Hi,
It's been a long time since I posted here. I recently got into an accident and totaled my 2003 mini cooper. Didn't get hurt but my Cooper didnt make it. I've been looking all over California for the last 3 weeks to replace her. I wanted a MCS originally anyways and I found a few really nice deals from private sellers.
Unfortunetly, my settlement check hadn't arrived yet and I missed out.

I recently found a 2011 MCS automatic with 21k miles for $20,998. It seems to just have a the sport package and the automatic transmission. One thing throwing me off is that it appears to have 16" wheels as opposed to the 17" its supposed to with the sports package
I've been trying to research about the 2011 and the turbo and what quirks I may have to look out for. I was an unfortunate CVT owner so I don't want to go down that road again
Anyways the car is being transported to my local Carmax so I haven't seen it yet. If I buy I plan on taking it to a dealer to get it checked within the 5 day return policy.

Is there anything I should be looking out for with this particular year and it being the S?
Any help would be greatly appreciated

 

That seems like a good price. i believe 2011 has the new N18 engine which solve all the flaws from the n14 engine such as the death rattle. For the N18 engine, there's been issue with the thermostat.

 

there's the thermostat, and two recent recalls I've had as well, timing tensioner and coolant sensor being replaced. Other than that no issues besides a few squeaks/rattles that were fixed. Still going strong at 40K:-). Good luck.

 

Ok great, thanks for the replies. I've read a little about the timing tensioner issue but not the thermostat problems. I'll bring these things up if I buy her and take her to a dealer.
She arrives today so I get to go check her out I'm excited and hope its in good shape because I'll snag it up if it is
I don't think I can handle another day driving this rental Nissan Altima hehe.

 

Good luck!

 

**my bad...original (now deleted) response had bad information.**

 

Thanx!
Ok I don't feel so bad about the wheels now. I don't like the wheels it comes with but I can swap out at a later time.
I'm from the 1st gen MINI's and I've tried to keep up over the years as to options and specs but it's not easy things have changed.
Does the 2011 sport package include xenon's or no? I've been trying to figure out what it includes and doesn't. I noticed the car has a strut brace, I'm guessing that was an add on after purchase.
I hope this works out, I need a car bad and I really miss having a MINI.

Thanks again for the help. I forgot about how awesome this forum is!

 

yes, the sports package included xenons, white turn signals, dynamic traction control, and bonnet stripes. actually, i may me wrong about the wheels. this site (http://autos.aol.com/cars-MINI-Cooper+S-2011/options/) states that the sports package comes with the 17" conical spoke wheels. sorry for the confusion. mine came with another set of optional 17" wheels...that's prob where my confusion stems from.

 

Hmmm strange, yea I always thought the sports package came with upgraded wheels. Car has paddle shifts, spoiler, and sports seats. I haven't seen it yet so I can't comment on the lights, but the wheels are definitely 16"s.

 

Weird thing happen at dealerships. Our local dealership first opened, they sold new MCs with MCS rims and vice versa.

 

My guess is a wheel swap may have happen with another MINI to make a sale but thats just speculation.
Just to make sure I'm not completely wrong, I'll post a pic.
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images...ov06153104.jpg

 

Car wasn't in good shape, overspray on mirror cap. Paint on the mirror that connects to the body and paint on the chrome on the window. Body looked a bit warped on the right of the hood near the winsheild. There were also bubbles/ debris in the paintwork. All in all something happened to that car and it wasn't repaired well. A real disappointment.
I don't think the car was maintained well, I'm weary of Carmax now. I was weary before but I don't trust them and their inspections.

I loved driving the MCS though, very fun. I'm completely spoiled and really hope I can find another one that's in good shape.

 

Between eBay and cars.com it's EASY to find anything you want nowadays.

Don't settle.

 

I purchased my 2011 MCS about 6 months ago. It now has 39K miles on it, and i have had no issues. I would suggest you look at a Mini dealer and get a certified MCS. You may pay more, but I think the warranty is worth it. I paid more than than the price you quoted, but it had a clean carfax and the warranty. As for the 16" wheels, you might get a little better ride without compromising handling. My 2010 justa came with 15" wheels, and I eventually upgraded to 17" wheels and didn't notice any difference in handling. Some threads actually suggest that the 16" wheels are better for autocross and tracking your car. Good luck!

 

I bought mine from MINI because I wanted a car that was in good shape. The dealer has been great to work with and the MINI extended warranty and maintenance plan have already paid for themselves. I also shopped at Carmax and found the quality and selection at the dealer was considerably better.

 

Yea I'm headed to my nearest dealer today, I'm hoping I have better luck this time around. I'm done with Carmax I'm probably not going to end up with my color choice but I'll be happy regardless.