Dear Mini owners,

I have the opportunity to purchase a 2010 base model Clubman for $6K CAD. I’ve always wanted a Mini and the Clubman is my favourite version. This particular one is a manual and has 96,000 miles. It looks to be in excellent condition.

I’ve read a bit on here and elsewhere about the N12 engine. Is it really that bad? I don’t know yet if the timing chain has been changed.

I’ve been working from home for almost 2 years but it would eventually become my daily driver. I’ve been driving Japanese cars for quite some time now but I grew up on VWs, had two Renault 5s and even a Peugeot 405 (loved that car). I don’t mind tinkering and have done simple work on my cars (oil changes, plugs, brakes).

Would any of you have any wise advice? Should I buy it? Would a newer one be a smarter choice?

Thanks in advance.

 

If you don't know much about the service history I would be reluctant to buy it. The N12 engines are a lot more reliable than the N14 when it comes to the timing chain, according to many members here. You have to expect to repair/replace parts on any car of this age and mileage and if you can do the work yourself, so much the better.

 

If you can find a reasonably priced 2012+ model, you’ll get a much nicer car

 

I have an 09 Clubman and it had 159k miles on it before the timing chain started to rattle...next thing you know it is on a 1.5 year overhaul 🤣 I only paid $3,200 for mine so I didn't care about the service history too much. At 6k though I would make dang sure it was serviced properly. I know many people that have amazing experiences with this engine, myself included! Maintenance is key as with any BMW

 

Quick update! I sold my current boring car on Tuesday, a 2017 Nissan Micra. I'm a small car person, always have been but the Micra just isn't up to snuff. The 5 speed isn't geared right, at 75 MPH it's pushing 3800 RPM and sounds like it'll explode. It was fine under 60 MPH but above that it didn't feel surefooted. Despite it's cute looks, I just didn't like it. Anyway, it's gone now.

I decided against the 2010 Clubman with 96K miles and had been talking with a guy selling another 2010 Clubman with just 66.5K miles. He was asking $6,500 CAD. Unfortunately, someone bought it sight unseen out from under me. I can't seem to find any other interesting R55s in the entire country (Canada) for under $11Kish at the moment.

So today, I'm thinking about going for a regular Mini R56 with the N16 engine. I've got my eye on a 2013 with 36K miles, and two others with 55K miles. From what I've read on here, the timing chain and water pump issues were improved on these later N16 engines.

 

I would be patient if I was you. The non turbo models are slow and very boring to drive. You were wanting to go stage 2 or 3 so I wouldn't settle!! Go after what you are wanting. Personally, I would just spend that money, 6k, on your current Clubman. I paid about 5k for my engine to be rebuilt so it is very doable. This is with them getting the valves, seals, rings, forged pistons, forged rods and head studs

 

Here is my build thread with my 159k mile Clubman. I'm telling you, modding your R55 Clubman is the way to go. Patience
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-she-goes.html

 

I agree with the comment above that the 2012 and later R5X cars with the N16 (non-turbo) will be more reliable. Regarding a base versus a turbo, the base is fun to drive, esp with a manual trans. You don't need the extra cost of a turbo to have fun unless you're contemplating driving the car on the track for HPDE's for example. Regarding modifying it....the base manual is a great daily driver without modifications....it will make you smile. Just my opinion.

 

I agree, the Base Cooper Clubman will still be a hoot to drive around. The N16 engine doesn’t have the turbo power, but still has a light and responsive power delivery, especially with the manual. Add some suspension mods, and you’ll have a great daily driver.

 

Hi all,

After seeing several regular 2nd gen Minis that weren't as great as their ads said they were, I am back on the 2010 Clubman with 95K miles. I feel like I'm going around in circles, thanks for indulging me!

I've decided to have the Clubman inspected by a Mini specialist garage and go from there.

 

A pre-purchase inspection, esp by someone who knows MINIs is an excellent idea. Hope you find a car you'll be happy with. Please keep us posted on your progress.

 

Hi all, I took the plunge and bought the 2010 Horizon Blue Clubman. I had it inspected by a BMW/Mini specialist garage and they noted two minor oil leaks at the vacuum pump and the oil filter housing. The tech suspects the gaskets? He said he wouldn't recommend performing any repairs at the moment, just to keep an eye on them. The leaks haven't begun to drip onto the ground. He also said that there is no apparent noise coming from the timing chain. No other ailments mentioned other than a missing antenna and a little bit of rust forming on the inside of the barn doors (hope to have that remedied in the spring).

I personally find the engine a little noisy and have taken a video that I might like to put up on here for your opinions. Other than that, the car seems to pull a bit to the left and right at low speeds over uneven roads/ruts. On smooth surfaces or at higher speeds, it drives straight. It's got cheap Chinese-made run flats for now. I'm having the winter tires put on this week. If it were up to me, I wouldn't bother this late in the season but they are required by law until March 15th. I'll have the alignment done at the same time and hope that solves it.

Here it is!!

 

Very nice! Enjoy it and welcome to NAM

 

Control arm bushings are very likely the cause of the right/left pulling, especially at high miles and 12 years of service