Hello all , I will need to be driving 20k per year for the next 2 years, all FWY miles, just to get to work.
I am interested in a mini to be my fun commuter car, and coincidentally there are plenty of CPO minis, S and non S, from 2013 available with very low miles (25-35k) for $12-15k. I am only looking at 2013-2009 as they are past the high depreciation period by now.

I am really interested in joining the mini brotherhood, I've always loved the car, it gets great fwy mpg, and it seems like i can get it with some sort of warranty + by the time i intend on selling it, it will still be a car with less than 75k miles on it.

Is there anything i should be aware of? Buyer beware type items? I mean I have another car in the event of any issues, and i am looking for CPO simply for the warranty.

 

For a daily commuter, I would avoid the "S" models and the additional maintenance they entail (carbon cleaning, HPFP, timing chain, etc.).

 

I'm on my 2nd Mini. My first was a 2010 but as t was our only car st the time, we moved on to something bigger. I was in the same boat needing a commuter so I went back and got an S, but made sure it was a 2011 or newer with the N18 engine as opposed to the N14 that was in the 2007-2010 cars.

The N18 resolved a lot of the issues the poster above mentioned and greatly reduced the carbon buildup issue, resolved the timing chain issues, water pump and hpfp. I'd stick with the newer years up until the redesign.

Also, depending on your budget, it may be with considering a 2014/15 F56 model as they are depreciating very quickly compared to the R56 after the same amount of time. I actually ended up getting mine at auction through a local dealer and that saved me a ton allowing me to get the car exactly how I wanted it.

 

^ this. You just don't see many problems posted on NAM about the non-S...

 

If you want an S model, go with the N18. I am over 70k now on my 2011 R56S, no carbon buildup issues yet. Have I looked? No. About to, one of these days when I have nothing to do besides pull my intake and scope the valves. HPFP issues? Yup. Replaced under my existing factory warranty. Later on, all 4 coil packs replaced using my aftermarket Hendrick Warranty. I was never a fan of "aftermarket" warranties until NOW! Yeah, it was like 2500 bucks, but spread out over 6 or 7 year financing? It was a no-brainer. I have the option to extend the warranty at 81k. I will be doing just that, as I plan on keeping this Mini for a long time to come. Daily driver/canyon carver. I am hoping to get to 200k.