Hi, I am new but a friend recommended this very informative forum for help. I am looking to buy a 2012 countryman s with 53K miles. It does have the turbo/sports mode package . I was wondering about upkeep and any potential problems that maybe in the near future. Seems like a sound car, from a private seller, not a dealer. Any thoughts or wise words?

 

manual or auto ?

 

Welcome to NAM Sixflagz. Depending on price it sounds like a good deal. Here's a handy maintenance & service guide to help with what you should look for and expect.

http://new.minimania.com/Mini_Cooper...for_Gen2_Minis

Do you know if any modifications have been made by the prior owner, or do you have some in mind?

Here's a helpful performance upgrade guide:

http://new.minimania.com/Mini_Cooper..._for_your_Mini

Hope this helps! Please feel free to ask any questions. We have over 40 years with the brand.

Drive Hard. Drive Safe. Keep Grinning.

 

Service records are a fantastic negotiating tool when it comes to buying used vehicles.

For the most part there are fewer problems overall with the CM vs the hardtops in my opinion, we see more detrimental failures and required work on the hardtops & convertibles.

 

It is a stick. I am worried that upkeep can be high. Anything I should be looking for?

 

Pre purchase inspection from a reputable mechanic who does MINI! Worth the cash.

 

Good idea re pre-purchase check by MINI mechanic.

Also, here's a basic list you can follow when checking out different models:

Basics to Check when Buying a Used MINI

Chassis site lines for alignment
Air conditioning/heat/fans
Windows/door locks
Pull on wheels vertically and horizontally, check for movement from the control arm bushing or wheel bearing
Tire wear, wheel damage, brake pad wear
Moisture by battery box in trunk
Lights, wipers, buttons and switches, pedal feel, clutch, gearbox feel
Smooth idle, no noise or rattle, reservoir tank line, hose check
Strut tower bulge
No bouncing or chirping from tensioner assembly
No fraying or cracks on serpentine belt
Valve cover gasket and any oil at back of engine
Water thermostat – let engine get hot
Check jack points under car for bending
Check for oil leak behind front bumper at crank position sensor O ring
Oil filter housing
Power steering fan & pump inlet hose
Engine mounts
Listen for clicking sound from drive axles when test driving and turning
Clutch slave cylinder dry, oil filler cap any carbon or sludge?
Brake fluid color
Dipstick breakage

Drive Hard. Drive Safe. Keep Grinning.

 

Hey y'all! I'm sure somebody here knows the torque for the R60 N18 valve cover..
Thanks! (Damn cyclone separator!!)

 

Half of that checklist is gen 1.. This is a gen 2.

8 ft lbs on the valve cover bolts Rayhawk.

 

Awesome! Thanks nkfry!

 

Word of advice from a 2012 Countryman owner with 31000 miles bought new and I am on my second clutch(after 18000miles) and hopefully wrong but it's looking like this one is going too. I have the "New and Updated Parts" from the last clutch change but the clutch in the countryman is absolutely the worst! Scan the posts in the countryman section and get ready to be rattled. Believe me reading maybe a post or 2 but when you read dozens of the same thing then there is a problem. If this one goes in my countryman too then I am really considering a class action suit.