Most liked posts in thread: Just entered 'mini' world and already have a problem

Original battery?

 

Welcome to the MINI world 2nd gen is the worst btw. I have one of the "good" ones and I've spent at least 3 grand in repairs in 3 years.
It's odd that you have no trouble lights, sounds like fuel or spark is delayed. Coils or HPFP would be my first thoughts, though both of these problems will throw a code. Could be as simple as a bad ground or battery. Is it turning over slow? Lots of choices on this one. Also, N14's are junk.

 

Not all N14's....

I haven't had a bit of trouble with my 2009 N14.....

I do change my oil and filter religiously at 5,000 miles and I check the oil and coolant level at least once a week... So far it's been a jewel of an engine... YMMV

 

*Most N14's can be junk

I do the same with my N18 and she's still made me replace the HPFP, thermostat, and coils... F'n B... She is considered a lemon though so..... Glad I haven't had the timing chain issue most N14's have/had though. ((knocks on wood))

 

My N14 has been mostly OK, just the usual timing chain issue.

But this sounds like a battery to me.

Also, Welcome!

 

Before we send this guy down the rabbit hole what flavor of MINI is this an S or a Justa? The engines are similar, but different in a few key areas. I'd check out the battery especially if it's the original one.

Steve report back with some more info so we can be more help.

In the old days all cars started like Steve is describing. My how times have changed.

 

Start with the simple/cheap stuff first. Always.

That being said, check the battery. Sounds like a new one may be in order.

 

I can't add anything productive to what has already been said BUT---Welcome to M/A, a great site and greater people.

 

This guy is very persistent..... NEVER GIVE UP...

 

Staring anything with a magneto can be a real challenge. Watching that makes my arm ache.

 

Welcome to MINI ownership. I hope you did not by a MINI for reliability or great MPG. :ihih:

This is your first problem of many more to come. Not kidding, totally true. MINI’s are a labor of love and money to own.

If you wanted a maintenance free car you should have got a Honda or Toyota.

 

I dunno. I get years between major maintenance on my 08 S. And it’s a daily.

 

There is a lot of fake news about the R56.....

Do regular maintenance and watch the vitals, the R56 is a fine car...

Buying one used can be a carp shoot... But this applies to any used car...

It can be an expensive car to repair... Find a good MINI indie if the dealer is too expensive for service...

 

I dunno. I had a CB7 Accord with sport springs and good wheels N tyres. Thing handled on rails. Wasn't AS fast but could carry just as much speed thru the twisties as my MINI, and weighed around the same. Had a bit more body roll but would hold the line just fine. FIT's and Si Civics have insane handling as well. Can't speak on the Yota's.

 

Yes and no. I watch the vitals closely and keep all fluids and lube's full and fresh and all it's really done is kept me ahead of issues as they unfold. Things still seem to go bad sooner than they should. My car has been thru 3 HPFP's before I bought it then another one shortly after I bought it. Was covered under warranty and hasn't been an issue since but still. The thermostat housing cracked and pissed coolant all over, why MINI decided that thing was a good idea is beyond me. 2 sets of coils (in other cars the only time I've worried about spark throwers is when I'm upgrading them). Now the rubber on my water pump pulley is cracking. I've never seen rubber on the contact surface of a pulley in my life. And BMW plastics..... F BMW plastics. If it's plastic and it's on a BM'r, it's gonna shatter VERY prematurely when compared to virtually any other brand. I do love the car and Dave.0 is right, it's a labor of love. But Dayum. :beer

 

That is true but some people buy MINIs for the wrong reason and have no idea what they are getting themselves into.

As for fun to drive cars used cars from Honda and Toyota they both have some.

You can still get an MR2 which is a blast and will destroy most Mini’s on the road and are very fun to drive.

For Honda the CRX and Civic Si’s and even the old Prelude Si with all wheels steering are a blast to drive.