I'm looking to get back into a mini after having sold my MCSa R56 about a year ago. I'm looking at an 07 R56 S, 6 speed manual that has 52k on the clock. Just wanted to ask if there's anything mechanically I need to watch out for. This is a 1st owner car and it looks pretty good. already had the rotors/brake pads replaced recently. any tips would certainly help. Thanks.

 

I would ask about the chain tensioner, HPFP and water pump. I've had to deal with these on mine this past year - I have 43K on it now with no problems since getting them replaced. It also seems that these are common issues people are having with the R56...at least from what I've read here.

 

Listen for a and throw out bearing in the clutch.
I saw many MINIs with this problem when i was shopping around for mine.

Maybe warped hood scoop but that wouldn't make or break me on a buy.