Anyone run a 2008 ish Mini as an everyday car?

[hopeso]

I know it's too modern for here but RR is the best forum around to ask a question on and get considered replies.

I have a hankering after buying a 2008 1.6 mini Cooper with twin electric sunroofs. 

Anyone have knowledge of these little cars. It has 70,000 miles on it and a full service history.

[backtothe80s]

My good mate has one. Absolutely cracking thing to drive, looks cool inside too. Its been plagued with faults though, electrical issues, gearbox to mention some. It's on 86k. If its cheap, go for it but factor in regular repair costs

[stealthstylz]

They are curse word, we have tons of them through at work for engines, the 2nd gen were Peugeot based and they're dog poo.

[astranaut]

Mates mums just weighed hers in, engine completely bolloxed.

[OGDB]

They’re known to do this quite regularly...

Sept 20, 2019 12:09:37 GMT astranaut said:

Mates mums just weighed hers in, engine completely bolloxed.

I have to admit my knowledge on the R56 model range is pretty limited but do know that there are copious problems with the earlier R56 S models. They suffered with severe carbon deposits which caused death rattle and complete engine failure. There was an early and late type N14 & N18. The later model is the one to go for.

Having recently advised a work colleague who was considering a 2007/8 era mini I would say the same here. Buy an older one!

The R50/2/3 range of mini is fantastic. Me and my better half have them and have covered around 60K between us. I’ve done a supercharger belt on one, and a rad with a precautionary water pump on the other. Mpg is pretty similar and 45mpg is achievable on a run and they’re not terrible around town.

The later facelift version is the one to go for. Early models suffer with gearbox failure, body controls module failure and other niggly bits which wear you down and cost money.

I’d personally advise against a 2008 model and recommend a 2004 > 2006 model as we love ours!

[welshpug]

my landlord has Two 2006 Park lane editions, one manual Cooper and one Auto (bleurgh) Cooper S.

seem fun enough to drive, a little disconnected but pretty direct steering given its mostly balljoints in the front suspension as per sporty bmw's.

bastards to work on though.

[stealthstylz]

Sept 20, 2019 17:48:11 GMT OGDB said:

They’re known to do this quite regularly...

Sept 20, 2019 12:09:37 GMT astranaut said:

. They suffered with severe carbon deposits which caused death rattle and complete engine failure.

The bore wear on them is unbelievable. Often see them come in with 9-10thou wear at ridiculously low miles (under 60k). It's the only common engine we do that suffers with it. Most of the problems with modern stuff is caused by bad rings, but generally the bores will go again with a hone. It's not even like you can look after the N14 engines are they'll be OK - my bosses wife has had one from new, 3000 mile oil changes, always looked after etc and the piston slap on it when cold (at 55k miles) is hilarious.

[hopeso]

Well I have gone ahead and bought a 2008 Mini 1600cc and no doubt time will tell if it is reliable.

[hopeso]

[DaveEdge]

Took on board the advice then 😂

[daklone]

Starts thread asking about Minis...gets told by people who have direct experience that they are pretty sketchy...splurges £3k on one anyway and posts "time will tell"...oh, I love the Internet!!

[hopeso]

Well it all comes down to experience really.

You very rarely hear good reports about things, holidays, restaurants, cars etc.

So yes I have read each comment, all pointing me to engine problems which I was able to check out. Armed with this information I made sure I tested the car from cold and it runs very nicely. No cam chain rattle at all and no misfire either.

Having managed to get the last owners contact details I was able to confirm the reason the car was for sale and this has put my mind at rest.

But was I said only time will tell if I've made a good buy.

[daklone]

Cool, I hope it gives you no problems whatsoever and you enjoy your car

[Ryannn]

Need to buy one 60 plate or newer, that’s when they updated most of the issues. Same with the diesels.