Should I keep Mini Cooper - Racing Green - 65K - 2012

[coopermann16]

Hello,

I'd welcome any thoughts / observations on whether i should keep or trade in a Brit Racing Green mini cooper, 1.6 petrol, 2012, 65k on clock,. I'm no spring chicken (56!) and its the first car I really enjoy. I'm trying to guess what I need to replace or service to keep it in best health. Do i replace the timing chain now - I've read its best practice to do it every 60k miles; also the oil pump - any recommendations?

Also what other significant charges are likely to arise? shock absorbers? brakes - discs and pads - last changed 3 yrs ago @ 39k. Still 30% left on them.

Any thoughts / comments gratefully received.

Many thanks,

Alex.

[Squishey]

By the looks of it your car isn't affected by the weak timing chain, that was <2010 Cooper S and JCW models. Not sure about the oil pump but a quick Google suggests that it isn't a particularly common failure.

Suspension, brakes and tyres are consumables - no matter what you drive they will always need doing at some point. Spending money maintaining your car doesn't mean that it's unreliable!

Get it serviced annually (depending on annual mileage) and should all be good. Just carry on enjoying the car!!

[lockhart flawse]

Our Cooper is a similar age and mileage. Continuous use keeps it in good fettle. Brakes etc done as and when required at MOT time. I change the oil about every 18 months.

Otherwise we just drive it. Nothing has ever gone wrong with it.

My only observation is that they seem to be quite tyre sensitive.

[RazerSauber]

If you're happy with it, keep it. You'll know that car better than anyone. You could spend thousands on a new car and have it be an absolute nail. If you're comfortable in the car and like driving it, spend money on keeping it going. No point in getting a new car for the sake of it.

[Leylandeye]

You may be unlucky but the same can be true with a replacement.

We have a 2012 Cooper S in the household and I couldn't begin to imagine what to replace it with which is as enjoyable and practical.

Great cars, things can go wrong, just fix-em.

[Cabrony]

I've had 8 cars in 12 years... Of all the cars Ive owned (highlights being a Mk3 MR2 and Seat Leon Cupra R, Peugeot RCZ 200THP) my mini cooper is the one I miss the most.

I drove it back to back with the MR2 (very highly regarded cars) I'd just brought to replace it and thought Wtf have I done!

Nothing handles like a mini. More power is always nice but beyond what a mini offers any more power isn't as easily accessible on the roads these days.

[DVWR]

Make sure you do the auxiliary (AC) belt. Changed the one on my girlfriends a few weeks ago, as there was a chunk of the ribs missing and it was making an awful noise.

Its a part with no service interval, but hers is a 2010 with similar mileage and was well past it.

Decent DIY job too, only £9 part