New buyer looking for advice on 2011 Mini Cooper base and S models- ENLIGHTEN ME!

[anny]

Hi, this is my first post. I looked around for a good forum to join as I am looking into buying my own MINI. Can anyone offer some advice as to purchasing a MINI Cooper S vs a base model and auto vs manual transmission? I am interested in specifically hearing about any issues you have encountered (recalls, known problems etc). I owned a 2006 manual transmission MINI (50K) and it had some serious thermostat problems (?). It overheated constantly and a week later I got rid of it. I would appreciate and advice you have for me. I will be looking for anything under 11,000 miles.
So far I have run into threads about CVT transmission issues, power steering, thermostat, rattle noise (?).
Enlighten me pleaseeeee and thanks in advance!

[minicore]

The obvious difference between the base-model Cooper and the Cooper S is the turbocharger on the latter. Are you more interested in performance or economy?

Auto vs. manual is a personal preference as far as I'm concerned. I enjoy driving both, but I do feel the MINI is better suited to a manual transmission...

The CVT issue doesn't affect second generation models.

You can read lots about the "death rattle" - which doesn't affect the Cooper, just the Cooper S and JCW, in this thread (basically, it is fairly widespread but can be fixed, however the fix doesn't always work first time, and you need to be persistent with your dealer to ensure the problem is solved while the car is still under warranty).

For other known issues, browse Second Generation Faults & Fixes. Don't get too hung up though, as for every issue or problem highlighted, you need to remember the hundreds (and thousands) of other MINI owners enjoying problem-free motoring.

Welcome to the forum.