Buying a Mini - Some Assistance Please

[FidoGoRetroGo]

Hello all.

I'll keep it short. I'm going to buy a Mini.

£2k deposit and up to £200/month budget on a PCP. 8k miles per year.

I want a used convertible, from a main dealer.

Which model would your money go on and what are the "must have" options?

Thanks for all/any help.

[A500leroy]

Don't, there poorly built the engines have issues with the timing chain tensioner snapping and wiping the engine out, if your after a soft top look at a mx5

[FidoGoRetroGo]

Really? The diesel and petrol engines are all no good?

That's a bit of a worry though I assume buying an extended warranty would be an option.

[timbo999]

Do, the later versions are better built, the N18 (as opposed to N14) engine is much more reliable (post 2012 afaik) and the MX-5 doesn't have enough seats...

[FidoGoRetroGo]

Thank you. Very helpful info about that engine, though I doubt I'd be buying one old enough to have the N14 one.

Might end up with a diesel though, they seem fairly well regarded.

[Maracus]

timbo999 said:

Do, the later versions are better built, the N18 (as opposed to N14) engine is much more reliable (post 2012 afaik) and the MX-5 doesn't have enough seats...

The N18 was from mid 2010.

[FidoGoRetroGo]

Maracus said:

The N18 was from mid 2010.

That's good to know, it brings a lot more cars into play.

[Maracus]

FidoGoRetroGo said:

Maracus said:

The N18 was from mid 2010.

That's good to know, it brings a lot more cars into play.

We've had our Dec 2010 MCS for 3 years. It barely uses any oil and has been one of the most reliable cars we've had.

I would avoid an N14 if you can get a later N18.

[Boogs]

Agree, the N18 engine is the one to go for, but the N14 timing chain tensioner can be sorted for less than £500, if not already done, just keep an eye on the oil level.

[caelite]

If I'm honest the N14 isn't that bad either, the timing belt issue is easily rectified and most of them have already been fixxed by now (The issue tend to strike around 50-60k miles), it is a very gradual chain failure which gives of a extremely odd noise on the run up to it failing, provided you have a vague interest in cars its easy to spot. They do drink some oil, but then again so the new ones & the old ones actually have a fairly accurate electronic oil sensor (although dip stick checks should always be done).

[FidoGoRetroGo]

Sorry to reply to my own thread but having now driven three versions of the Mini I'm a bit shocked.

Drove a 2010 Cooper convertible today (122 hp on paper). Totally underwhelmed, pretty much lacking in any kind of power.

Then I drove a nearly new Cooper (136hp). A bit quicker but still very "meh".

But... yesterday I drove my friend's Cooper D - A 2010 model with 60k on the clock, completely unloved. On paper, the least powerful, but MASSIVELY more fun. Pulled strongly in pretty much any gear through the range. It also felt far more "roller skate" than either of the above, though I accept that the convertible is a compromise.

Does the above ring any bells with anyone because on the basis of the above the Cooper SD would be amazing and is currently top of my list?

Edited by FidoGoRetroGo on Tuesday 15th November 14:17

[krisdelta]

Depends what you look for in a car! If you want lots of torque low down, look at the MCS or JCW if your budget allows. They are quicker and sound much nicer.

[NDNDNDND]

Based on what you've written so far, I'd strongly recommend looking for an automatic.

[FidoGoRetroGo]

I think after today's experience I shall be going Cooper S or possibly Cooper SD. Seems like £12-£13k will buy something fairly new and well specc'd from a main dealer.

Thanks for everyone's assistance.