I've been looking at a 2009 JCW and have a few questions before I take the plunge.

Here a (somewhat) short overview

It's within 2k of the warranty expiring

I just talked to the Mini Shop in Charlotte. Other than a rear brake repair under warranty in 2010. The records were basic maintenance. The recall issued in Jan. 2012 is outstanding but that is easily fixed with a trip to the dealer. No records of timing chain or clutch issues...


... that's where my question comes in. I'm little nervous after reading of both of these potential problems. Especially with a soon to expire warranty. Are there any signs that I should keep an eye/ear out for if I take it out for a test drive?

Thanks in advance for the help!

 

If you've been reading up on the issues throughout the forum, you probably already know the major symptom of timing chain problems: the rattle. It's pretty distinctive, once you hear it:


Not much to look for with the clutch except the usual signs of trouble: slipping. They seem to fail without much warning, too, so it's just hit or miss on those...

Good luck!

 

Check to see what the cost is to extend the warranty while you still have coverage. It will be expensive, but much cheaper than a toasted motor 3000 miles from now.

Is it possible to have the car takin to the dealer for a thorough check prior to purchase? I allowed a buyer of my car to do this. They paid for it.

The timing belt tensioner is determined to be replaceable by measuring the slack. If it is at max or more as specified by MINI then they perform the maintenance under warranty. Not to say that they will willing do that labor to check it if there are no outward signs.

Also, you will need to check oil level constantly. This may sound like overkill, but MINI allows for some silly amount like 1 qt of oil every 3000 miles to be consumed. So if you don't check and wait til 15000 miles for oil change you have the potential for having lost 3 qts of oil.

Disclaimer: I have a 2009 JCW and I LOVE IT.

 

And some 2009 JCWs like mine have not had any these engine problems. My clutch did go out at 27,000 miles though. You can add that to your list of worries.

Just get the car its a blast to drive.

 

Test drove the car yesterday afternoon. Seems to be in fine mechanical shape. Sounded fine on startup. No hiccups during a "spirited" drive. One thing that will have to go If I purchase are the tires. Some brand i've never heard of and they lived up to expectations

 

One other issue to be on the lookout for. I bought an 09 JCW last month and I live in the Charlotte area. Car had 58K miles and 3 days after I bought the car, the thermostat housing began to leak. Turns out this is a common issue and the local dealer keeps 7 to 10 in stock. They said they sell 4 or 5 a week. Takes about 3 hours to replace the first time if you are mechanically inclined. Good luck!

 

Look for any signs of oil leakage in the spot where the car is usually parked. My 09 JCW started leaving some very small oil spots on the floor of the garage just under the passenger side of the car toward the front of the engine (under the timing chain). When I took it into the shop I was told that it was the timing chain tensioner (I never heard the rattle). It was fixed under warranty.

If you have had the car checked at a MINI dealer, they should be able to tell you a lot about the condition of the car. You have to be able to trust your MINI dealer. Good luck with the purchase. I love mine. Really.

 

just whine about the rattle , they might go and change everything anyways