What years should she stay away from.
I've heard should try and go 2011 or newer because of transmission issues. Is this true?
She needs automatic. Any insight is greatly appreciated.

 

I would recommend a 2012 Justa for your daughter.

Great Fuel mileage and mostly a bullet proof car.

Motor on!

 

Transmission issues was on the CVT for the R50 Cooper and R52 Cooper ( NoN S ) automatics from 2002-2008. The newer autos on the Cooper ( NON S ) are fine.

JaBowders has a good recommendation.

 

Is justa just a standard cooper? We found a certified 2012 with 22000 miles on it at a local mini dealer.
Oh and why a non s is there other issues with the s that seem to be frequently complained about

 

"Justa Cooper" nickname for Cooper ( NON S ) . Yep.

 

Cooper S cars tend to be driven hard, sometimes tuned, etc...so a few reliability issues, some from owners being "boy racers" or from mini pushing the motor in the S so hard...
The "cooper", aka just-a (for just a cooper) would be a decent car...pretty solid, decent mpg, reasonable reliability.
Do listen carefully on start-up... Even the COOPER has has sporadic timing chain issues....

 

Thank you all for the info that will really help.

 

If you're wanting some more info and background about Mini's in general you can check out this article here. Otherwise, a 2012 is a good year.

-Luccia

 

Seems like a lot of leases are up as there are many 2012-2014 mini's on the market for around 22K or less. Have her drive a couple then search for the one you want. Most places will give you a free carfax so you can see if the vehicle has had any major repairs or damages.

 

I see ECStuning answered the transmission question well, but I wanted to clarify the "2011" thing.
In 2011, the 2nd gen car got its LCI, basically a mid-cycle refresh. At this time, the MCS changed from the N14 motor to the N18. This increased HP and seems to have fixed or lessened several common N14 issues including carbon build-up on valves and the timing chain tensioner.
The N14/18 differences are fairly important to consider when scouting vehicles.
Best of luck, keep us posted.

 

So I think we found a mini certified 2012 Justa lighting blue with white top. Mirror caps. And Bluetooth. With 22,600 miles.
They are asking 17900 but should be able to negotiate from there.
This would be one that we shouldn't have to worry about carbon build up and trans issues correct?
The only thing that I see that could concern is the CARFAX does not show any maintenance records. And it should have had at least 4 by now.

 

Does the non S have the N18 in a 2012 or 2013?

 

Different engine...no turbo..
Has a n12 or n16...
Either way you should be fine if there is no timing chain clattering on startup...
Many mini's burn a bit of oil...and running low is at least ONE reason that they wear.
As for MX records...
It is possible the owner lived far from the dealer, so the "free" 36,000 miles, 3 year prepaid/free MX was never used,...warrenty goes to 4 years I think...
No records...good and bad..no warrenty work done, so reliable.... If you trust the prior owner did it diy and did a good job or did it at a small shop that did not sell records...

 

2011 MINI Cooper ( NON S ) or Justa Cooper has a N16 engine ( NON Turbo ) it was the first year of the newer engine LCI+. Pre LCI had the N12 engine ( 2007-2010).

The N16 is a updated version on the N12.


You are welcome on the help.

 

If she can't keep a Jeep running she'll love owning a MINI

 

It ran great but the lower control arm mount that is welded to the front axle broke off.
We welded it up and put it on Craigslist and it had a new owner in 3 hours from posting time.
Now she has cash for the down.

 

Here is the one she's getting. On our way to pick it up now.
2015 Justa, visual boost. Black wheels and top. Will be adding the black hood stripes. And it has the "disco light strips" on the doors.

 

Finally she got to bring it home!

 

Congratulations!!
Enjoy!!

 

Very nice!

 

First new EB with black wheels I have seen , congrats !

 

Thanks it was one that was sitting in their inventory.
My daughter loves it.