Is there any threads that give break downs on all the Mini's by models & years? Like which year have the worst motors, or are known for blown head gaskets etc? I was using the search but couldn't find anything. Appreciate the help in advance.

 

Are you talking about from the Mk1 on up or the gen1 on up?

 

I would start here – this has a pretty good summary of all the major issues across each generation of the post-2000 MINIs:

https://www.outmotoring.com/how-do-I-find-out-what-mini-cooper-model…
(Trimmed the outrageously long URL. Cargo cult SEO, ugh.)

Worst motors hands down are the 2007+ N14 turbo charged engines used in the R55 Clubman S, R56 Cooper S and R57 Convertible S in 2007–2010. In 2011 the marginally less flawed N18 version of the engine (mostly) fixed the chronic timing chain failures, but they are still engines that need careful care and feeding. (Note that the JCW cars still got the N14 engine in 2011 & 2012.)

The engines up through 2006 were pretty much bulletproof, and the B-series engines used in the F54/55/56/57/60 cars seem to be solid as well.

 

To add to this statement. The first generation with the great engine continued to 2008 for the R52 convertible.


If you can be more specific with what you are looking for, you should get more specific advice.