I've made a tentative deal on a 2011 MCS with the manual. The car has 77K miles one it and the deal has no history on it. I showed up and the battery was completely flat but it did start right up after a jump and drove ok. I've been trying to read up and make an educated decision. I've been reading about timing chain issues but is there something else I should look for? Also plase see the vid clip and let me know if the motor sounds normal. Thanks!

 

Spend the money for a pre purchase inspection by a qualified Mini mechanic.

 

Unfortunately this car is not close at all to any Mini dealers or certified mechanics. It's in a rural city in Ohio. I'm trying to work it out to take it to one but it's proving to be a pain.

 

There are 3 MINI dealers in Ohio, Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland. A lot of people from West Virginia buy cars win Cincinnati and take there for service because it's closer than Philly. Your better off spending the time and money getting it checked out since you don't have the service records.

 

The timing chain/guide issues were more prominent on the N14 R56, this one is an N18. You could plug into the OBDII port and see if any faults are present in the system if you have a scan tool. Otherwise, maybe try this site, if you haven't already, HERE and see if a MINI indy shop comes up in your area. It's better to know what you may or may not be in for.

 

The dealer is giving me grief on wanting to take it to have it inspected. I think he thinks we want him to pay for it which I'm not. Still making phone calls.

I talked to a Mini mech in Columbus (over an hour away from the car) and his estimate for maintenance is $1500 per year having a pro do it. Does that seem on par with what you all have observed?

Thanks again for all the comments.

 

$1500 a year for maintenance is insane, if the dealer is giving you grief upon asking for an inspection that's a red flag in my book. Mini dealerships are notorious for poor diagnostic skills and ripping off their customers. Their train to read codes and replace parts, they usually get stumpt when they actually have to diagnose the issue.

 

Walk...no...Run away from this. The red flag is that you had to jump the car just to test drive it. WTF is that.

 

I've actually seen this often especially when a car doesn't sell right away, my local Mini dealer at one time had four GP2's. One they had for about a year just sitting.

 

What does the CarFax say about it?

 

The car fax was clean. It actually spent most of it's time between the oil fields of SD and texas until ending up in Ohio. After a few conversations with the local dealers I decided to pass on this car. I talked to 3 separate people that said they typically see clutches die in the 80-120K mile range (plus this one had a trailer hitch on it). Which is right in the era that I would own it and it's not something I want to deal with.

I think I will save a bit more money and get one with a warranty left on it.

Thanks for all the responses!

 

Yea, looks for a warranty MINI 2011+ MCS if you are looking for the better years , and more options and interior upgrades. This case was i would say rarer for an N18 engine to have issues. I think its a case of neglect.

Good luck on the search. Cars dot com is a good way or searching the marketplace here. https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...e/cars/search/

Since most those MINI are forum people, chances are they had been taken care of more and they know there MINIs , so they would have the proper maintenance most of the time.

 

I've had no real issues with my 2011.