Hi, I am looking at a 2008 JCW. The car has 65K mile on it but appears to be taken care of like a baby. They are asking 17k for the car. Should I be concerned with that much mileage? I had a 2 '04 MCS's that I sold at the 60K mile marks so I don't know really what to expect after that. Are there any parts that I should be concerned with, motor mounts, clutch, etc. and should I try and stick with something with less miles? Thanks!

 

The two big things to worry about on an R56 are the Timing Chain Tensioner (the source of the cold start 'death rattle', and in my case a semi-catastrophic engine failure) and the High Pressure Fuel Pump.

If both of these have been replaced, you're golden. If not, prepare in advance for one (if not both) to fail.

65k is a lot though - my '07 S had just over 48k on it when I bought it last year; and I felt that was a lot when I bought it.

 

Also keep in mind there is no 2008 JCW model. Is it an S with a JCW Tuning Kit and/or JCW Aero Kit?

 

Looks like you've invested a bunch into your 04 MCS. After hearing everyone rave about the "original" R53 MINI's and seeing others selling their R56's to get an R53, I am kind of surprised you are thinking of an 08 JCW. I think I'd be very careful purchasing a used 07 or 08 R56 with that kind of mileage. The grass isn't always greener, as some on this board might attest. Best of luck.

 

Thanks! I sold my yellow MCS in 2009. I was just looking at getting another one. Found this '08 for sale and it looks really nice.

Just had the VIN checked with Mini service dept. and it looks like the timing chain was replaced at 47k mile due to excessive noise. So now that was done less than 20k miles ago, I shouldn't have to worry about that, right? I am thinking if I get this I should purchase a warranty as well. I usually don't but I do know how much it costs to fix these cars, which is one of the reasons why I sold my other one.

 

If you look at it as a used car first, the price may be OK, depending on the options. I paid $15k for my 08 MCS with 50k on it, standard interior, premium and winter packages. The JCW tune kit is probably worth $1000 premium, the aero kit would be another $750-1000 to the value of the car. The 'factory' JCW did not come out until 2009, the earlier years were dealer installed.

If you like it as a used car, then look at it as a used MINI. The timing chain being replaced is a good thing. How about the fuel pump or carbon cleaning? The fuel pump is warranted until 10 years or 100k. There is also a recent recall that shoudl be taken care of as well.

Lets not forget the most important thing: Do you like the car? How about the color and wheels? How does it drive? Any options you wish you had? For me, I passed on a nice car because it didn't have cruise (which is the only way that I avoid most tickets). Make it a business decision first, then get passionate about it if the business end makes sense.

Good luck.

Mike

 

Thank you all for your advice. It does have the JCW Tune kit, the Aero Kit, and 17" OZ Ultraleggera wheels with new tires. Do you know what the recent recall is that should be taken care of?

 

The recall is for replacing the control of the coolant pump for the turbo (it runs after the engine is off to protect the bearings). It is fairly recent, and there are several forums that discuss it in more detail. If you get the car, get it to a dealer to have it done.

With those options the price seems reasonable. Have fun.

Mike

 

+1, great advice.