I'm looking for my first MINI and was checking out a 2010 MCS with 46k miles that was in pretty good shape for a decent price. However, upon test drive, I noticed that it was damned near impossible to shift into 5th gear. All the other gears worked fine except fifth.

The dealer assured me that it was going to be repaired on Monday and I could come check it out again if I wanted. What I'm wondering is if this is a common problem and if it's going to be recurring once it gets fixed. I like the car and if it's going to be good to go once it gets worked on I think I'm going to buy it.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

I wouldn't call that a common problem. May have been abused some. One other thing you may want to do is listen to it at cold start up. and make sure its fairly quiet.
Look At the maint history(if you are buying from a MINI dealer) and see if there has been any timing chain issues.. If you aren't buying from a dealer get the VIN and take to a MINI dealer and they should be able to show you the Maint history.
If there is still warranty left on the car then you do not need to worry, but if that warranty is up these things aren't actually built like a Toyota. And you should be very concerned about your purchase.

 

Pass.

 

Next.