Mini Cooper buying guide
Discussion
Hi, I'm new to Mini ownership and looking at buying a 2011 Mini Cooper petrol with manual transmission.
The car I'm viewing is showing 16k recorded miles with FDSH. The mileage is low for the year but I'm reassured by the FDSH. What should I look for? I can see from previous threads there appears to have been problems with timing chains and possibly fuel pumps. Also, am I correct in saying this is a first generation R56 and that the R56 were updated in some ways around 2012? My wife will be the main driver and it will be used for short daily commutes.
Any advice on good and bad points appreciated.
Thanks.
RB
The car I'm viewing is showing 16k recorded miles with FDSH. The mileage is low for the year but I'm reassured by the FDSH. What should I look for? I can see from previous threads there appears to have been problems with timing chains and possibly fuel pumps. Also, am I correct in saying this is a first generation R56 and that the R56 were updated in some ways around 2012? My wife will be the main driver and it will be used for short daily commutes.
Any advice on good and bad points appreciated.
Thanks.
RB
Yes, it's the first evolution of the R56 chassis.
The timing chain issue affected the Cooper S more than the Cooper, and by 8 y/o it will have either been fixed or won't happen. Similarly the overheating water pump control board (a recall) only affected the turbo-charged models. I've had two R56 Coopers and neither timing chain nor the HPFP has been an issue.
By 2011 I'm sure most of the teething issues I had in the 2008 had been resolved. By now you'll be looking for all the usual stuff on the 8 y/o car; brakes, tyres (uneven wear, check the geo as Mini start quite aggressive to get the handling and the prevalence of speed bumps means it can be knocked easily), clutch (dual-mass and awkward to reach), exhaust. Do check the windows work (including the one-touch close), and the A/C+heater matrix are in good order.
They are quite expensive to work on when things do go wrong, so look for a local specialist nearby.
The timing chain issue affected the Cooper S more than the Cooper, and by 8 y/o it will have either been fixed or won't happen. Similarly the overheating water pump control board (a recall) only affected the turbo-charged models. I've had two R56 Coopers and neither timing chain nor the HPFP has been an issue.
By 2011 I'm sure most of the teething issues I had in the 2008 had been resolved. By now you'll be looking for all the usual stuff on the 8 y/o car; brakes, tyres (uneven wear, check the geo as Mini start quite aggressive to get the handling and the prevalence of speed bumps means it can be knocked easily), clutch (dual-mass and awkward to reach), exhaust. Do check the windows work (including the one-touch close), and the A/C+heater matrix are in good order.
They are quite expensive to work on when things do go wrong, so look for a local specialist nearby.
Sad61t,
Thanks very much for the detailed response. You've reassured me a great deal as some of the poses I'd read about the so called 'death rattle' concerned me, especially as I'd already paid a small holding deposit and viewing it this Monday. All being well I hope to close the deal then and drive it home.
I'll check the areas you've highlighted and hopefully with only 16k miles and the service history the clutch and the other mechanicals should be okay, but I realise that is dependent on how it's been driven. I take from your post you're happy with that model so I'm looking forward to driving it.
Thanks again.
RB
Thanks very much for the detailed response. You've reassured me a great deal as some of the poses I'd read about the so called 'death rattle' concerned me, especially as I'd already paid a small holding deposit and viewing it this Monday. All being well I hope to close the deal then and drive it home.
I'll check the areas you've highlighted and hopefully with only 16k miles and the service history the clutch and the other mechanicals should be okay, but I realise that is dependent on how it's been driven. I take from your post you're happy with that model so I'm looking forward to driving it.
Thanks again.
RB
We bought a 2007 Cooper last year for 'er indoors. Two owners, 57,000mls, service history and in good clean condition. Brilliant little car and fun to drive, although not so sure about the hard seats on a long drive. We are new to Mini's and have been very, very impressed. I'm a lifelong Volvo and Rolls man.
The only two issues we have had, was a pinprick hole in the aircon condenser, new one fitted by a local aircon specialist we have used for many years, cost about £470 all in and I fitted two new hydraulic subframe bushes as they were leaking. With the age and mileage of the one you are looking at, it should be a good buy.
The only two issues we have had, was a pinprick hole in the aircon condenser, new one fitted by a local aircon specialist we have used for many years, cost about £470 all in and I fitted two new hydraulic subframe bushes as they were leaking. With the age and mileage of the one you are looking at, it should be a good buy.
I bought us a 2012 Cooper with 15k on the clock last year and have been similarly impressed.
It's run alongside our van, which is the main family wheels. Hence it's still under 16,750 miles, mainly tootling around town and the occasional longer journey.
I've no issues to report. It simply works - while providing enough versatility, character and enjoyment to be in prospect of long term ownership.
With low mileage, a decent spec and documented history, it would be hard to make a mistake - and, even if you don't like it, it should be easy to pass on a car like these without much trouble.
It's run alongside our van, which is the main family wheels. Hence it's still under 16,750 miles, mainly tootling around town and the occasional longer journey.
I've no issues to report. It simply works - while providing enough versatility, character and enjoyment to be in prospect of long term ownership.
With low mileage, a decent spec and documented history, it would be hard to make a mistake - and, even if you don't like it, it should be easy to pass on a car like these without much trouble.
Thanks to all who have contributed. I'm reassured by the responses and today I bought the car and drove over 200 miles home. I was impressed with the ride quality and comfort and the performance was similarly good. It has the feel of a quality car. I may investigate further the possibility of replacing the timing chain, based on the age (6 years old) as opposed to the mileage (16k) just to be on the safe side.
Thanks again.
Thanks again.
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