Hello, this is Vic from San Antonio Texas. I am buying a 2007 Mini for my daughter. It is an automatic, 29,860 original miles with a clean carfax and ther sports package. It comes with a dealer service plan valid until 2013 though I have no idea what that covers. Is there anything I need to check right away when I get the car? All I know is that it was serviced at a dealership in Virginia in July 2009 and they reprogrammed the computer at that time. I have been working on Hondas for years and can do all repairs on Hondas but I have no clue on the mini engines.
Hello Vic and welcome to M/A! Based on what I've read make the auto trans is in good working order, I'm sure others will chime in soon.
Is it a Cooper or Cooper S? Either one promises to be a great car for her, but the S model has a few things about it that require a tiny bit more involvement. You'll want to change the oil twice a year or every 7500 miles for example, and on either car only use the proper synthetic. I buy both my filter and oil from the dealer, it's about the same price or cheaper than what you can buy at Autozone and it's the right stuff. If it's an S you'll want to be sure it's had the chain tensioner replaced with the latest one, it's neither expensive or hard to do but it's critical for the future life of the engine. Other than that, you should be good to go. Most people replace the stock runflat tires with regular tires for a better ride, but you may want to keep them for peace of mind - however all runflats are pretty spendy to replace and they don't last a real long time. Good luck and post some pics when you can! OH, premium fuel only, preferably from a "Top Tier" seller..... The auto in the 2nd gen cars is the well regarded Aisin 6 speed, not the CVT - it should give you no trouble.
Thanks everyone! Yes, it is the non-S model, 2007. Looks to be in very good condition albeit the engine needs to be washed but I can do that easy at home. Minidave, thanks for the detailed response. I am mechanically inclined and have done lots of work on Hondas over the years. I just need to get to know the particulars of the Minis and should be able to do most work not involving warranty and electronics. Keep the information coming! Any ideas on TSBs or recalls for the 2007 Mini?
Welcome! From what I understand about the 07+ Justacoopers (Base model) they are fairly bullet-proof so long as it had/has regular maintenance.
The car you're discussing should be pretty much problem free then....just tell her to drive it and enjoy it! Change the oil - just for good measure. Make sure it has premium fuel. Air up the tires and go!
Welcome to M/A..... Yes, what minidave said.... It's best to stick with the OEM mini filter, some aftermarket ones have been known to fall apart. And it's important to stick with the synthetic oil, even more so had it been an "S". You might want to bleed the brake fluid with new fluid based on the miles. Also check the air filter and also the cabin filter. Go to our library for "how to's" on DIY maintenance.
Mobil 1 has been good for me in three that I've owned. I had my first one 106,000 miles, the second currently has 59,000 miles and the newest one just turned 3,000 miles. They are great cars. I too recommend using only the OEM oil filter. Others have been known to collapse. You should get a "Dad of the Year" award on fathers day
Thanks for the kind words. Any recommendations on online parts vendors? I guess I will go to the dealership for oil/air/cabin filters.
I am probably doing something wrong but I cannot find a DIY for changing the cabin filter. I looked through the library files and did a search using "cabin filter" but did not get anything with pics on how to do this. I am sure it is easy and I will figure it out but it would save me time if I knew where this thing is tucked away.
Take this thread to the end and there is a PDF file you can download from yellowmini. http://www.motoringalliance.com/forums/cooper-s/3802-cabin-air-filter.html
Thanks Meltman, that works. I also found the following video and recommend it is added to the library: [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iT-k8nf-OMU]YouTube - MINI Cooper Cabin Air Filter Removal and Replacement[/ame] Regards
I also found this interesting website with news concerning the Diesel Mini and future development plans along with a search feature to let you find a Mini dealership by zip code/location: When Will We Get a Diesel MINI in the USA?
Re: the cabin filter cover, some cars also have screws going straight up into the housing holding the cover on - I don't know why - my 2003 did. On the 2nd gen cars that have the battery up under the front plenum, you can remove the battery cover (two clips hold it on) and see right down into the top side of the cabin filter. On day I noticed a large nest had been built on top of mine by a chipmunk! Others have found dog food and nuts from critters who access the hollow and make nests in there. From that point they can roam all thru the vent system - one member has had one die up in the vents or pipes and can't find it to get it out! So, check for nests once in a while!
LMAO! I guess those minis slept outside?? I plan to give the mini a thorough look over once I get it later this week starting with a good engine steam clean.