Hello everyone. I first joined a while ago when I first got my Cooper. Since then, I haven't really visited the forum. But now, I am checking in again because I am hoping to get some good advice to help me decide if I should sell my MINI or keep it.

I have a 2009 Cooper (no turbo), manual. I got it used about 6 years ago with about 25K miles on it. It now has about 125K miles and it's starting to cost a lot of money to deal with the fixes. This past year alone, I had to spend about $2000 for a new radiator and something else related to the engine... Sorry, you can already tell I am not a car person and rely almost entirely on my neighborhood mechanic to fix things for me. I like to think that he is trust worthy because I've been going to him for years now but who knows... Anyway, when I spent that money, I figured, well, the car's been paid off so I will consider it cost to keep driving the car and not having to get another. And hoped that it would keep me going for a while. But recently I found out the thermostat housing is leaking (the coolant was leaking and they did a pressure test, and they told me the thermostat housing needs to be replaced) and it will cost total around $700 parts and labor.

So, here is my dilemma.... Should I spend the $700 to get it fixed and hope that nothing major will break again soon? I am hoping someone can tell me the major repair items I can expect to deal with, if such things are predictable with MINIs at this milage. Or, being a car dummy like myself and having to rely completely on my neighborhood mechanic, should I just cut my losses now and sell it for whatever I can get? I do have another car I can drive so it's not that critical for me to keep the MINI, but I would like to.... if I can have a decent idea of what fixes I might have to deal. In addition to the $2000 that I spent under the hood this year, I also spent a decent sum on tires and struts and breaks earlier this year, which adds to my desire to want to get some more mileage.

 

It is expected to spend that money on the mini with that mileage and it is reasonable to spend a little bit as minis tend to be on the high side of maintenance relative to what the car is but if you are aware of the things that will end to fail and ready to open the wallet for it there is no other car out there that will match the mini. If the condition of the car is in great shape and you have maintained the car it is wiser and cheaper to get it fix than getting a new ride.

The only way I will part with my R56 is if the insurance company will write-off the car.

The major things I see on the minis (non-s) are the following:

1. Oil leaks on the pan and housing - around $800 to fix (this usually happens every 7 to 8 years when the gaskets and seals gets tired)

2. Starve the engine with oil then you are looking at the timing chain which is around $1100 to fix at a minimum. Pieces damaging the engine inside = $4000 min. to fix as you will need likely a new engine. So better check the oil every fill up.

3. Thermostat housing - $700 to $800 to fix.

4. Monroof (if you have one) - $3800 to $4100 to fix or $500 to get it permantley fix in place.

5. Engine mounts - $800 to fix

6. PCV valve cover (replace every 70-80k kilometers to help in oil burn problems) $700 to fix

7. Sway bar bushings (rears are cheap around $200 to fix)...front ones are pita to fix so around $800 there becuae of the things you need to take out to access it.

 

Ten year old Mini and 125k miles? Those and other new repairs are expected. If was me, I'd move on.

 

I think the prices are way too much. You should always get second and third estimates. Find a local mini enthusiast and contract him/her out.
Mechanics may take advantage of the owners just because it's a mini!

 

The MINI is harder to work on & the parts are more expensive that run of the mill cars, so mechanics need to cover their costs.

 

it's rather they're learning on your dime...DIY and save $600. here is a simple instruction https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/r...-lines/Him8vzf

 

First, find yourself a good independent Mini Tech/mechanic. Local owners or a local Mini enthusiast group can make recommendations. I have a guy I use for everything not warranty related. He is Mini/BMW certified and beats the dealer labor price by minimum of 30% and is not tied to the estimate book.

 

d00 -

Where are you located ?

I found a good (so far !) shop in SoCal.

Mike

 

Good advise as always.

 

Thank you for all the advice so far. DYI approach for me probably isn't realistic.I live in Westchester County NY. How would I go about finding a local MINI group for recommendations?

 

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...rea-minis.html

I think you can also find them on facebook. NY MINIONS