Hi everyone,

Im about to buy my first mini but needed a bit of advise. I can get either a 2007 (12k) vs new 2010. All told the 2007 will be nearly 5-6K less. Im wondering if there have been any important small changes to the car to improve reliability over the 3 years? Also I have read about issues with the turbo but havent seen as much info on the MC. Do you guys think that the money saved up front will eventually end up being spent on repairs? Thanks so much!

 

I don't want to put a fly in your MINI alphabet soup, but I would wait and get the 2011 MC that will be out very soon. There is very little difference between the 07-10 MC, but the entire line gets a major refresh for 2011 that includes BMWs newest engine management system, which works very well. There are many details on the 2011 cars that add up to a better ride, such as cleaner emissions, more MPG and more HP, and that's just for starters. If you decide on a MCS (it's worth it!) or Clubman, they too will get the refresh.

 

No drivetrain changes with the Cooper from 2007 to 2010 only options changes such as standard auto up windows and lack of auto transmission paddle shifters on the later models.

 

For the MC, an 07 will be fine. Its the MCS that has all the problems. The MC is just typical MINI. Rattles, FUN, good mpg, rattles, and FUN.

Main difference between the 07 and the 10 MC is the 10 has standard MF steering wheel.

Of course you will be spending money on the 07 in terms of maintenance since its not coming with the free program.

 

jujucooper: As an owner of a '07 MCS with 34k miles on it, I take exception to the statement "Its the MCS that has all the problems". I have not had an experience that would qualify as being spoiled by problems. I would expect that the minor issues that have required me to return the dealer to be less than the majority of autos I could have purchased in '07. Forums such as these do talk about problems folks have with their cars but it should not be intrepreted that all people have those problems, it is just a few.

 

get the new one. Is $5-6K savings worth no warranty or free mtce program?

IMO I wouldn't own a warranty-less MINI, no matter how much $$ I could save.

 

would you buy an add on warranty for 6K? That is a lot of oil changes and tire rotations don't you think.

I just bought a certified 07 that was 8K cheaper then new and comes with service and coverage.

That would be the best of both worlds

 

Oh dear, certainly didn't mean to offend. I guess my point was, the MC doesn't have the timing chain issues, the high pressure fuel pump issues, the melting hood scoops, or the carbon build up issues that the MCS' can (but don't HAVE to) have. If we were talking about MCS models, I'd go with a 2010 model to, a. get the warranty, and b. get whatever running changes MINI might have implemented along the way from the 07 models.

I was just saying, since its an MC, those specific well-documented "MCS only" issues aren't a factor, so the decision is more about content changes and maintenance plan/ purchase price issues.

 

Thanks for the replies. I opted for the 2007. I guess I could get a $2K warranty if I really wanted but there is just too much of price difference to pay for the 2010. Thanks again.

 

All the best & Happy motoring!