Hello all I am a new member and going to be looking at a 2010 mini cooper camden edition tonight with 32k miles. I am personally a GM guy (have a vette and truck) but this is going to be my fiancé's daily driver and I was wondering if there is any major issues I should look for? I have seen the water pump recall. She is in love with MINI and who can blame her but we need to make sure this will be a reliable car she does drive a lot. Thanks guys!

 

envyz06 - I bought my 2010 base model (justa) new, and I've had zero problems. If you are new to MINI, I should explain that "justa" is a term commonly used to refer to models other than the "S" (Sport) or "JCW" (John Cooper Works) versions. Most significantly, the base 'justa' model does not have a turbocharger, while the S and JCW models are turbocharged.

The turbocharger adds considerable performance, but at a significant cost in reliability and fuel economy. For example, the "waterpump recall" you refer to applies only to turbocharged versions. There are several other issues that sometimes afflict the turbocharged models, which justa owners don't have to worry about.

Another example: I believe the Sport version comes with no spare and run-flat tires, while the justa model has a spare and ordinary tires. Many drivers feel the run-flat tires give a harsher ride, and when it comes time to replace them, expect to pay more. It is not uncommon for turbo owners to replace all four run-flats with regular tires, but they still have no place to put a spare. Then again, your fiance is probably not going to put on a spare tire, anyway, right? I mean call triple A.

I've got about 27,000 miles on my 2010 justa, and I've filled it up 66 times. Total miles, divided by every gallon of gas I've put in it, calculates to 36 MPG. Worst tank was 32 MPG, and my best tank was 42 MPG. I don't know what "S" owners are getting from their turbo versions, but I'm pretty sure it's less than that.

I believe the Camden Edition is a dress-up package that was offered in both the base (justa) version, and the turbocharged "S" version. The answer to your question may be different, depending on which exact model you are looking at.

The 'S" model should say that on it somewhere, but a quick and easy way to tell if a 2010 model is a justa or a turbo (S) model is:
- Viewed from the front, the turbo models have a hood scoop -- the justa versions do not.
- Viewed from the rear, the turbo models have two tail pipes -- the justa versions have one.

So my advice would be this: If you are looking for a practical daily driver which is a lot of fun to drive, and the one you found is a non-turbo model, then jump on it. If it's a Sport version, proceed with caution unless you are prepared to put up with the extra cost and complexity that comes with the higher performance turbo engine.

 

I should also say this about my base model 2010 MINI Hardtop. Is it the perfect car? Not even close. But in my 50-plus years as a consumer, there is nothing I ever bought that has put a bigger smile on my face, day after day, than this little car.

 

I have an 2010 S with 35,000 miles. This my second "S", the first being Gen 1. I had the pump recall performed by the dealer. I get approximately 29 mpg city and 34 hwy. Please note that I am what others would consider an aggressive driver. I ditched the RF tires on day one, and carry a AAA card and a slime kit. My Mini being turbo charged, I check the engine oil very religiously, and get an oil & filter change every 8,000 miles. Both my Mini's have been very much trouble free. Mini is not for every one. It is quirky and puts a smile on my face every time I get behind the wheel.

 

I was suprised when my Mini R56S didn't come with a spare tire. In the little cubby was a can of fixoflat, and an air compressor. Guess it was carmax's version of the mini flat tire kit. Mine had 62k on it when I bought it and had new tires that are not run flats.

 

Issues are possible. As with any car...

But the major ones are the timing chain and tensioner. (the death rattle at startup. It sounds like a clatterly old diesel...) Mine was fixed under warranty while it was in for a free oil change, and they gave me a loaner anyway...

The aux water pump recall. (fire hazard, should be replaced by the dealer for free...)

Other than those, I'm at 40K pretty had miles, and average 31.9 MPG... Yea, that's average... Most of those miles are twisty country roads where I live... It's been a great car...

 

I wonder if the OP (envyz06) bought that 2010 Camden Edition? Hope we didn't scare him off.

While we are on the subject of MINI reliability in general, and the comparative reliability of different MINI models -- is there any evidence for comparing the reliability of assembled-in-Graz(Austria) versions, such as the Countryman and Paceman -- to the assembled-in-England models?

But then maybe this is not the right forum to expand the topic to other models?

 

Hey guys thanks for the info it makes me feel much better, we test drove it, and she loved it. It really is a cool car! We are trying to buy it but waiting on the buyer to get her 10day payoff letter from mini financial so we can do business! Hoping for friday so I can post up some pics!