Hey guys,


I am looking to buy my first MINI. I am looking at a 2010 Clubman S. It's certified from a MINI dealer.

But my question is, after looking at the Carfax I noticed that the clutch and the water pump has been replaced 2 times already and the car only has 32,000 miles on it.


Thanks for any help guys!

 

The water pump replacement was most likely done under a campaign; they probably did the thermostat too. The clutch? I couldn't say. Driver technique can destroy a clutch in short order. Fortunately, this one is certified, so it should have a good bit of warranty coverage. Good luck!

 

CPO does not cover normal wear and tear items, like a clutch. And that clutch even gets to be a tricky topic as to whether it's abuse or not.

The clutches on these cars seems to be under sized. I could get a good 90K out of my trans am that had 3 times the power. I've seen too many people needing clutches too soon. Even if you abused it. It was a big factor in why my wife who loves sticks decided on a auto trans. You can play with paddle shifters if your drive gets board.

 

The repairs aren't necessarily a deal killer - yet.

The normal factory warranty is 3/36K bumper to bumper and 4/50K drivetrain. Abuse (clutch?) is not covered. Was the clutch and water pump work done by the dealer you're working with? Do they provide additional warranty on that portion of work they performed?

Is this a true MINI Certified CPO car? If so that CPO warranty extends up to 100K. Find out exactly what they are saying IRT "certified". Read the fine print. If it isn't in writing it doesn't count.

If you still have concerns maybe they will work with you on a better deal IRT an extended warranty.

Always be prepared to walk away.

 

According to the Carfax the Clutch was first replaced at 9k, back in 2010. Then it was replaced again last month at its current location with 32k, .a MINI NEXT certified dealer.


One thing I just noticed in the Carfax is the front seat was replaced last year at 29k? Every heard of that before?

 

was it a demo driven by non stick experienced drivers ? And the front seat ? From a larger rear end rubbing or cig burn hole ?

 

There are many cars I would consider buying used but there is also a list of cars I wouldn't consider buying used and a Mini that's had the clutch replaced twice, with that mileage, is too strong of evidence that likely the car has been owned/operated by an abusive owner. When buying a used car you have a much better chance of at least getting a feel for how the car has been treated if you buy from the owner and not from a dealer.