Hi guys, needs some opinions on this 2007 S Model that I'm going to look at tonight. I convinced myself prior to this deal that I wanted a base model due to the reliability issues w/ the S Models. I found a 2007 in outstanding cosmetic condition w/ 66k miles. The car has had the timing chain done, vacuum pump front/rear brakes (added slotted rotors on the rears) and a new clutch. I think the clutch was done 6k miles ago and other stuff more recently. I asked about how often he changes the oil and he said about every 3-5k miles but has never had it de-carbed. He also says he has all the maintenance records to prove it. Sounds like he has already taken care of all the typical problems so now I think I want to go for this and get the "S". Is there anything I'm missing? I figure I could do the de-carb myself. I might ask give an offer contingent on a pre-buy inspection just to make sure there are no codes that pop up or anything else. When you get a oil change at the mini dealer do they pull codes then? I think I might get a fair price because either he sells it or he's going to trade it in on a BMW this week, so that might be a good negotiating factor. When I test drive it, what's the best way to test the turbo? Do I just gun it? Are there any other things I should check on the test drive?

 

There was a recall for the water pump last year, ask if he had that done. Its a good idea to take the car to the dealer, the service history is stored in the key fob. Look at the back side of the turbo (toward the block). Its common to have an oil leak at the oil line over time, you can ask if he ever replaced the turbo oil line. Its also time for a battery, the car gets weird electrical problems when the battery voltage starts to drop. Ask if he changed the battery.

When you first start the car, there is a service notice that shows up. There is a service menu that is accessed by pushing end the end of the turn signal stalk.

Look at the car like a normal car (any odd noises, broken parts, signs of collision repair). Then look at it like a MINI.

As far as testing the turbo, just make sure that the engine revs clean and pulls strong. The engines are pretty tough, you shouldn't be worried about pushing it. If you get a CEL when driving it, it tells you something you should know.

Good luck.

Mike

 

The dealer will not connect it to the diagnostic computer for an oil change.

You would have to request and pay for that. Probably run about $150.

 

Does a timing chain being replaced at 37k and 65k seem excessive? Any ideas why this would be need to be replaced that frequently?

 

After doing a bit more research I guess the timing chain being replaced that frequently is not absurd. I was thinking it needed replacing about every 70k miles, but have seen other guys w/ more frequent issues now. I asked to get the maintenance history, so maybe it will tell me what the slack was in the chain itself and whether is was actually the chain or the tensioner that was replaced. Is the speed at which the timing chain gets too much slack a function of how hard the car is driven or are some cars just more harder on the chain vs others? Do you always get the rattle on cold starts ups when the chain is too lose? If I always get the rattle, at least I now I can be proactive rather than ruin the engine. Also, is there a thread that explains how to take the slack measurement of the chain yourself(I tried to find it, but didn't see it). Also, how difficult is it to replace yourself (i'm kinda a DIY'er, I underdstand you need some special tools, but i'm ok w/ that). If he had the chain replace last week, water pump replaced on recall, battery replaced, new clutch (6k miles) and in really good cosmetic shape w/ 65k miles is $12.4k a good price? I just want a clear understanding of what I'm getting into before jumping in. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]I’m on my second timing chain replacement (2400.oo each) in 20k miles. Don t drink coffee in the d@mn thing if it has electronic shift because if it spill in the cup holdees (yes the cup holed) it will cost you a cool 1500.oo to fix. Make sure the water pump recall has been done (they burst into flames sitting in the garage) and be ready noisy ride if it has a sunroof. [/FONT][/SIZE]

 

$12k is a good price, assuming that major maint has been done (the items that you said). There is a heading under 2nd gen called 'stock problems' (or something like that), you will find threads there for replacing the timing chain yourself. There are also threads about cleaning carbon yourself as well. There is also a DIY heading under the 'modifications' section.

Don't fool yourself thinking that this will be a maintence free vehicle, but be aware that there are also people that have had very bad luck with the car. The people without problems do not post frequently. I enjoy my MINI very much, but have an emergency fund set aside if required.

Good luck,
Mike

 

I have a 2007 Cooper S and just hit 68K about 2 weeks ago. My timing chain decided it was time to get replaced. The car went into limp mode and I finally made it over to my dealer. Found out it was going to cost me $1940, but was able to make a deal with the service department. They threw in a repair for one of my leaking axle seals, and the whole thing cost me $2000.
Now with the new timing chain, the car feels really tight and almost brand new. I did not realize that the car had been getting "loose" over the last year or so. I will have to keep an eye on it to see if the turbo oil line is going to be the next thing to get fixed. I had the aux water pump taken care of a few months ago when I had it in for other maintenance.
Just keep an eye on anything that seems out of the ordinary.

 

[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]Kiyofox – I just picked up my wife’s MINI form the dealer yesterday because of a second timing chain failure. ACCOUDING TO THE DEALER NOW - this time it was a faulty tensioner plug seal (that THEY installed the first time) that failed and allowed the plug to “back out” which de tensioned the chain and allowed all the oil to pump out of the vehicle. Fortunately my sweet wife stopped the vehicle at the first flicker of the oil light. [/FONT][/SIZE]