Other than the timing chain and carbon issues, when you have the smaller issues (i.e. water pump, vacuum pump, thermostat, oil leaks). Are these just one time problems or are they constantly re-appearing? I ask this because I'm seriously looking at a 07 that has had all these things and they have all been repaired my the mini dealers and I wonder if they will continually re-appear if I were to buy it.

 

It has gotten better as of late. MINI has finally worked out some of the kinks (parts have been re engineered to be a touch more robust from a longevity standpoint) in the minor failure points of the 2nd gen MINI's. Its not perfect, but far better then it was say 2-3 years ago.

 

Guess it depends on whether the parts that were replaced are new and improved or if they were the same design and have the same weaknesses as the original parts. I think the timing chain and tensioners being replaced are of a better design, not sure about the other parts.

 

In the case of the 2nd gen water pumps, MINI only recently switched over to an aluminum design instead of the original plastic.

 

buy the car

 

Try to look at 09+ if you can. I just wouldn't touch a used 07 or 08 2nd gen.

 

High pressure fuel pump was also updated when replaced...kinda of an $$$ part.
Many other parts were re-engineered, like the valve cover/PCV system....many of the changes were implemented on a rolling basis, but 09+ is pretty safe
That having been said, the 07's are kinda cheap cause folks often stay away. Just depends on your level of risk tolerance!

 

Get a 2013, should be fixed by then