[Archie196]

Hi, new user here... I'm thinking of buying a MINI Countryman 2.0 COOPER D ALL4 5d AUTO 110 BHP, 2013 registration with 45k miles. (We live deep in the countryside with poor roads which gather wet leaves, huge puddles, and rarely get gritted in the winter - hence the interest in the All4 variant).
That being said, I'm a touch nervous by the number of people asking questions on this board who seem to have quite significant engine problems. I'm just wondering whether a Countryman of this age and mileage is just asking for trouble, or are most of them fine and its just the unlucky ones who ask questions on this forum? The car would be from an independant dealer, and he'd provide a 6 month warranty.
Grateful for any advice and experience!
Thank you in advance.

 

[Archie196]

Anyone?!
In particular, the main thing I would welcome is advice on the diesel engine and possibility of massive costs soon after buying! ie is that age/mileage particularly prone to timing chain failure? is there a way of minimising that risk prior to buying (I'm not an engine expert, but is it enough if the chain is not currently making a rattling noise, and subsequently I keep a close ear open for this and budget to get it changed at xx,000 miles?)
etc!

 

[Archie196]

Thanks, both of you. We probably do about 15k miles per year, most of which is country lane or B-road driving, so normally I'd go for an economic diesel in these circumstances. But I think I will look more closely at the petrol options, as this timing chain failure risk does worry me (and we cannot afford a new car, so I'll always be looking at ones with plus of 40k miles). Thanks.