Cooper S search.
Discussion
I think this might help you....
http://www.minitorque.com/forum/f10/how-can-you-te...
A well looked after N14 engine will be ok, though it's when people don't check the oil and stretch the recommended service intervals that things can go awry, as well as poor remapping BTW. I'd suggest you look for a car with full history including receipts and ideally one that has had the timing chain swapped, an engine decoke and a replacement high pressure fuel pump as that'll show a possible well maintained example. Good luck with the search, though I'd recommend buying a soft top in the winter for best value
http://www.minitorque.com/forum/f10/how-can-you-te...
A well looked after N14 engine will be ok, though it's when people don't check the oil and stretch the recommended service intervals that things can go awry, as well as poor remapping BTW. I'd suggest you look for a car with full history including receipts and ideally one that has had the timing chain swapped, an engine decoke and a replacement high pressure fuel pump as that'll show a possible well maintained example. Good luck with the search, though I'd recommend buying a soft top in the winter for best value
Phil Dicky said:
Are the N14 that much of a nightmare? ...our budget buys a decent spec N14 or a high mileage crap spec N18
I owned a R55 N14 Clubman S for about five years. It liked a drink of oil so needed regular checking and topping up, but other than that we had no issues in 50k driving with the engine. (Thermostat housing did crack and fail but £200 later from BMW it was all fixed.)Just to give a little balance on the N14 issues.....
Mike
Phil Dicky said:
Are the N14 that much of a nightmare? ...our budget buys a decent spec N14 or a high mileage crap spec N18
We have an R56 N14 Cooper S. Bought this time last year for £3750 with no history from a dodgy car dealer in Leeds, 58k on the clock. Immediately took it for a service which snowballed into £2k of work but I'm now quite pleased with it and so far it's been good as gold. The only thing that I'm waiting to fail is the fuel pump but that's a common issue.
It drinks oil but if you keep an eye on it then there's no issue.
Despite spending £2k on top of the purchase price it has been a fun car to drive about in and I'll probably keep it now until it dies.
If you're maxing yourself out on the purchase price then be wary of bills as thy can be large. I see you are also in West Yorks - we use Mad 4 Mini in Beeston who've been brilliant but you pay for the brilliance. If you're near Leeds you're welcome to have a go on mine before committing on another one, at least it'll give you some perspective.
Burgmeister said:
Phil Dicky said:
Are the N14 that much of a nightmare? ...our budget buys a decent spec N14 or a high mileage crap spec N18
We have an R56 N14 Cooper S. Bought this time last year for £3750 with no history from a dodgy car dealer in Leeds, 58k on the clock. Immediately took it for a service which snowballed into £2k of work but I'm now quite pleased with it and so far it's been good as gold. The only thing that I'm waiting to fail is the fuel pump but that's a common issue.
It drinks oil but if you keep an eye on it then there's no issue.
Despite spending £2k on top of the purchase price it has been a fun car to drive about in and I'll probably keep it now until it dies.
If you're maxing yourself out on the purchase price then be wary of bills as thy can be large. I see you are also in West Yorks - we use Mad 4 Mini in Beeston who've been brilliant but you pay for the brilliance. If you're near Leeds you're welcome to have a go on mine before committing on another one, at least it'll give you some perspective.
...but cheers for the info and offer.Edited by Phil Dicky on Monday 23 July 10:14
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