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Is a 2007 Mini Cooper 1.6 a good buy?

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Yevhenii

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Hey everyone,
I'm thinking about buying a 2007 Mini Cooper 1.6 (petrol, manual). It looks great and seems fun to drive, but I’ve heard mixed opinions about reliability and maintenance costs.


Is it generally a good car to own? Is there anything I should look out for before buying (like common issues, rust, gearbox problems, etc.)?
 
An overview of 2007 MC reliability issues:

"The vehicle offers sporty handling, responsive acceleration, and eye-catching style. Many owners report good fuel efficiency, even with the turbocharged model. However, some have experienced reliability issues like timing chain failures, carbon buildup, and electrical problems. Maintenance and repair costs can be high, especially out of warranty. The ride quality is also quite stiff, which some find uncomfortable on long drives. Overall, the vehicle provides an engaging and distinctive driving experience, but prospective buyers should be aware of the potential reliability and cost-of-ownership challenges."

 
We own a '07 Mini Cooper S. First year for that engine - turbo instead of a supercharger. Had the timing chain (not a belt) replaced at 65K miles and again after similar mileage. Needs to be done again at 220K miles. Design issue. Has several oil leaks and the rubber hose that connects the turbo to the intake comes off every once in a while (oil contamination). With the 'S', they ran the exhaust down the middle of the car, no room for a spare - run flat tires. One could get a sports suspension, plus wheel sizes (not recommended with run flats) and limited slip diff. Not offered now. The window and door lock switches are in the center console. The door lock switch defies logic. I liked that they put the speedometer in the center console, like the original Mini. The newer ones are now more mainstream.
 
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