Hey guys new to the forum looking to get a Mini Cooper S hatch 6 spd manual for a quick commuter and was wondering how reliable they are if you get them with around 50k or less. I've heard a lot of back and forth from consumer reviews and I can't get a definitive answer because everyone drives it differently and all the other factors. Was looking at maybe around 2010 or whatever year you guys recommend, If there's already a thread about this my bad. Thanks for your time in advance!

 

2011+ with the n18 engine. Early 2nd gen Mini's report a lot of problems..

 

Sweet thanks for the info

 

Definitely avoid the N14. MAYBE if all the usual failures have happened and been replaced already, AND the price is really good. N18 should have your highest priority.

 

I purchased a 2011 S, hatchback, in July '15 (6 speed manual) and have had nothing but fun! It had 48,000 miles and is in great condition. So for 6 months, I have had no problems yet! Had an oil change at the dealer, and put in a new set of plugs myself and it runs tip-top! Only recommendation I have is to go with the manual S. A mini is meant to be driven, and when you put it in sport mode, it really makes driving fun.

Good luck!

 

thanks guys keep the feedback coming!

 

Definitely buy an N18. Get it from a reputable dealer, and spring for the extended warranty. Look for a Hendricks warranty. Served me well so far. Bought my 2011 MCS from a local BMW dealer, who swore they were done with selling used MINI's. She had 22k on the clock when I made the leap in May of 2014. Clean, and drove very well. Not saying that I have had zero issues, but they were all covered, so far. At 52k now. Still pulls hard, and handles like it's on rails. Stay up on the regular maintenance, and you will have fun Motoring for a long time!

 

as far as mpg goes if youre not being heavy on the gas are the projected numbers accurate?

 

+1

N18 is the way to go for the second gen MCS. Lots of information on this below:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-used-r56.html
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...07-2013-a.html

 

Yea, pretty close. The N14 and N18 engines can get pretty good gas mileage, but if you tune and you have a lead foot those can change.

People prefer the N18 as its the improved version of the n14 which can have some issues. Also the N12 and N16 ( non turbo ) dont have the issuse that the turbo have that much, less moving parts. But then you don't have the extra power.

Good luck on the find.

 

If you are interested in reliability, the non-S models are generally less troublesome. Less power, of course, which is a deal breaker for some. They aren't any slower in the corners, though!

Fuel economy should be slightly better in the "Justa" than in the S or the JCW, as well.

 

Thanks for all the info so far I would go with a Justa but the drop in speed from my Z or corvette to a Justa would just be too much I think, I drove a 2012 hardtop S yesterday the turning and handling was awesome.

 

Sounds like you have one in mind.