I just bought a 2013 MINI Cooper Hardtop Base, 38k miles. Super Excited. I've been wanting a MINI since the first gen debuted.

When I first test drove the car, the AC was not working at all. The seller (Shift, an online dealer) agreed to fix the AC before selling the car to me. They just told me that they fixed it and the problem was that refrigerant needed to be recharged. I'm picking up the car tomorrow. There is a 7-Day return policy. My plan is to take the car to a MINI specialist and have them do an inspection so I can see if there are any problems.

My question: Is it normal to have to recharge the AC refrigerant for a MINI of this age? Or is this a hint of other problems, e.g. a leak somewhere?

I'm just a bit worried because my current car, a 1997 Toyota Camry with 100k miles, has never needed a refrigerant recharge and the AC remains arctic cold after 23 years.

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

Yes, this is a hint of a leak somewhere. Mention this to the Mini specialist. They can check for leaks.

 

The car has an AC leak and Shift only did a temporary fix to get it off their hands.

My 2015 AC is still cold and I use it every time I drive.

Have an independent Mini shop, not just a friend, check the car throughly. Then do not miss the 7 day deadline.

 

the leak could be TINY ..... I get my home a/c checked annually .... to need to add a lil gas every couple of years is NOT unusual. When my car a/c begins to feel weak ... same deal, get it checked and a top off every couple of years is not a big deal. If it reads low weeks or even months after a top off: Houston, we have a problem

until you're replacing parts .. a/c is a/c ..... ANY decent garage can check the system ..... basic check is pressures and use of a gas detector for significant leaks. You DON'T need a MINI specialist

 

Thanks to everyone who replied.

Update: I took the car to Minicorsa, a local MINI specialist, for a Pre-Purchase Inspection. I mentioned the AC issue, but they did not check it for leaks. They didn't seem to think it was a big deal, basically saying that, if the AC is working now, just leave it. If it becomes an issue later, then deal with it at that point. The AC may need a refrigerant recharge once in a while.

 

My 2013 was getting a little weak last year so I had it checked and charged. I think I’ve heard most R134a symptoms need it now and then.