I am investigating buying my first MINI, specifically the Clubman for the added cargo space. I have found a 2008 S with premium pkg. 42k miles one owner and another, a 2013 base model at a local non-MINI dealer. After researching all the repair issues (and I must say, WOW!!!), just wondered if there are less problems with the non-turbo engines?

 

Yes.

 

Yup...
For two reasons....
Simpler motor...
And they tend to be driven well, and not abused.

 

And they don't need to have the high octane fuel.
The turbo generates a lot of heat=oil is burning on valves
the turbo has a lot more brutal torque= cluth

 

Thanks for the quick responses.

 

Plus the '08 has the N14 turbo engine which is more fault prone than the later '11+ (for S engines)N18 turbo engine.

 

Yes, I did find those threads. Geesh. It's only got 42k miles on it but right off the bat, changing out the timing chain would be in order.

The 2013 is an ex-rental vehicle picked up at auction but only $16,995. GA taxes on it are $1274. Carfax is clean though and it's still under warranty.

 

If you're handy, then feel free to get the '08. I have an '07 that I do most of the work on myself. But if you're not the handy type or don't have a shop connection, then I'd recommend getting the '13 Justa

 

Nope not handy, nor is the husbeast.

 

We've got an '08 Clubman S and we love it. Love the turbo but never drove a justa. Yes, we DIY replaced the timing chain for ~$1100 including tools. The forums can skew perceptions since we all post our problems.

 

True but I have also had two techs who work at independent shops who said to avoid them, one going so far as to say, "A hot stick in the eye is better than a MINI and all of their problems." Not to mention various news reports. My husband is beginning to look at me like I'm nuts. I drive 125 miles a day commuting to and from work, mostly interstate and was looking for something more fun than my 2011 Hyundai Elantra.

 

Try to negotiate CPO coverage on the 2013. It will add two more years on the warranty and with the mileage you will be stacking on, very much needed.

 

Good idea. Can that be done if it's a Non-MINI dealer?

 

They should be able to sell you an extended warranty, but it will not be a CPO warranty

 

Two things to keep an eye on the Justa: The water pump and thermostat housing on these cars , Justa and S, are garbage. Since you are looking at a 2013, it was updated to the aluminum water pump but keep an eye on the thermostat housing (made of plastic). Tell tale signs the thermostat housing is going are low coolant levels in the coolant expansion tank. Also, make sure to use BMW coolant and mix it 50/50 with distiller water.

 

Buy yourself a non-S they are less problematic. It's not only the timing chain, but also the carbon issue the S model suffers from. If you buy on do get an extended warranty.

 

Thanks for all the feedback and suggestions = good food for thought. Was so busy over the weekend we didn't have time to go look at anything. Hoping to do a bit of that one evening this weekend.

I've had several people tell me the driving experience between the S and Justa models varies quite a bit and I will definitely notice it acceleration-wise. I have a 62 mile each way commute and most of it via interstate here in Atlanta GA. I routinely hum along at 85 mph when traffic is moving well.

 

A non-S will move along at 85 without a problem. The S model is faster, but the non-S was a trade off we gladly made to gain reliability.

 

In highway cruising you will never miss the power of the s....and the extra mpg will be a big plus...
Just one tip...CHECK YOUR OIL regularly!!

 

I just bought an 09 Clubman Justa yesterday for my wife to replace her 2002 R50 that has 137K. The 2002 has been a great Mini. I have never driven an S model. The Justa runs like a bat out of hell, so I can only imagine what the S will do. I have had the 02 up to 95 on the highway and it still had power. Looking forward to owning the 09. Like any car, it matters how the prior owner(s) took care of it.

 

I bought my 08 clubman S with 62,000 on the clock...it had a few minor oil leaks and the coolant resevoir had a leak also all were covered by the fidelity waranty I purchased (highly recommend getting this as these repairs would have been nearly $2k). Overall I love the car and with my commute of 58miles each way to work its a lot more fun then the 2002 explorer I was doing the drive in before not to mention 30+ mpg is great compared to the low teens I was getting.

 

Because of the amount of miles you will be driving and the risk that the 2008 S could have an oil consumption problem (some N14 engines have the problem; others do not) ....get the 2013 with the warranty.

 

I have a 2009 Justa and have had absolutely zero engine problems with it. Car currently has 44.5k miles (low mileage commutes in the past...how I miss those days!). It will (and frequently has) done interstate travel at 85+ for hours on end with no problems. You'll never notice any lacking power. Just make sure to try and turn above 4k rpms if you want sudden passing/merging power.

Only downside? My wife says it's too noisy at 85 pulling 3k rpms.