Hey all. I'm fairly new here. I started browsing a couple of months ago when I picked up my first MINI - a 2003 MINI Cooper Base R50 in Pure Silver. It has 143,000 miles, and the dreaded CVT transmission. I have put a lot of time, and money into it already and I love it, but now that I have fallen under the spell of my MINI I want something with fewer miles, and hopefully a bit more reliability and power.

My general guidelines are that I would like another 2 door hatch - S trim preferred, N18 turbo or better in terms of reliability. 2011-2015-ish? Auto or manual is fine (most reliable option is preferred), and around $10-$13K. Mileage in the ballpark of 80-100,000.

I am going to Northwest Euros in Seattle tomorrow. I already feel like a kid in a candy store. They deal exclusively in MINIs with a large all indoor showroom for me to get lost in.

Before I head up I was just looking for any helpful pointers. I am looking for the most reliable vehicle that falls within my guidelines. To be clear I am not at all afraid to wrench, and I will do any maintenance or repairs myself. I just want something reliable enough to stay on the road given proper maintenance/repair. I don't want to be constantly throwing money and parts at it like I do with my r50 :D

I am just looking for a daily driver for now that I can get into trouble with from time to time, and maybe build it out in the future for club driving or track days.

Any suggestions on a specific year or trim that might be a good fit?

https://www.northwesteuro.com/detail...rdtop/79267810

What do you all think of this? Anything obvious to look out for with this model/year? The mileage is a touch higher than I would prefer, but man I love dat Laguna Green!

Mostly just looking for general advice on buying a reliable gen 2 Cooper S, and to spark some conversation. Thanks in advance for any replies.

 

With your criteria, I would look for a late 2012 or 2013 Cooper S with a manual transmission. You’ll get the refined N18 engine, and the manual will be much more fun to drive.

You’re on the right track with the N18 engine, as it is a much better design than the N14, and will give better power delivery. Right around March-April 2012 is when the fuel pump was updated, so you won’t have to deal with its issues. The N18 also doesn’t have the same carbon build up issues in the intake, or seem to suffer as bad from timing chain problems.

That car that you have linked was built in late 2011, so it could still have fuel pump issues. It has the N18 engine, so it has that going for it. That color really presents well, too.

 

Those are good points to consider. I'm glad to hear I'm on the right track. Thanks for the reply. Also looking at a 2012 Coupe S that looks like a lot of fun. N18 in that one too.
I will update the thread tomorrow if I end up picking up a new MINI.. Wish me luck! Thanks again.

 

Went to Northwest Euro today. This place is incredible! MINIs everywhere. I drove the Laguna Green Cooper S R56, and a R58 Coupe S. Taking tonight to think about it. Both cars are a ton of fun to drive. Leaning towards the Coupe though!

 

Here is the R58 I drove.

 

Nice! I’m sure either one will be a great car.

 

Can't go wrong with an R58, but I might be biased a little being on my second one