Hey guys! I have found a 2010 Mini Cooper S with 36k miles on it. Vehicle has had 3 owners and is fully loaded with all the bells and whistles...nav, Harman Kardon sound for $13k. After doing a lot of research about that year vehicle I'm finding that the 2010 N14 is somewhat of a lemon in the Mini world. I know most people only come on message boards to vent and not to praise their vehicle so I try and take it with a grain of sand. I had an 05 S back in the day and it didn't start giving me problems until 93k miles. Any advice? Should I pass up on this vehicle?

 

Yes there are some that wish they never heard N14 while there are others that have had no issues with it. Most will tell you that the most important thing is to make sure the oil level is always at the top mark on the stick and that the oil be changed every 5,000 miles.

You should get some others to chime in on this.

 

Low miles, but the only way I would deal with the n14 is to have complete service records and a pre-purchase inspection. Looks like you've done some research, much better off with the n18 (starting in 2011)..

 

Three owners with just 36k miles? I think I'd look for at least ones year newer that has an N18 under the hood. Sounds like that car might have good reason to go through three owners with such low mileage.

 

For that money you can get a justa with 2500 miles

 

Check out the FAQ in the gen2 section for the common N14 issues. Then get the VIN and talk with a dealer about the maintenance records to date, and whether the timing chain and HPFP are covered under warranty. If you get the updated timing chain tensioner, updated valve cover, do a carbon blast, and maintain your oil level, you will have taken care of the big problems.

 

I have an R56 and I've had every issue possible even after a new engine was installed by the dealer. I would stay away.

 

If you work on cars... the,n maybe.... $13K is still way too much IMO on a 8+ year old R56 with many known model issues.

If you don't do mechanic work or you need a reliable vehicle, then oh god no.