2012 Mini - Reliable, or ticking time bomb?

[Billy.RS]

Yet to buy, but seriously lusting for a 2012 Mini (Non-S). I've done some reading on the woes of the N14 engine which gets me worried. By going for the 2012 will I avoid most of these issues? I'm looking to spend around £8,000 on the right example so don't want to go through with it and stumble on multiple issues
I'd like to keep a car for around 5 years/to 100k miles, whichever comes first

[Billy.RS]

Thanks for all your replies.

Yep my mistake, N14/N18's were the Cooper S engine variants... was looking at those at time but putting the sensible cap on now So the N16 is the desired engine for me to go for

This is the dilemma I have with price, I'm looking for a 2012 onwards Cooper with around 40k miles or less, that has been well specced with things like chilli pack, multifunction wheel, half or full leather, etc. Mini's that tick the box for me are about £7-8k, for £1,000 cheaper I can get an equivalent Citroen DS3 that's usually one year newer and with less miles...

[Billy.RS]

TheAlastair34 said:

the mini will hold its value more than a DS3.

i wouldn't discount a cooper s, after 2010 they get the more reliable engine and the MPG is very good, i have a JCW Clubman and that always returns more than 40mpg

Yeah that's been my argument. I was originally going down the R50/R53 route and was still quite surprised at the residuals, so second gen hopefully follow suit

Is it definitely 2010 when the engine was revised? So anything that is MY60 onwards... If so, and one falls in budget with suitable mileage, it would be the preferred option. Although I'm happy to settle for just the Cooper to be honest (grits teeth...)

[Billy.RS]

Broccers said:

Its a little confusing which shape you are on about to be honest fella. Show us a pic

Sorry, this was the exact one my heart fell for, but got the call to say it's been sold this morning
https://www.approvedcarsandfinance.co.uk/used-mini...
A 2012 Cooper soho, so this would be a facelifted R56 (?)

[Billy.RS]

watchnut said:

You could go for a "Baker Street", "Mayfair" edition where they have many extras fitted, and in the case of my Mini one look like a cooper, with Black alloys, stripes on the front , half leather, blue tooth, mega stereo, A/c (climate)....then chip it!.....

Yes I have heard briefly about chipping to make up the difference between a 'One' and a 'Cooper'. Is it literally a case of letting a wizard plug his PC in. And is there any weak-points from doing this?

[Billy.RS]

watchnut said:

I am sorry I can not advise on that.....just looked at the car....it looked good, but that was a shed load of money for a 6 year old car. Were the wheels original?

Yeah wheels are original, fitted to all of the 'Soho' editions of that model.
I have been thinking that, my budget is £7k (2k cash and 5k on 3.7% loan), 7.5 would be my max - And plans are to drive it til the wheels fall off. Without sparking a 'why don't you PCP' debate, I'm fed up with changing cars. I want to buy, and (ideally) keep long term so I haven't got to mess around with cars.

Edit - The issue being that 8k gets me an Abarth 500/208gti....

Edited by Billy.RS on Thursday 25th October 09:34

[Billy.RS]

They are 17's, and non-runflats luckily. Ride is harsher on 17s compared to 16s but that's something I could live with as 16s look at bit lost in the arches imo.

Small back seats & boot - Not an issue coming from a MK1 MX5. 21 and single, no pets. At most it's gonna be filled with mine and a friends suitcases for a last minute trip to Wales/Lake district etc but highly unlikely.

Hard ride - Again, coming from a MK1 MX5 with coilovers. Most cars are going to be a slight improvement at the least

Only 120hp - Yes, hardly lighting a spark I know, but will be the most powerful thing I've owned 1.2 Fiesta (75), 1.4 Lupo (90), 1.6 MX5 (90). Too much power and I'll be locked up haha. And yes, keeping insurance down is fairly essential due to age.

There is an F56 within my budget but its CAT S. Realistically I can't wait out, new job pending which involves a bit of a commute in the car. Something I'm not willing to do in the MX5 every day. My mind tells me buy a cheap R53 instead to save the need for a loan, and if it dies it dies, but people wayyy more sensible than me are forcing me down this route.

[Billy.RS]

A little thread bump - Decided against the Mini despite finding it a better steer. Gone for a '15 DS3. A much better spec and £1k cheaper than alternative Minis that were two years older.