I am looking at a 2015 countryman s manual with 144K on it, org. owner, mostly hwy miles. What do I need to look for when I check it out? Is this a mistake? it would me my 1st mini. I have driven VW TDI for 360K, still going with over 450 on it now. my current vehicles are honda pilot/crv, one is at 180K, the other at 115K, going to keep them. the mini would be my daughters. Am i looking at a maintenance nightmare? I do most of my own work (fluid changes, belts, suspension) but take them in for more involved stuff. I am still trying to figure out if this is the route I really want to go or not.
Thanks for any input.

 

TL;DR Is it a good price and does it look like it's been well maintained? Are you prepared for a bit more wrenching?

A seven year old Countryman with 144k on it has done over 20k a year, much higher than average so the highway miles is probably correct. Used car buying is very much about the previous owner(s) - you're buying how they treated the car. Has this owner cared for the car over their ownership? This, I believe, is an R60 with N18 1.6L turbo engine so oil changes around every 5k are good, every 15k (MINI's recommendation) not so good. At 7 years and 144k, is the current owner dumping it because there are some big maintenance items and problems coming along or are they just ready for something new - what is their reason for selling? - does it seem plausible? Lastly, not leastly price is the big factor. If it's below market (check out Cargurus - I like their value algorithm) then it might be worthwhile.

I bought a 2011 (same engine) hardtop in 2019 and spent a lot of time here beforehand researching the car, and was actually put off because the R56 forum was mostly about major problems and not about performance or appearance upgrades, but the price was reasonable and I thought I'd learn some wrenching skills along the way (I did!). Fun to drive and 6MT were major positives. I've taught 1/3 kids to drive in it (youngest turns 16 end of the year then it's her turn). This was never a primary vehicle so when problems have arisen I've had time to deal with them rather than being raked over by a dealer or mechanic.

MINIs are very much suited to car enthusiasts. If your daughter just wants reliable transportation then make sure the CRV is available as a backup. But this is a 6MT so I'm hoping there's some driving enthusiasm present. At 144k has the timing chain been replaced? Obvious stuff like any oil leaks? Likely thermostat, water pump have been replaced, maybe more than once. Obviously how's the clutch (highway miles, should be original?). Others can chime in with other areas to look at.

This forum is a great resource and I've found it very helpful. Youtube university, when you find the right channel, is also really helpful in getting going on the wrenching side.

What made the Countryman appeal to you and your daughter?

Good luck. Let us know how it goes.

MacMini34

 

I am currently driving a 2012 Clubman S with 141,000 miles on it, and I would for sure want a full breakdown of vehicle history and service, at the least! If any maintenance items have been neglected over the past 30-40,000 miles, you’ll be in for a bunch of work to get the car up to date.

 

Thank you all for your input. My daughter has always had a liking for the minis, possibly due to a cousin and her dad both having them. Lol. We ended up going with an older crv, it better fit her budget, but it to is a manual. Man, do I miss driving a manual.

 

for how much you're gonna purchase it ?

 

the mini? He was asking $10,5k In the Milwaukee area listed on Facebook market place. Araizona car

we got a crv, while it is older, and more miles, and I have complete maintenance history, Virginia car, for $4k. I personally run mainly Hondas, so I am used to them and what needs to be done. For a first car, this will be good, when she is in a better position to move on, I might buy it for daughter number 2. Lol.

 

I think you made a good choice going with the CRV

 

Walk slowly away from the vehicle and don't look back - make sure to keep you hand on your wallet. My 2015 Countryman S All 4 is bleeding me dry - never again