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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.
 
My daughter-in-law is on her 2nd Mini. The first one was over 10 years old. She just loves the car. I have no idea of the year, but I'm sure it's a later model. My son bought it for her as (I think) she just wanted a new car, not unusual, I would say :rolleyes2:. She never complains about the Minis they've had, so I can't compare them to something else. I do know that she loves how easy it is to park; they live in New Jersey, where parking can be a problem at times. PJ
 
From what's been posted,the earlier (New Minis) are not worth buying,
unless you get one with a really good warranty.
 
I have had my 2003 S since day 1 new. All maintenance done by me. Tracked the car, rallyed, solo for 1 season. SCCA MEMBER for 20 yrs. Car now has 77,000 miles. Each part I replaced was an upgrade. Pully, shift kit and ignition were all uograded. Major work was brakes, struts ( for track and solo). Factory said 10K oil service, I did 5K or between track times. Tranny every 20K no matter what. Borla exhaust. Run flats reg road, I khumos for track and solo. Had 1 almost stoppage, misfire, coils and plugs. My wife has a Turbo Countryman auto. Same maintenance schedule. Check previous owners maintenace, if regular, might be fine 18 yr old car, yout chance, if knowing wrenches, should be fine with updated scanner. Good luck!
 
Any car that has a 2 thousand + dollar fuel pump is IMHO a ludicrous pile of scrap !!! My advise is to run
do NOT walk. Once past 100k they rob you at every turn.
Mad dog
 
Don't know of a MINI with a $2000 fuel pump. Mine has original, wife's 2011 Countryman's pump was replaced per warranty and was not priced at $2K either. Neither of mine have 80K yet, but know of quite a few over 250K with only brakes done and spark plugs and filters. My wife drove a GT6 for 13 yrs and 190K miles, problems all fixable overnight.
 
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