Hey guys,

I'm looking at buying a 2007 MCS with about 25000mls on it.
Its fully equipped with an automatic transmission.... Thats the only thing i'm not to keen on.

The car looks to be in very nice shape and i have an appt scheduled to go take a look at it.

What do i need to look out for? I've owned 1st gen minis before but never a "S" or 2nd gen so i'm not to familiar with their common problems.

Any help would be greatly appreciated

 

Has the timing chain tension and or chain been replaced? If not does it have a rough rattling noise at cold start up...not to be confused with the injector ticking. That would be my first place to listen and look at. How much are they asking for such a low mile car?

 

Common problems:

Timing chain tensioner - listen for a chatter on a cold start up, not the direct injection noise that makes the car sound like a disel, listen for a metal on metal clacking noise.

High pressure fuel pump - either listen for a ticking between the 2-3 cyl or see if theres any problems with power delivery and or starting up. Its more of a sudden failure so you likely won't be able to tell, but its covered under warranty till 100k 10 yrs i believe MINI extended it to for this part.

Warped valve cover - look for leaking oil around the valve cover and under/around the pcv valves (hoses).

Coolant housing - look towards the driver side rear of the engine, look down with a flashlight to see if there are splatters of white residue from leaking coolant, it will be around the back of the firewall and the exhaust piping that you can see from above. Check to see if the top of the transmission housing in this area is also wet, from leaking coolant. The housings are made of plastic and either warp or the seal doesn't hold. Easy <$100 fix.

Turbo oil line - check the return/feed oil lines to the turbo to see if theres any signs of leaking oil. The banjo bolt area is known to start leaking and requires new fittings, and possibly lines. This one can be serious as leaking oil on a hot turbo = fire.

Groaning clutch - after driving around for a while listen for the clutch engaging in first to see if it groans. Its colder weather in many areas now, so you might not be able to find out now, but when the clutch assembly gets a little to warm, expanding plastic parts will create a groaning noise when engaging in first gear.

Hood scoop - the plastic and chrome (still plastic) hood scoops are known to warp due to excessive heat from sitting on top of the turbo. You'll see the top portion of it sagging. Not much you can do about it, but could be argued for reduced price. Many replace with a CF one.

Trunk latch - common for the hatch to make noise on bumps because the U clasp has slight movement within the receptor on the bumper side of the trunk latch. Some electrical tape solves this rattle.

Can't think of anything else thats VERY common that would cause anything alarming. Good luck!

 

Good Luck! I have a 2007 which has been flawless except for the Timing Chain which Mini completely replaced free under warantry.

P.S. - Be sure you can live with an automatic - you cannot easily change it later!

 

What type of ticking noise? Is it more of dull knock or valve ticking?

 

I would stay away from 2007. Go earlier (2006) or later (2008+)

 

Well guys thanks for all the help and info but that car didn't work out.... Turns out it was accidented....

When i went to go take a look at it, the owner, only then tells me that it had been in an accident and his insurance company had paid out 17K to fix it.

MINIBEAGLE why should i stay away form an 07?

My search is still on.

 

Search these forums. 07 seems to have more issues then most. But that is typical of a 1st model year on most cars. Try to buy the newest you can afford. Personally I love the supercharger sound, so I would look for a 04-06. They seem to have fewer problems IMO. It is more about how well it was maintained. These cars need the love from a dedicated owner. Are you that kind of owner? If you are, be prepared to smile every time you drive it or see another. You also agree when taking ownership to WAVE at your fellow MINI's. Don't forget.

 

People say the 1st gen are more reliable, but having owned both, I don't know that that's true. Regarding the R56, other than the timing chain and a few other quirks that should be sorted by now (if buying used), I'd say they are similar. Plus, you have the age factor with a 04-06 and not to mention, if the supercharger is original it's only a matter of time before the gears shred themselves completely. I do like the sound of the SC, though, no doubt about that.

 

if you want a manual, don't settle for an automatic. You will kick yourself. I love my manual mini cooper s. IT would be ok in an auto, but dang nothing beat the feeling of a country road and flooring it through all the gears.

 

Tell me about it.... My 1st mini was a 2004 R50 manual and i loved it!!
I now have a 2005 R50 automatic and i definitely miss the manual. I find it is a totally different drive.
I was only looking at automatic because the deal was really good, but i have my eyes set on a manual for sure.

 

Supercharges do fail, so do turbos. Check out how many turbo's have cooked the oil and caught fire or failed. https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...mes-today.html Doubt me. https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...bay-fires.html Search the WEB for more you will see. There is a recall telling you not to park your MINI in your garage until it can be repaired in February. Just to set the record straight I still would like a newer one since

1st generation have issues a lot with the power steering pump and fan failure.

I have 2 supercharged models. Please dont flame me as this is just my view. There seem to be IMO from reading this forum, more issues with the 2nd generation. Regardless they are both awesome cars. Just make sure the one you get a been serviced regularly, get any extended warranty you can afford for an extra peace of mind. Good luck. Keep us posted and post pics when you get one. Also remember to WAVE at your fellow MINI.

 

Wasn't trying to flame ya Braminator....just sharing my experiences as well since I have owned both. They both have flaws and need regular TLC like you said. MINI ownership is not for the faint of heart.

 

Owning a MINI is more like a marriage- you have to love it and be ready for anything.

 

At least the mini doesn't nag and cause headaches....

 

How true.

 

Wiser words were never said

 

Latest recall info on 2nd gens: //www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/results.cfm?rcl_id=12V008&searchtype=quicksearch&s ummary=true