2007/8 Cooper S - What to look for?
Discussion
Hi everyone - first post on the Mini forum.
I'm currently looking to buy a Cooper S as a daily driver. Looking through the classifieds, my budget will likely net me a 2007/8 car. As I'm not really familiar with the cars (other than having driven one, briefly, a couple of years ago) I was hoping those more knowledgeable than me could give me some advice on what to look for.
Things I'd like to know if possible are:
1) Do the cars have any major mechanical issues that can rear their heads? If so, are they resolvable or are they out of all proportion to the value of the car?
2) Are there any smaller components that regularly fail or are likely to need replacement that I'll need to budget for at purchase time?
3) Are there any 'essentials' spec-wise, without which the car would be difficult to sell-on?
4) Are the run-flats as bad as I think they might be (the ones on my g/f's old Z4 were dire) and worth replacing with 'real' tyres?
I'd also be interested to hear from people who've modified their cars. What's required to achieve meaningful improvements in performance from both the engine and suspension?
If modding is worthwhile, can anyone recommend a tuner who actually knows what they're doing (i.e. understands there are mechanical limits to an engine/turbocharger/clutch/gearbox etc. and it's not just about how much boost you can get the electronics to allow before everything else falls apart)!
Sorry for so many questions and many thanks in advance to anyone kind enough to reply.
Ian
I'm currently looking to buy a Cooper S as a daily driver. Looking through the classifieds, my budget will likely net me a 2007/8 car. As I'm not really familiar with the cars (other than having driven one, briefly, a couple of years ago) I was hoping those more knowledgeable than me could give me some advice on what to look for.
Things I'd like to know if possible are:
1) Do the cars have any major mechanical issues that can rear their heads? If so, are they resolvable or are they out of all proportion to the value of the car?
2) Are there any smaller components that regularly fail or are likely to need replacement that I'll need to budget for at purchase time?
3) Are there any 'essentials' spec-wise, without which the car would be difficult to sell-on?
4) Are the run-flats as bad as I think they might be (the ones on my g/f's old Z4 were dire) and worth replacing with 'real' tyres?
I'd also be interested to hear from people who've modified their cars. What's required to achieve meaningful improvements in performance from both the engine and suspension?
If modding is worthwhile, can anyone recommend a tuner who actually knows what they're doing (i.e. understands there are mechanical limits to an engine/turbocharger/clutch/gearbox etc. and it's not just about how much boost you can get the electronics to allow before everything else falls apart)!
Sorry for so many questions and many thanks in advance to anyone kind enough to reply.
Ian
Edited by Ian_UK1 on Wednesday 18th June 13:23
Thanks for the replies.
All the items that have been mentioned make for frightening reading - as is often the way on Internet forums! If all the cars suffered from several major issues, then surely there'd be no enthusiasts for the brand out there? I'm therefore guessing that most people's experience is just enjoyment of the car and not having too much trouble with them?
From what I've read so far though, even the 'major' problems don't seem to be as bad as the various forums would seem to suggest. The worst item seems to be the cam chain 'death rattle' but even this doesn't seem too serious if caught early. The whole chain/guide cartridge looks (relatively) easy to remove and replacement kits are available - including the chain, guides, tensioner, bolts, gaskets and cam/crank lock tools - for about £350 + delivery and tax. Expensive, but not 'throw-the-car-away' money. As a DIY, replacement could easily be done in a day, so the prospect of this problem developing wouldn't stop me buying. Strangely, despite all the forum chat about this problem, I don't ever remember seeing ads stating the cam chain has been 'done'. Odd!
I will be starting to look seriously for a car next month - if anyone's looking to sell a 'sorted' Cooper S of the right age, I'd be delighted to hear from you.
Thanks again
Ian
All the items that have been mentioned make for frightening reading - as is often the way on Internet forums! If all the cars suffered from several major issues, then surely there'd be no enthusiasts for the brand out there? I'm therefore guessing that most people's experience is just enjoyment of the car and not having too much trouble with them?
From what I've read so far though, even the 'major' problems don't seem to be as bad as the various forums would seem to suggest. The worst item seems to be the cam chain 'death rattle' but even this doesn't seem too serious if caught early. The whole chain/guide cartridge looks (relatively) easy to remove and replacement kits are available - including the chain, guides, tensioner, bolts, gaskets and cam/crank lock tools - for about £350 + delivery and tax. Expensive, but not 'throw-the-car-away' money. As a DIY, replacement could easily be done in a day, so the prospect of this problem developing wouldn't stop me buying. Strangely, despite all the forum chat about this problem, I don't ever remember seeing ads stating the cam chain has been 'done'. Odd!
I will be starting to look seriously for a car next month - if anyone's looking to sell a 'sorted' Cooper S of the right age, I'd be delighted to hear from you.
Thanks again
Ian
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