Hi,

I'm looking at buying a used Mini S Convertible, probably a 2007 or 2008 and I'm wondering if there's a list of things I should check out on any potential car. Like common known problem areas for Mini's, etc.

Or, special things to look for that would help know if its a car that I should totally avoid.

(I'm o.k. with regular maintenance items. I just don't want to be pouring thousands of dollars in to fix stuff when I could have just bought a different one.)

Thanks in advance!

 

i have a 08 clubman s and i am very aware of the pcv issues of releasing oil into the intercooler and intake... I opened the hood to look over the hoses in the pcv system and then looked up under the hood.... WOW on both sides of the hood were black black oil that has been thrown up and even went up between the supports and i could see it had drained out from under the double support pieces.. I use alcohol to clean it all up..So life all used mini hoods and look for it.. if it is dirty lay the seller out for a good price... my mini is great but it does spit oil.. a catch can is ordered

 

I just bought an 07 MCS and would recommend to look for little noise in the tranny, test drive it and run it hard, when idling see if there is any noise in gear, out of gear, clutch pressed and not pressed,

also making sure the clutch doesn't slip when driving.
Listen for the clutch pedal to squeak or fart, rubber on rubber sound, not a smooth motion when you push the clutch pedal in slowly.

quite a few complaints about the trannys slipping, glazing, failing within a short amount of miles.

Also listen for alot of chatter or knocking when cold and just starting up, first 20-30 seconds. This noise can be the timing chain tensioner, lots of issues with it not being tight from factory.

good luck and would also recommend finding one with a good maintenance record and possible extended warranty, you can find this info by calling your local mini dealer with the last 7 of VIN.

 

Thanks -- on the warranty from the dealer -- I may be buying from a private party. I hadn't heard of dealers willing to offer warranties on private party cars -- will they?

 

It may already have one, you can call the dealer with the vin and ask what is left. if not i believe you can still buy one even if you bought private party.

 

I checked out a used MCS convertible yesterday, which hadn't been driven much over the past year. Two things I noticed:

1. The tire pressure light was on, but the tires were fine. A friend tells me that's probably because they replaced the tires -- the original run flats are not on the car.

2. After I drove it for about 10 minutes, when I stopped I noticed a slight burning smell. Thought it might be the clutch, but my nose isn't that great.

How long does a typical clutch last on a MCS?

 

The clutch is all about how the car was driven. They can last a VERY long time. How many miles does the car have? Mine is an 05 with 70000 on the clock.

The other two comments on this thread are talking about problems on the R56 and R55. You are looking at an R52. Look for wear on the soft top, the clutch. The suspension should still be tight but you may have your shop check out the bushings and motor mounts.

Try to reset the tire light, it should be a non issue.

The 07 & 08 were the last two years for the R52 so they have gotten out most of the major problems.

Good luck to you.

 

Thanks. This one had close to 50k mi on it. So, just looking for average impressions on how long Mini clutches last.

I had a Miata where my original clutch lasted over 14 years and 90k mi when I sold the car, and i also had a Ford Explorer Sport where the clutch lasted about 25k. Same driver, and I rode the Miata much harder..

Do all after-market tires set off the tire pressure light?

 

No, the sensor measures the rotational speed of the wheels. It must be reset when you remove the wheels for any reason. Once reset it is just fine.

 

Oh, and the supercharger belt.

 

I'm considering an '05 convertible JCW w/ 33k miles.

Anything in particular to look for with that vintage?

 

EDIT: Sorry wrong section, mods please delete.

 

I have a '08 MCSC, 25K miles on the clock. So far so good.