Hello there!

I’m looking to make a jump back into the mini market and need some advice! My previous MINI was a 2012 Countryman S All4 with the n18 engine.

I’m currently looking at a 2010 Cooper S JCW that has 140,000kms on it.

Recent work on the car (past three months) includes a brand new clutch, fly wheel, plugs, coils, brakes, rotors, and also a water pump.

I know the n14 engines are bad for having timing chain issues. But the seller said it was checked when they put in new clutch & there wasn’t any issues. I also got to start it from cold and there was no death rattle or noise I could here.

Any suggestions? What do you guys think, should I jump back in to the MINI game with this beauty?

 

My 2009 fJCW has 115k miles (so quite a few more km's) on it's N14. I did the head because of a burnt exhaust valve maybe 2k miles ago. Has a new turbo as well, and the cat started becoming clogged.

I do believe the bottom end itself is pretty fine, but plan with the usual maintenance items (walnut blasting, valve guides at this mileage, turbo seals could be going out, as well as all the water pump/crossover pipe shenanigans, motor mounts,...).

With maintenance the N14 is a good performer. Don't think a N18 is necessary better given that most of the external aggregates are the same.

I'm taking it still to the track, and the car is awesome. I find Minis are easy to work on - but in general at this mileage I would only buy it if you can do work yourself (and have some garage space to work on it).

 

It is very seductive...

The repair items are why the current owner is selling it, and why you will sell before long...

If you insist on being seduced, make sure the price is right....

If you are dependent on a shop for repairs, run away and find a newer car with a price tag at least 50% higher, it will be far cheaper in five years.

 

N14 and 140k miles? I would keep searching.

 

If the price is right, why not. Of course test drive it and check it over. I’m at 156,000 on my n14 and she still going strong. Yes I might be one of the lucky people, but I do keep up on the maintenance, keep the oil topped off, empty the oil catch can weekly if not more. I just got back from another 1000 mile weekend, and about 200 of that was just on the tail of the dragon.

 

140,000 kM, not miles

 

I'm sure there are many cases of high miles cars that run just fine. I'm not disagreeing with some posters above. But my 2c - these are not Hondas - if you can chip in a couple more thousand for a lower mileage one (paired with a good inspection) I think you are off to a better start.