I have an '07 Cooper S with 52K miles. Generally good condition, but has active (very slow) oil leak(s). Dealer inspection stated we needed to replace turbo oil feed line, crankcase vent valve, and oil filter housing gaskets; all for just $2.2K. Is it better to invest to fix these items or try to sell the car 'as is'. The inspection notes are on my latest service invoice, so I would disclose this issue to a buyer.

 

Find a good indy mechanic and get a price before deciding.

If it wasn't on the service invoice you wouldn't have thought to disclose?

 

Find a mechanic. The valve cover (I assume that is what they mean by crankcase vent) is about $300. Parts for turbo oil line and filter housing gaskets are $200 or so. 4-6 hours labor to install. You should be able to get this done for under $1000. These are common issues. I have done all of them on my 08.

If you sell it with the oil leaks and such, you will lose $2000 on the value of the car.

Are you tired of the car and want something newer? Or just don't want to deal with MINI?

Post what part of the country you are in and someone may recommend a repair shop.

Have fun,
Mike

 

Are you a DIY-er ?

If yes, all of the above can be fixed for about 20% of the quoted dealer cost. At that is ASSuming that what they told you about the leaks is all true. Feel free to PM me for details, as I've done all 3 over the years.

If you are not comfortable DIY-ing, find an independent mechanic who will do the work for less than 1/2 of what the dealer quoted.

HTH,
a

 

Minnie, I didn't mean to imply that I would not disclose an oil leak; I definitely would. The dealer spent less than 5 minutes looking at the car and came back with the 'shopping list' of repairs needed. Maybe that is all the time needed to accurately diagnose the repairs, but I left with the impression they were just listing likely leak locations.

I live in the east bay area if anyone knows a good independent mechanic. I just order a new Mini, so have a couple months to fix and sell.

 

Wow, bring it to Atlanta we can fix it for half that.

Otherwise sell it as is and let the next guy know what it needs, no one is going to pay you what you put into it.

 

If your close to Atlanta call WAY. If not, I was just on there website since I'll be needing some oil feed lines and stuff. They've got everything you listed. 2,200 my ...

 

Sounds like the '07 that I just bought. Seller did NOT disclose the oil leak though. I'm OK with it as I'll get it figured out.

Like others I'd say get it fixed at a independent shop before you sell.

 

Keep it and fix it for half the cost or less.