I'm looking at a 2007 Mini Cooper (base) convertible with 90,000 miles. 1-owner. Previously I was looking at MCS models but was worried about reliability after talking to a local mechanic. Is the Base model much more reliable? I also just noticed that the 2007 base didn't get the Prince engine. Is that correct? I've heard that the Gen 1 engine was better. Would cost somewhere around $8500. Also, it is an automatic. Any transmission issues or were they worked out by 2007? Wouldn't be my daily driver, but would probably get a lot of use. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

The MK1 convertible had the W10 for the non-S and the W11 for S model. Both are Triton. The MK1 convertible ran for a few years longer than the coupe/hatch. The vert went until 2009ish. This is where your mechanic has become confused.

All MK1 convertibles are R52. I'd get post 2006 R52 W11 6MT if possible.

The CVT auto gearbox of the W10 should be avoided.

 

I am fairly certain that the car you are looking at has the CVT transmission (which can be problematic). I am not a Mini expert by any stretch of the imagination but I was in your same shoes a few months ago. If I'm not mistaken the base convertibles kept the CVT up to and including the 2008 model year. When I was shopping this had me very confused as the automatic was often listed as 6 speed automatic (even in MINI's computers by VIN #) when in fact it was a CVT programmed with 6 virtual gears. Feel free to correct me if I'm mistaken.