R56 What to look for in used purchase
What to look for in used purchase
Hey gang, been a really long time since I've posted here.
Daughter is 16 and we are looking for a car for her. Since we have had 5 MINIs over the years (but none currently) she would like one.
However, we live in Atlanta with terrible traffic so are looking at automatics. With a possible budget of $6000, that puts us in 07-09 cars with about 100,000 miles, or the occasional 05/06 MCS with similar mileage.
all things being equal I'd rather buy a cooper vs MCS for her, but I have a gut feeling Gen 1 cars are more reliable (except for the R50 CVT).
Long story short - what should I look out for on an 07-09 cooper automatic? Anything catastrophic waiting to happen on those? I had an 08 MCS once upon a time and it was NOT very good from a reliability standpoint, but both of my R53s were rock solid....difficult decisions...
Daughter is 16 and we are looking for a car for her. Since we have had 5 MINIs over the years (but none currently) she would like one.
However, we live in Atlanta with terrible traffic so are looking at automatics. With a possible budget of $6000, that puts us in 07-09 cars with about 100,000 miles, or the occasional 05/06 MCS with similar mileage.
all things being equal I'd rather buy a cooper vs MCS for her, but I have a gut feeling Gen 1 cars are more reliable (except for the R50 CVT).
Long story short - what should I look out for on an 07-09 cooper automatic? Anything catastrophic waiting to happen on those? I had an 08 MCS once upon a time and it was NOT very good from a reliability standpoint, but both of my R53s were rock solid....difficult decisions...
I'd avoid the early Gen 2 N14 engines if at all possible. Your experience with your 08 is a good example of what to expect.
Motoring File did a buyers guide for 1st Gen MINIs that can be really helpful and I think if you're willing to look at a convertible, then you could get an older 1st Gen that way.
Can't speak to the CVT, but regardless, you have Way Motor Works in your backyard so you have one of the best MINI mechanics out there. Whatever you decide on, have him inspect it before you buy it.
Good luck and let us know what you get!
Motoring File did a buyers guide for 1st Gen MINIs that can be really helpful and I think if you're willing to look at a convertible, then you could get an older 1st Gen that way.
Can't speak to the CVT, but regardless, you have Way Motor Works in your backyard so you have one of the best MINI mechanics out there. Whatever you decide on, have him inspect it before you buy it.
Good luck and let us know what you get!
I'd avoid the early Gen 2 N14 engines if at all possible. Your experience with your 08 is a good example of what to expect.
Motoring File did a buyers guide for 1st Gen MINIs that can be really helpful and I think if you're willing to look at a convertible, then you could get an older 1st Gen that way.
Can't speak to the CVT, but regardless, you have Way Motor Works in your backyard so you have one of the best MINI mechanics out there. Whatever you decide on, have him inspect it before you buy it.
Good luck and let us know what you get!
Motoring File did a buyers guide for 1st Gen MINIs that can be really helpful and I think if you're willing to look at a convertible, then you could get an older 1st Gen that way.
Can't speak to the CVT, but regardless, you have Way Motor Works in your backyard so you have one of the best MINI mechanics out there. Whatever you decide on, have him inspect it before you buy it.
Good luck and let us know what you get!
Going with a Gen 1 you have to get an S to have an auto that's not a CVT. Which can be very affordable as they have come down in price.
Going R56 S and Non S have the same Auto trans NO CVT so they are better.
Going R56 S and Non S have the same Auto trans NO CVT so they are better.
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They are fairly inexpensive, and go way past 200K without issue.
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My daughter is close to driving age, I wouldn't hesitate getting a gen 2 non-S MINI for her. I'm familiar with the cars.
You will need to watch for leaks (thermostat, water pump). Do a trans service (drop pan, change filter, good ATF). You should get lots of life out of it. Nice, responsive car, solid build, good brakes, airbags.
I don't know any weak spots in a first gen car, so I cant compare. And the MINI has some style that a teenager would be good with. I'd think you can find a nice car for $4-5k.
Have fun,
Mike
You will need to watch for leaks (thermostat, water pump). Do a trans service (drop pan, change filter, good ATF). You should get lots of life out of it. Nice, responsive car, solid build, good brakes, airbags.
I don't know any weak spots in a first gen car, so I cant compare. And the MINI has some style that a teenager would be good with. I'd think you can find a nice car for $4-5k.
Have fun,
Mike