[nzm15]

Hi all, new to the mini scene. Looking to purchase a mini cooper s chilli pack (2011) tomorrow (believe it's an R56?). I test drove it earlier and it was great fun to drive. I'm now looking for some opinions.

How's its gas mileage? I'm coming from a subaru wrx sti (im downsizing) so im assuming its going to be a hell of a lot better than that petrol guzzler.
How reliable is it? I've read horror stories about these cars blowing up or always having something wrong with them and being in the garage constantly (made by BMW afterall).
Is there any issues or common problems i should be aware of/look out for before purchasing?
Would taking out a years warranty be a good idea?

It is also missing the last years service, although up until that point is has a full service history and successful MOT's. Is a potentially missing service a big concern for this car?

Appreciate the feeback,
James

 

[nzm15]

Thanks for the advice guys. I'm going to see it again later. Will check on the timing belt and make sure to keep on top of maintenance!

 

[nzm15]

Hi guys,

I never went for that mini. It was actually a piece of crap when i looked it over properly. paint work was in shoddy condition and the engine was making a pretty distinct ticking/rattling sound. It drove well to be fair but I walked away.

I've now come across a 2010 Mini Cooper S (R56 N18 i think?) with 55k miles which I was really keen on but after talking to the garage I've been feeling a bit dodgy about it. The service records show it's been serviced at 12k, 17k, 35k, 38k, 55k (some large gaps for no apparent reason) and it's had 6 previous owners, SIX.. seems above average for a 9 year old car. Maybe they all got sick of the headaches and sold it on? It also has some MOT fails on its history with the following problems:

13 October 2018

• Nearside Headlamp aim too high (4.1.2 (a))
• Offside Headlamp aim too high (4.1.2 (a))

17 March 2015

• Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3) <--- Tbh this one seems a bit petty

It's also seen its fair share of advisories during its life such as both rear brake pipes corroding, an oil leak and play in steering rack inner joint.

Are there too many red flags here or would you still think it was worth a test drive? Am i signing up for 5 years of headaches? (getting it on finance). The amount of owners is worrying me.

I live in the north east of England and finding a mini that is the right price, mileage, colour and distance away from me has been proving difficult. So I really want to go for this because i love the colour.

What are your experiences? ALL ADVICE APPRECIATED.

Thanks a lot,
James

 

[nzm15]

I think the 2010 will be N14. They went to the N18 in 2011 and up. HUGE difference between the N14 and N18. I would avoid the N14 if I were you.

Yeah I was worried about that too so i specifically checked it myself. It had the N18 engine. It would seem some of the 2010's received the LCI facelift too, at least in Europe by the looks of it. After checking it over and testing driving it, it all seems in pretty good condition! Service history seems fine as i didn't initially realise Mini/BMW servicing could go 18k miles between each one.The 6 owners is a still bit curious but other than that I'm pretty happy with the car. Probably gonna go for it!