Nervous Buyer....School me....

[fast fun 2]

First off, this is a killer site!
Ive been interested in a MCS for quite some time now, and I finally think Im ready to pull the trigger BUT im becoming more and more nervous. I dont have the coin for a brand new one so something with 30-40 thousand on the clock is the only option for me. That being said...the Death Rattle and Carbon Building Stories are scaring me. I am a mechanic for a living but once Im done at work I do not want to have to work on my own car
Ive been told the older, Supercharged cars didnt have these issues, but they are a bit crude in comparison to a newer mini. What was the cutoff year?
Is there anyway to tell that the Timing Chain has been updated? I contacted my local dealer and they claim that the newer engines dont have the timing chain problem and that carbon building is only caused by running bad fuel. Again...Im nervous. Ive read plenty of stories on here of people who were very particular about their fuel and still had carbon building. Will a test drive suffice to tell if the combustion chambers are clean? I did drive a brand new MCS so I have an idea of what a good one should feel like.
Thanks for any advice and sorry for the rant!
Johnny

[Caveman]

Found the following post ...

Quote: Originally Posted by MINIAC (original)

Some MCS models built prior to March 2010 had engine problems (timing chain / tensioner):

MotoringFile (2008-02-20) - R56 MCS Cold Start Issue

MotoringFile (2009-05-18) - Details Behind the Cold Start Fix

MotoringFile (2010-01-15) - MINI Solves R55/R56/R57 MCS Cold Start Problem (Again)

Some owners have had to have their MCS engines de-coked or replaced because of carbon build up (due to direct injection).

There has also been issues with the high-pressure fuel pump on some MCS models:

MotoringFile (2010-08-12) - MINI USA Extends Warranty on MCS Fuel Pumps

Carbon build up is due to direct injection not "bad gas" as your dealer has claimed.

In the US 1st Gen MCS model years were 2002 - 2006 (2004 - 2008 for Convertibles). The 2nd Gen MCS didn't get the N18 engine until the 2011 model year. While the timing chain / tensioner issue was fixed in the N18 I'm not sure what was done to address the carbon build up issue.

Yes the 1st Gen MCS is more "raw" ... but that's a character many find appealing

[fast fun 2]

That is fantastic information, thank you!
So essentially, avoid a 2007-2010 car and I should be rather safe right?
Raw is a better word then the one I used, and Ive always been a Supercharged over Turbocharged kind of guy, so maybe it is just a better car for me. Are they essentially the same car when it comes to storage? Trunk space about the same?
Again thank you!

[Caveman]

I think the "jury is still out" regarding carbon build up issues on the 2011 and later MCS engines.

No real difference in storage between the two generations.

If you're an audiophile, it's much easier to put an aftermarket headunit in the 1st Gen MINI.

[mab01uk]

Also have a read of this buyers guide.
MINI R50/R53 Buyers Guide
MotoringFile MINI R50/R53 Buyers Guide

[fast fun 2]

Awesome guys thank you! I think ill be in the market for a first Gen...they are pretty easy to find with low miles in my area. Ill keep ya updated!
After reading that article preferable a 2006-2006 model