I've used to drive justa R56 before and sold in 2013 with 90k miles.
it had only water pump and thermostat problem when it hits 80k miles.
I still missed driving mini cooper so this time, i am planning to buy s model instead of justa model. I've always been thinking that justa needed more horse power. anyway, i've looked up craigslist around my area and found a good deal (i guess) from private seller selling 07 mini cooper s manual with 82k miles at $6200. Carfax is provided below
https://www.carfax.com/VehicleHistor...MF73537TL83695

I think it's been well maintained on previous owners. however, my main concern is that I've read some posts regarding problem on mini cooper s model and mostly had water pump & timing tensioners problem. Are you guys recommending me to buy it?, Please tell me your thoughts.

 

The N14 engine is the weak link. You will probably get even more suggestions to keep looking.

 

Other than the CVT cars, the 2007 MINI Cooper S is one of the most problematic cars in recent years.

 

[QUOTE=Fly'n Brick;4245773]The N14 engine is the weak link. You will probably get even more suggestions to keep looking.[/QUOTE

Call Dustin at AutoXCooper and he may "enlighten" you about the 07 R56. Good luck.

 

I used this to my buying advantage to get a deal when I picked up my 07MCS a few weeks ago.

Yes, parts and bits fail (HPFP, valve cover, timing chain, etc) but mostly already replaced/fixed.

Good luck to OP, a properly cared for car is a joy to purchase but an improperly cared for car of any MY is a curse.

 

Were the intake valves decoked recently?

 

I took it to MINI Monrovia and the service manager said it did not need it.

But I had assumed that it needed it in my offer to the seller.

 

Your carfax has minimal info on what's been replaced. Try to get some maintenance history from a dealer. Reports can be made public if the previous owners name is cut off the pages. You'll need either the key fob or the VIN.

Previous post's are correct --- this is a problematic vintage. As a rule, replaced parts are better, but not always --- it's a gamble. If you can, search for a model with the N18 engine --- much more reliable. Your Justa was an N12, this one is N14, the N18 came out about 2012, maybe late 2011.

 

...or even a W10 or W11 and Getrag gear box. They came on all the '02 to '06 and '07 R52 models. The W series engines are near bullet proof in reliability.

 

Hold out for a 2011+. The n18 is worth it.

Took me the last 6 months to track down a local 2012 MCS. Has most options and 26k miles. I was able to get it via auction through a dealer I know and the savings were substantial. I had wanted a jcw but made the compromise since I couldn't find one with a n18 motor (jcw's only got it for 2013) and the mileage/budget that I wanted to be at. Keep looking. Something will turn up.

 

Even more reason not to buy the car:



go with the N18 engine.