinders, new rings, larger pistons? ($????).
3) Settle up with my mechanic ($1,500) and trade / sell (likely less than $1,000), so that's loss.
4) Walk away.

Thoughts anyone?

 

110k miles on a 10 year old auto? The only way it makes sense to me is if you can do the labor. If me, I'd settle up with mechanic and would donate it to get tax deduction..

BTW, I just noticed a join date of 2008 and this is your first post. The true definition of a lurker :-)

 

Yes, I'm inclined to go that direction. My plate is full, and I don't want to drag this out. Indeed, I was a habitual lurker circa 2008 - 2009 as I learned all things Mini. Became a serious Mini nerd in terms of care and maintenance. Then my wife made a play for this car (needed the excellent mpg for her longer commute, and um, it's a sexy car). At which point "my" Mini became my ex-Mini, and I became an ex-lurker.

 

Im very new here but not new to cars

I have a real disdain for mech who learns on the customers dollar,
Okay, rant out, im in your boat in a way x2

A few years back i buy a 87 fiero because it was super cheap for how nice it was/is
Its about 90% restored and i love these cars from one i daily drove late 80s

However,
The clutch is bad and while i can do it our new home doesnt really have the facilities for what i consider a major repair due to how a fiero is built,

The job would cost about 800.00 at a shop, even as nice as the car is 800 kills the great deal i got on it,
So i would have to get my money back using it, wearing it reducing its value,

My xterra needs another super charger, that i can do in a few hours but at 700.00 is a well worn 02 xterra worth it?

In my case my simple affection to both these cars makes it worth it to me when it really isnt "worth it" if that makes any sense,

In your case its scary to pay to have a junkyard engine installed that could be junk,
And do you really like the car enough to get your investment back driving it,

Cheers
B

 

I would walk away.. Used Mini's with low miles are around and not that much.
As long as it is one maybe two owner car and has records I would go that way.
But you have to read and do your homework.
Let that one go .

 

My question is, didnt the mechanic do his work to check compression, leak down test, smoke test and whatever before he starts tearing it down?

how did the mechanic conclude that rings were shot? what is the compression on that cyl after the "work" performed.

you might a really simple issue and the mechanic doesnt want to admit not knowing how to fix it and so the easy way out for him is ...swap the engine deal!!!

sure 140k is mid range, but you can can still milk more miles out of it. you need the right diagnosis to be able to make an informative decision, right?

finally, where are you located.

 

option 5) park it in the yard till the neighbors get annoyed..

seriously one way to look at it is the 1500 is gone, so the cost of option 1 is 4k, well less than you could buy a comparable mini for.