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Looking at a 2010 Cooper (non S) Convertible - what to look out for?
Im coming from a 2006 Mini cooper, but am brand new to the 2nd gen.
Anything to look for specifically for the Non S R57 that are common problems? I tried looking for a buyers guide like they had for the 1st gen, but couldnt find any.
It has around 110k miles and a manual transmission. per owner (who didnt seem too knowlegeable) the 'ac works but is alittle loud'.
Thanks
3. N12 engine. Has already been talked about and searchable in the forums. They are shared with the hardtop, nothing convertible specific. N12 dont have much of the issues that the turbo engines have, N16, aka 2011+ is a little nicer.
does the N12 engine suffer the same issues as the N14s? all the talk i have come across seems to be for the N14. This car has about 100k mileage, im unclear as to the maintenance history as this person only owned it a year as a 3rd car. are there any tell tale signs i can look out for?
When I look at the carfax, it seems there was a valve cover gasket replacement about 6 years ago @75k.
Personally, I wouldn't even bother looking at a pre-LCI model. The 2nd Gen LCI models seem to be built so much better all around. I would try to find the newest year your pocketbook will allow.
N12 dont have the turbo and all related issues. They are a simple engine.
1. Has the oil been changed and regularly 5-7K each time (not every 15K miles), pull the cap and look for sludge build up in the engine bay, it will look like burnt/caked oil. Has it lived its life at a MINI dealer ( better buy)? If its from a "Buy here pay here place" i would run the other way.
