So the girlfriend is looking at getting a MINI, I am advising her to stay away from 07-10's because of the timing chain issues they have. Am I wrong to steer her away from them? most of them fall into her price range and I am just curious to know if the issue had been recalled or not? I have an 06 MCS and a 12 CMS but don't know a whole lot about the in between years for reliability etc. It was my understanding they started using the N18 starting in 2011 and that hasn't been plagued with the death rattle.
Pretty much what I have been thinking Nathan, I just wanted to see what everyone's opinions are on the subject. Just sucks that most of the 07-10's have the mileage/price that is more preferable. I am not opposed to an 05-06 MCS with 100k though, its really up to her, I get a big say though seeing I will be working on it when it needs stuff done.
If she can be happy with a Cooper the N12 engine has proven to be relatively trouble free. If she wants an R56 MCS you'd want the N18. R53, I'd say 05 or 06.
good to know Crashton I was wondering about the justa's I am not sure if she wants the Turbo or not. Obviously I have been steering her to the boost though :devil:
This. My fiancee has a 2010 R56 with the N12 and a stick - it's been great for her. You'll want an 05/06 R50/R53, a 2010+ R56 with the N12, or the 2011+ LCI R56S with the N18. Avoid the early R50/53 and R56 years.
There was an '05 MCS Vert listed on here a few days ago...71k, for $7500. That's pretty much as good as it gets.
What's the stick for? To beat you with when you get out of line? Where did she get the stick? And why did you let her have it? You really need to hide the stick before you get married. I know they seem sweat and all but you don't want her to have a stick when you screw up, and you will screw up. Don't you know better? :frown2: :lol::lol:
There was an 06 MCS with 39k mi for around $9k in the local paper last week. It was also the right color according to Dave O. RED.
Thanks for all the info guys, I'm happy to see I had the correct thoughts on this. Once she talks things over with her dad I'll have a better idea on the price range to look for. Luckily there are a good handful of the late first gens for sale around my area, even found an 06 JCW vert might have to talk her into that one lol.
Those are actually FWD BMW's. Oh - also avoid any Minis with 4 or more doors. :devil: (puts flame suit on)
I'd say get a new one. MINIs are so much fun to drive, especially the highly sought after 05-06's that they've all probably had the pulp driven out of them by now and need extensive maintenance. If you or girlfriend are okay with doing most of the work yourself and have time for it, then it's a good deal. But if your girlfriend is like most (not all) women (actually most non-enthusiast owners) I see out there driving MINIs who just want a "cute" car, then get a new or newish one with warranty and carry on driving gently. I've seen 2007-2010 MINIs driven "gently" last well over 100K with no disasterous issues. Even the CVT's are, for the most part, non-issues for those non-enthusiast drivers. But getting a gently driven used MINI is a bit of a lottery. :cryin:
Unfortunately the MINI purchase has been put on hold, her dad decided to do something different so she is stuck with her Focus, its a 2012 sedan and I hate the damn thing, has more trans problems than any other car I've ever rode it. But her dad bought the extended warranty so she will get to enjoy leaving it at the shop once every other month like she does now. she definitely wants a MINI and will probably get one in the future, I will have to think over whats a better choice though, newer Vs. R53 maintenance wise. I'm already covered up working on my R53 and my friends to have time to add another into the mix.