Hello,

I have done quite a bit of research on Mini Coopers in the last few weeks. The mini cooper became my dream car in 2003 after watching the Italian Job and it has never changed, my finances are aligning so I should be able to get one this year or next year.

I plan to get either the Mini Cooper Hardtop S or JCW. I would prefer the S but it will depend on what I find. Whatever I get will be going through a dealership. I live in Fort Smith Arkansas and have seen lots of minis around though.

My question is should I shoot for something in the 2004-2006 range or 2007-2013 range? I don't really want to go older than 2004.

I'm not big on "extras." I need cruise control, automatic transmission and decent colors on interior. Electric locks and windows would be nice buy my 2009 Yaris doesn't have either. I will install my own sound system.

This vehicle will be my primary mode of transportation when I am not on my motorcycle, I only have a 10 minute daily drive to work but I do plan to take it on drives on the weekends into some nice curvy roads. I'm undecided if I will be taking it every other year on my Canada trip (48 hours drive time) or if I will have cruise control installed on my wife's 2010 Yaris.

Thanks for any help!

 

Avoid the early second gen (2007-2010). The other years you mention, go for it..

 

I will keep that in mind. I haven't noticed anything special about those dates, i'm curious what makes them to be avoided? Thank you!

 

Lots of problems reported on the n14 engine used on the early second gen. Probably the most common being the timing chain, oil leaks, fuel pump, etc. They switched to the n18 engine starting in 2011.

Just an example when I searched 'n14 timing chain'.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-cooper-s.html

 

The first few years of each model tend to have a lot of issues the later cars don't have.

 

I see, that is very useful to know, thank you so much. I will definitely avoid those years then.

The thread linked said the N12 was the gen 1 and N18 was 2011+ but he was referring to a normal mini. Do the 2004-2006 mini S have a N12 engine as well and would it be better to get a 2011+ with the N18?

I saw the R53 has 163 hp and 155 lb-ft torque and it looks like the 2011 R56 Cooper S is 181 hp and 177 lb-ft torque. I really don't know anything about vehicles, is that a big enough difference to hold out for a 2011 vs a 2005? I'm not extreme and never push things to the limit but I do drive much more aggressive than the normal person.

If anyone knows stuff about cycles I have a Suzuki V-Strom 650 and it is plenty of power for me.

 

Hi silvercobra, welcome to NAM. You've been given good advice here. Among the most desirable are the 2004-2006 Cooper S models. Visit our website for the article about the years to avoid and why:

http://new.minimania.com/Mini_Cooper_Cold_Start_Rattle

So, avoid:

2008-2010 R55 Mini Cooper S Clubman
2007-2010 R56 Mini Cooper S Hardtop
2009-2010 R57 MINI Cooper S Convertible

2011+ models are larger, heavier and more comfortable than the 2004-2005 R53 models that are closer in "feel" and performance to the original Classic Mini.
If you can, test drive both generations, and visit our site for tech articles, performance upgrade guides and service/maintenance information.

Feel free to ask us anything you like!

Drive Hard. Drive Safe. Keep Grinning.

 

Another thread to look at -

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ing-chain.html

 

Thank you very much. I am going to test drive a 2005 sometime this week, I will see if I can find a 2011+ to test drive as well before I make my decision.

 

The N14 was used in the S model from 2007 - 2010 and in the JCW thru 2012. Most problems are with the early models. I can tell you first hand that the N14 oil consumption is a big hassle.

 

I bought my 2011 MCS N18 without knowing that I bought a MUCH better engine than the N14. I guess I just got lucky. Bought at 21k, now at 65k, very happy, almost zero oil consumption between 5k oil changes. Had issues with two High Pressure fuel pumps, both covered under warranty, one on the remaining factory warranty, one on my aftermarket Hendricks warranty. Also had all 4 coil packs replaced under the Hendricks warranty. I was looking at a 2010...glad I bought the 2011. As mini Wisconsin said, JCW's used the N14 through 2012.