Thinking of buying a Mini Cooper S
Discussion
Hi, I’m thinking of buying a Mini Cooper S but I’m not sure what to look for when buying one. I know of the problems with the N14 engines so will be trying for a 2010 N18 model, I’ve been a Ford man since passed my test but I fancy a change. As I say what should I look for when buying? Is there anything I should avoid?
Thanks in advance!
Thanks in advance!
Pistonheads has a specific buyers guide for the R56 Mini Cooper S, so that would be my first port of call.
By looking for an N18-engined model, you will be getting a car in the 2010-2013 range. These are from later in the model's cycle, which is generally a good thing as they will have accumulated most (perhaps all) of the rolling improvements - even if they look similar. Obviously these will be 5-8 years old, so probably on the cusp between light / preventive maintenance and more substantial care.
I bought a March 2013 Cooper S earlier this year. We "need" a small car for where our van is overkill, but only do about 3,000 miles a year. So, despite me wanting and being able to afford a new car, it makes a lot of sense to buy something older / depreciated. Buying a last-of-the-line model hopefully means getting something with most of the inherent problems ironed out (the N18 engine being a case in point).
I can only give you my own experience, but I'd recommend paying top dollar for a late model from a main dealer. The benefits include (generally) buying a car that has had 1 owner and been serviced under the TLC package, plus a fairly decent 1-year warranty and recovery. You may be able to save ~£500 by buying from a non-franchise, balanced against the above. I've bought two in this way and been happy each time.
Otherwise, there are plenty of cars available via the other "normal" non-franchise routes. There do seem to be a fair few Mini specialists, who will anecdotally charge a small premium for their knowledge and selection of better spec'd cars.
For re-sale purposes if nothing else, the Chili pack is worth looking for due its recognition among buyers. It's possible to spec these cars in so many ways that it can be difficult to value them, so the Chili pack does help differentiate somewhat.
Finally, I've found our Cooper S to be a total hoot to drive. The engine is a real peach and just surges forward in a way that has you wondering whether it really has "just" 184hp - and the exhaust pops in Sport mode are pure childish fun. It's obviously compact and easy to drive around town, but it's also pretty good on longer drives. Ours has done over 40mpg average so far, with reasonable service costs in prospect. The most obvious downsides are the fiddly buttons for radio and other controls, plus a fair bit of cabin noise. Other people may call that charm.
By looking for an N18-engined model, you will be getting a car in the 2010-2013 range. These are from later in the model's cycle, which is generally a good thing as they will have accumulated most (perhaps all) of the rolling improvements - even if they look similar. Obviously these will be 5-8 years old, so probably on the cusp between light / preventive maintenance and more substantial care.
I bought a March 2013 Cooper S earlier this year. We "need" a small car for where our van is overkill, but only do about 3,000 miles a year. So, despite me wanting and being able to afford a new car, it makes a lot of sense to buy something older / depreciated. Buying a last-of-the-line model hopefully means getting something with most of the inherent problems ironed out (the N18 engine being a case in point).
I can only give you my own experience, but I'd recommend paying top dollar for a late model from a main dealer. The benefits include (generally) buying a car that has had 1 owner and been serviced under the TLC package, plus a fairly decent 1-year warranty and recovery. You may be able to save ~£500 by buying from a non-franchise, balanced against the above. I've bought two in this way and been happy each time.
Otherwise, there are plenty of cars available via the other "normal" non-franchise routes. There do seem to be a fair few Mini specialists, who will anecdotally charge a small premium for their knowledge and selection of better spec'd cars.
For re-sale purposes if nothing else, the Chili pack is worth looking for due its recognition among buyers. It's possible to spec these cars in so many ways that it can be difficult to value them, so the Chili pack does help differentiate somewhat.
Finally, I've found our Cooper S to be a total hoot to drive. The engine is a real peach and just surges forward in a way that has you wondering whether it really has "just" 184hp - and the exhaust pops in Sport mode are pure childish fun. It's obviously compact and easy to drive around town, but it's also pretty good on longer drives. Ours has done over 40mpg average so far, with reasonable service costs in prospect. The most obvious downsides are the fiddly buttons for radio and other controls, plus a fair bit of cabin noise. Other people may call that charm.
Thanks for the detailed reply!
I should’ve stated I only have a budget of around 5k so I won’t be able to get a nearly new model unfortunately!
I’ve heard lots of good things about Minis and my nana has had them for the last 15 years so I’ve gotten to know my way around them a little bit. She currently has a coupe Cooper s and that’s very fun to drive which is making me want a Cooper s!
Is anything in particular to look out for when I go to view one apart from the norm when viewing a used car?
Thanks!
I should’ve stated I only have a budget of around 5k so I won’t be able to get a nearly new model unfortunately!
I’ve heard lots of good things about Minis and my nana has had them for the last 15 years so I’ve gotten to know my way around them a little bit. She currently has a coupe Cooper s and that’s very fun to drive which is making me want a Cooper s!
Is anything in particular to look out for when I go to view one apart from the norm when viewing a used car?
Thanks!
They are great cars to drive, I have a 2007 R56. Fuel economy is rubbish though, I think I get 27-30mpg in mine. Look out for the timing chain rattle which is common on the N14 engines and some can use a fair bit of oil. Its well documented on the forums.
Very tricky to work on the engine as there is so little space. Parts can be a bit pricey from BMW/Mini, but its a commonly used Peugeot/Citroen engine, so some parts can be sourced at reasonable value.
Get a well looked after one and never expect them to be cheap to run and you'll be fine :-)
Very tricky to work on the engine as there is so little space. Parts can be a bit pricey from BMW/Mini, but its a commonly used Peugeot/Citroen engine, so some parts can be sourced at reasonable value.
Get a well looked after one and never expect them to be cheap to run and you'll be fine :-)
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