Keep it or trade in?

Hi All,

My 2010 MCS just reached 105k miles, but I’m not sure what to do. I bought it when it had 85k miles, it had a 6/100k maintenance service so I know it has been serviced by the dealer, as far as I know the following services had been performed.

- Oil changes (I will assume that every 15k miles until 85k, after that I have done it every 7k)
- Aux. Pump. (I was told by the dealer it was replaced before)
- Serpentine belt (@98k)
- Brake fluid flush (@86k by dealer)
- Thermostat housing. (done by me at 95k)
- Timing chain tensioner (Done at 100k) (I first thought I had the chain rattle sound and when ahead and replace the tensioner, but the knocking didn’t go away, after reading a lot I found that there was a Service bulletin when diagnosing the timing chain, it suggested that if when I disconnected a hose coming from the vacuum pump the knocking is gone then timing chain is good and the knocking is considered normal).
- Rear shocks (Done by me @100k)
- Transmission fluid change. (Done @86k. per some excellent guides in this forum).

I have two big concerns:

One is the transmission, downshifting from 2nd. to 1st. the car kind of kicks when coming to stop. I have read that is normal behavior but not sure, I took it to a reputable mini shop and they said is all good..

Second is the timing chain, is there a way to check the condition before it fails? Is there any warning signs I should be looking for?

And lastly, what other maintenance item should I take care of if I decide to keep the car. I’m thinking on:
- Cleaning the Vanos,
- Vacuum pump replacement
- Transmission fluid filter (Is this necessary? Or fluid replacement only?)
- Front shocks.
- Spark plugs.

The car is running good other than the transmission issue (or non-issue).

Should I keep it? If so, what maintenance do you recommend?
How many miles do you have in your auto transmission?


Thank you

 

Without knowing your financial situation...I'd say trade it in for something new. Unless you're able to do your own maintenance or have a small import shop near your house...a high mileage 2010 MINI Cooper S is not the best car to own.

 

That's were I'm leading to, just get something newer, I can handle an extra moderate payment right now but I', trying to avoid it as much as i can.

As for maintenance, I am able to do most of basic stuff, I have done in this car the brake pads, rear shocks, thermostat housing and I even clean my valves removing the intake. What I can not do is timing chain / transmission I don't have the experience and seems complicated.

Thanks for your comment, maybe some other owners with high mileage minis will have the same or different opinion.

 

I purchased my 2015 MINI as a MINI NEXT CPO with 5,000 miles on it. To seal the deal the MINI dealer extended the warranty to 4 years / 75,000 miles and I am very happy.

I also wonder why I ever dealt with the cost and the terrible ride of the run flat tires on my 2008 MCS. My 2015 MINI has such of a smooth ride...plus I have a spare tire now!

 

For the transmission, maybe try Red Line fluid next time and see if it seems to smooth out. A lot of MINI owners run this product (D4 AFT is recommended for your MINI here). Yes, change the filter. As far as timing, be sure to keep an eye on your oil level. Don't let it get low. The guides wear from lack of lubrication and running low on engine oil. If you aren't having issues with anything and all is running smoothly, then I'd say keep up on your routine maintenance items and tackle jobs when they need to be done.

 

He will be rushed to the hospital when he is told how much they will give him!

 

I don't see any reason at all to sell the car. You have a well-maintained vehicle with only one potential problem - the transmission. You have an idea about that, and even if you needed transmission repair, it would cost a lot less than replacing the car. You've replaced the timing chain tensioner. Best of all, you have enough repair skills to avoid stupid repair bills at a dealer or indy shop.

I'd drive it ans be happy.

 

Thx.
I'm almost convinced I will keep the car, specially after seen prices for new and low mileage use cars. I was looking for a new one and it's above 24k at least(crazy).

I also forgot to say that I have the Mayfair edition which has really cool interior, specially the real leather seats, and the trim color looks great in my opinion, very different to almost all black interior minis I see around.

Thx.

 

If you were someone who couldn't turn a screwdriver, it would be different. But to me, the value is still there even if you end up with major repair on the transmission. I hope it works great for you.

 

But your [mini4mo] car has the N18 engine; he has the N14. I feel there are too many possible problems with the N14...

 

I have a 2010 with the N14 engine. It has been a nightmare. Get rid of it while you can.

As for the new 2015+ you need to go test drive one. I was given a 2016 MCS as a loaner car, and I am here to tell you, there is NO comparison between the ride and drive of your R56 and this new MINI. This new MINI S drives like a BMW. It is fantastic !

As for me, I am trading mine in for a 2016 Golf GTI and saying goodbye to the MINI brand for awhile. My experience with my 2010 (N14) MCS has left me with some negative emotional baggage when it comes to this brand.

 

Hockey Dad 2000,

I totally understand the emotional baggage. I went thru hard times with my 2008 MINI Cooper S and its N14 engine. I'm here to say that my 2015 MINI with the I3 engine is so nice. The ride is excellent! I'm sorry to hear that you're leaving us.

 

As was said earlier, it depends on your finances and ability to maintain the car at a low cost. I have 114,000 miles on my Mini, and since I bought it new, know the history. My daily commute is 50 miles round trip and I began to question the reliability. I had a coolant leak that was getting the best of me and really needed a four wheel drive for my place in the mountains. So I decided to get a new pickup and keep the Mini. The Mini is my daily driver but easily replaced by the truck if necessary. I can fix the car myself when it needs repair and now I have the flexibility to repair it at my leisure.

Good luck with your decision.

 

Sorry for late reply, but I'm in this same situation. IMO, the new Mini's are ugly, too "comfortable", and are now basically a bubbly Honda Civic (hell, it's even bigger than a Civic now). I have a 2009 MCS, and have had all the problem areas replaced, so I'm wondering if I should hold on to it and use it as a weekend driver.

 

Wait for the refresh late this summer? 2018 should bring upgrades.

 

The entire deal with MINI is that the novelty wore off and they started selling bigger cars...to include a lot of 4-door cars...my guess is that selling smaller the cars became a niche market.

The idea of keeping your 2009 MCS for a weekend car has a lot of merit! If you buy a new/newer it will be a bigger car.

 

Thanks for calling my car ugly! Comfortable I can deal with.

Glad your issues aren't mine.

 

Civic Hatch:
Dimensions: 178″ L x 71″ W x 57″ H
Horsepower: 174 to 180 hp
Curb weight: 2,815 to 3,003 lbs

Mini Cooper S
Horsepower: 189 hp @ 4,700 rpm
Curb weight: 2,760 lbs
Dimensions: 152.5"L x 68″ W x 56″ H