Mini buying advice (R56 Model)

cpage

Hi Guys,
Looking for some advice on whether or not to buy R56 Mini Cooper or Cooper D (2008 to 2010 model).
I've never owned a Mini but always fancied one since the R53 came out. Had a Cooper S rental car for a few days a long time ago and still fondly remember the supercharger whine..... fun times

Anyway now I am looking to downsize from my E60 520D to something that will be a bit of fun but will still be able to fit my kids. I am considering the R56 Cooper or Cooper D because its not too old and they are good value for money. They are also in a lower tax bracket. The standard mini might be a little tight so I was thinking of going for a Clubman for a bit of extra practicality.

While doing my research I have been a bit shocked about the engine problems that appear to be common on both the petrol and diesel engines in the R56. I read about the 'Prince' engine's 'death rattle' and the DV6's oil sludge problems. I'm changing from the E60 because it is starting to get costly to maintain due to age and mileage and I don't really want to get a car that is going to cause me problems and money. I'm willing to put up with a bit of maintenance/cost in order to get into a car that will be fun and has character but I don't want a money pit!! Am I mad going for the Mini? Are the problems as bad as I'm reading? If I was very picky and made sure I got one that had been properly serviced at correct intervals would that greatly reduce the risk of major engine issues? . Also, are there other faults or issues I should look out for when viewing a car? I would appreciate any advice you guys could give me.

Thanks

mk7r

The R56 is not a bastion of reliability unfortunately, the problems you are reading about are accurate but not limited to just the engine, they also have electrical, suspension issues etc.

Marcusm

Clubman is an R55 rather than R56. I had a Cooper S from June 2008 through to August 2012. It never gave me a bit of hassle. I replaced it with a similar engines 2009 convertible which had water pump issues. I guess they will be showing their age now. Service history and addressing timing chain etc problems should have been addressed in any you consider. It was a fun car, gearbox was especially tight and fun.

cpage

mk7r wrote: »

The R56 is not a bastion of reliability unfortunately, the problems you are reading about are accurate but not limited to just the engine, they also have electrical, suspension issues etc.

Thanks,

Is there anything in particular I should be looking for suspension/electrical wise if I do go and look at one?

cpage

Marcusm wrote: »

Clubman is an R55 rather than R56. I had a Cooper S from June 2008 through to August 2012. It never gave me a bit of hassle. I replaced it with a similar engines 2009 convertible which had water pump issues. I guess they will be showing their age now. Service history and addressing timing chain etc problems should have been addressed in any you consider. It was a fun car, gearbox was especially tight and fun.

Thanks,

So it is possible that I might get a good one!! I have been looking around at other options for similar money and I the mini looks the best in terms of driver enjoyment, character etc.. I think if I do go to look at one I will have to be particular about the service history like you say. That will probably limit my choices. We're not great at keeping service history with our cars in this Country!!

Marcusm

cpage wrote: »

Thanks,

So it is possible that I might get a good one!! I have been looking around at other options for similar money and I the mini looks the best in terms of driver enjoyment, character etc.. I think if I do go to look at one I will have to be particular about the service history like you say. That will probably limit my choices. We're not great at keeping service history with our cars in this Country!!

The Mini service history is electronic and read from the key. Bloomfield Garage in Dublin is a good indy. THe UK should have a good supply as they were much more common there (that's where I lived when I bought all of mine).

bazz26

Yes but just remember that any pre Euro6 diesel car will attract a high Nox charge on top of VRT making importing uneconomical.

cpage

Marcusm, I didn't know that the service history is on the key.

My budget is approx and the price of 2008-2010 cars here is actually quite good so I'm not sure if I'd save much importing from the UK given the VRT & NOX charge and the cost of getting there and back.

Henry Ford III

Big savings to be made in the UK still. I brought a later Cooper D with the later 3 cylinder 1.5l engine in a couple of years ago. VRT was much lower than the earlier 4 cylinder 1.6l models.

Much wider choice, better looked after cars with fsh, and better equipped too.

mk7r

Henry Ford III wrote: »

Big savings to be made in the UK still. I brought a later Cooper D with the later 3 cylinder 1.5l engine in a couple of years ago. VRT was much lower than the earlier 4 cylinder 1.6l models.

Much wider choice, better looked after cars with fsh, and better equipped too.

In those years looking at full nox tax which would make the car very expensive

cpage

Had a look online at cars in UK n there is more choice but the they look to be a bit more expensive once you'd add vrt, nox, travel to it, particularly given my budget of €4-5k

BdaraB

I've a 2008 Cooper S Clubman, there's a mountain of choice here in the UK so be picky. The reliabilty is very questionable but they're a great car. It got much better after 2010 for the petrols, they sorted out a lot of the timing chain issues. You can tell the difference as they got new bumpers and black rather than silver heating controls.

cpage

BdaraB wrote: »

It got much better after 2010 for the petrols, they sorted out a lot of the timing chain issues. You can tell the difference as they got new bumpers and black rather than silver heating controls.

Thats very helpful. I wasnt aware of any change in 2010.
Thanks