So, my husband and I are going to get a second MINI, a Clubman S. We are trying to decide between a used 2010 or a used 2013.

2010- Laser Blue w/black trim, 6 spd manual, Hardon Karmon sound, cold weather pkg, convenience pkg, back-up sensor, Bluetooth, leatherette, roof rails, piano black interior trim, new summer tires (w/silver star pattern rims, I don't know what they are called), extra set of winter tires, 27K miles, no warranty left over here in Germany. Asking $17.5K.

2013-Eclipse Grey w/black trim, Automatic, all season tires (6 star twin spoke/black), cold weather pkg, roof rack to go with rails, leatherette, about 4K miles and full warranty. Asking $21K.

We have had 2 HT JCWs and are familiar with the brand and both of us prefer the manual transmission. Our current JCW is a 6 speed, but I drive it and he likes it too, we feel that MINIs should be manual, it seems the purpose of such a car! However, we drove the 2013 auto and it was peppy, and he did like it...but he still leans towards the 2010 manual.

It is undeniable that both cars are an excellent value. But I am concerned about the 2010 and the year models historical problems without a warranty...but still low mileage. We don't like the auto, but the 2013 is a great deal and low on miles, with a warranty. The 2010 have more options that we like, vs the 2013 is more basic. Personally, I could look past an automatic with the security of the warranty and the good price, but we can't decide.

Does anyone on here have opinions? We need to decide...leaning towards the 2010, but like I said, worried something will crap out without a warranty.

Thanks!!!

 

The 2013 has the newer N18 engine (introduced in 2011): http://www.motoringfile.com/2010/05/...ines-in-depth/
It is thought (but not confirmed) to be less susceptible to carbon buildup on the valves.

That said, it's a tough choice given your preference for manual transmission.

 

It may not be scientifically proven, but the preponderance of evidence is that the N18 engine used in 2011-and-later models is not afflicted with the insane level of carbon buildup as the N14. I own an '09 Clubman S and the topic of the very flawed engine design is a topic near and dear to my heart.

Unless you have the time, equipment and interest in walnut blasting carbon buildup, and are prepared to monitor and replace the timing chain tensioner (and chain and guides), thermostat, water pump, and fuel pump, I would get a newer model.

(I'd like to explain my bias: I'm replacing my '09 Clubby's thermostat after the sun comes up this morning. I have serious carbon build up and have just finished picking up the appropriate BMW tools (expensive) and generic Harbor Freight walnut blasting hardware (cheap), and plan to tackle this in an upcoming weekend. I am currently a little sour on this car's engine. Except for the idiot engine design, I love this car. But man, is it tempting to buy a newer clubman or even a countryman.)

The automatic vs manual thing is tough. If you aren't in the position of being forced to buy immediately, I would keep looking for a 2011+ stick. If you don't have that luxury, then make your peace with the auto tranny and buy it. You'll spend more time driving, less fixing. (Or worse, paying a MINI dealer through the nose to fix it.)

Whatever route you go, I wish you luck!

 

There is only a $3.5k difference in cost. You could eat that with one trip to the dealer. As others have stated, if you have to have the manual, I would keep shopping for a '11+ that still has some warranty..

 

No manual is a bummer but the lack of warranty is an even bigger bummer. I might be crazy but low mileage cars with no warranty scare me more than a car with higher mileage. Higher mileage typically means a good chunk of maintenance has been completed. Not always but a simple history report can help there.

 

Thanks for all the advice! We have decided against the 2010, but are considering the 2013. We are not in a "must buy now" position, so we are also gonna look out for a 2011+ in a manual. Thanks again for all the help!

 

Hi again!

We are now a two MINI family, his and hers! We decided on the 2013 Clubman. As bratling said, we "made peace" with the automatic. We now have the best of both worlds, the 6 spd JCW HT and an AT Clubman with some extra space inside. The 2013 was just to good of a deal to pass up.

 

I honestly think you made a smart choice with the 2013. Enjoy!