Looking at a used 2009 S Hardtop with only 7600 miles at a car dealers
are there any issues with the 2009 S Automatic I should be leary of before
I take the plunge. Fell in love with it when we test drove it but would like
the feedback from the experts on here. Thanks need to make my decision tomorrow. I will need to use it in the winter with snow also.

 

I am in a similar situation, looking at a 2008 MCS with 17k miles. I pulled the Carfax report and looks like the car was on a 2 year lease in Miami, then sold at auction to the Toyota dealership near my house.

They have had it for 6 months now, lol.

The car looks brand new inside and out, and I plan on taking it for an extensive test drive this week, but I am mainly worried about reliability since it will be my commuter.

Any tips, things to look for, harder to detect issues, etc?

Thanks!

 

There aren't that many things can go wrong with a 09 MCS Auto. Go for it

 

I put 80 miles on it everyday and no issues what so ever. Since the car has 17K miles you might want to take a deeper look on those tires.

 

Excellent, will do. Thanks!

 

No problems with the '09 automatic, but both of you guys should have a MINI experienced tech check out the cars before you hand over the money. Even with 7600 miles there could be a problem lurking, best to get an expert opinion.

 

+1!

Always have a Mini dealer do a presale inspection on the car. Usually runs about $125~ but you'll get it back by negotiating the heck out of every little "flaw" it may mention. Get it checked out first, ALWAYS.

 

If you're asking about the 'auto' part specifically, you should be able to expect the transmission to be pretty reliable. Be sure to read up on S-specific issues in the 'stock problems' area of the forum to be aware of the potential problems you may encounter there...

Melting hood scoops can be remedied by getting a carbon fiber version if needed, and supposedly there's a new design scoop starting to ship that should be OK. Some have cold start up noises. Biggest potential issue (IMO, since it's the one that could leave you stranded) would be the high pressure fuel pump failing at random, but it looks like MINI is extending the warranty on this part for affected cars... I'd want to make sure that that particular car is covered by that extended fuel pump warranty before I purchase.

 

Thanks so much! Hopefully I'll be back on this form as a mini owner and not just on here envying the fun you are having driving your mini's