Hi all,
A used MINI dealer near me has a car I'd like to buy BUT I found out that this car has has some engine work, and it's making me change my mind about getting it. The dealer, who also does repairs, has replaced the valve cover gasket and the front main seal prior to listing the car. And last summer the car's owner had a big repair comprising:

• Exhaust manifold gasket replaced
• Cooling system checked
• Fuel injection rail seals replaced
• Engine oil/fluid leak checked
• Intake manifold gasket(s) replaced
• Brake booster replaced/repaired
• Cylinder head gasket(s) replaced
• Water pump gasket replaced
• Valve cover gasket(s) replaced
• Spark plug(s) replaced
• Tire valve stem(s)/core(s) replaced.

Presumably the engine work was a result of the car having overheated in the past, which was probably due to a water pump failure early in the car's life (Water pump was replaced at 30k miles.) So, lots of work done on this car that's currently at 83k miles. Got the info from Carfax, and by contacting the car's last mechanic. Is this a car that you would stay away from because of the engine work, or go for because it's had its issues worked on? I wrecked my '06 MCS a few weeks ago, and reallly need to get another car ASAP. I'd love to get another MINI.

 

I would be very cautious or maybe get it for a steal. It doesn't look like the hpfp has been replaced. Those are prone to failure and expensive. I said this other places but I have an 09 and 11 s. Both had piston 4 fail at around 60k. That resulted in a costly rebuild.
I would suggest independent inspection and compression test.

 

Just wondering what caused that piston to fail?

 

Thanks v much!