2009 Cooper base with 88K miles all stock. Coolant leaked on the ground after parking on drivers side. Did the pressure test but something might be wrong with the loaner universal tool from Autozone - it's not sealing correctly and leaking air at the coolant reservoir from the adapter. But it's pretty obvious that the leak is coming from somewhere around the thermostat (still original at 88K miles). Before I order a new one, I just wanted to confirm that a new thermostat should solve the issue. It looks like the leak might be coming from around the pipe that goes from the thermostat to the water pump and that's what makes me hesitate a bit (second picture). Maybe I need a new water pump hose - is that even a possibility?

It's hard to show the leak in the pictures but here are a few. Most of it pools on top of the transmission below the top rubber boot in the first picture.

Also, do you know if I need to be worried about the 2 torn rubber boots shown in the first picture? If I should replace it, would you happen to know the part number or the name of this part?

 

Some MINIs have thermostat/coolant issues. My coolant was leaking 3 years ago and I had to get it replaced. MINI ended up reimbursing me.

Check www.Mini-rp.com to see if your car qualifies for a reimbursement before you get anything fixed.

As for the rubber boots, I'm not too sure.