Some advice please with Mini purchase : 2007 Cooper S

[Aerofusical]

Hey guys

I'm new around here and to the brand, my name is JP and I live in CPT.

I'm currently looking at buying a 2007 turbo Cooper S. just under 93 000km on for 146K. Just wondering what to look out for and if I'm not setting myself up to get my hands burned.

It has had the timing chain and turbo pipe replaced as well as the turbo 2 months back (for the second time). It is from a dealership so I will be taking a 2year unlimited km warranty with it.

Just wondering if it sounds like a good buy and something worth going for? Car looks in excellent nick. Hoping the turbo is just because the owners didn't let it warm up and cool down properly with driving?

All help would be appreciated...

 

[wikk3d88]

From peoples ownership experiences, i wouldn't want one out of motorplan

 

[Aerofusical]

Why do you say that wikk3d88? Do they experience lots of problems?

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The thing that worries me is yes the turbo has been replaced 2months ago so should be good for a while and apparently its a new spec one according to the mechanic at Auto Atlantic BUT it is the second time this has been done... Also I don't know these cars to well to know how reliable they are? And what services cost? I can't afford to buy a car now that I will constantly have to fork cash out and fix even though the drive was amazing... Also not sure how much the next service would cost and when there is a big service like cambelt etc?

Any and all advice and guidance would me much appreciated guys, need to decide today if its actually worth going for and pursuing...

 

[BlueBeastie]

I agree with wikk3d88, make sure you have a motorplan. These cars are expensive to maintain. I highly doubt your car is "new spec" as the facelift/upgraded Mini only came in late 2010.

There is also no cambelt on these cars because of the timing chain and pre-facelift models have a tendency to develope the death rattle.

Personally I would walk away if you can't afford to pay maintenace costs on the car. Rather buy a new one or something cheaper.

When my motorplan expires, I will extend it for another year or just trade it in for another Mini, hopefully Gen3 by then.

Go look on Mini2.com for more ownership experiences.

 

[Aerofusical]

Thank you very much guys, really appreciate all the feedback! I will be walking away from this deal

 

[Mike1]

As said above, 2007 models are dodgey cars! :fencelook:

Why not chat to Mbali at Auto Atlantic about the scheme deals? Get a brand new Cooper for the same monthly installment? :thumbs:

 

[Willy]

Personally, if you are getting one that is out of motorplan, rather get a R53, they are great and very little things go wrong. there are a few lo/sub 100k cars on the market and I think it is a better drivers car.

Mine had 150000km on the clock and I am still sad everyday that I sold the car. Services are also relatively cheap at bmw specialists.

 

[Mike1]

I agree with the above, just make sure big ticket items are done - Water Pump, Power Steering etc and they are epic cars.

Also agree they are more "MINI" than the R56. raise:

 

[Aerofusical]

@ MiniMike19 - I might just do that, know there is one on their site they are advertising but maybe they have some options available.

Thank you guys really appreciate all the feedback!

 

[Mike1]

Aero, if you chat with Mbali (who I highly recommend) tell her Mike Stafford referred you. :thumbs:

You could even consider the MINI ONE. It isnt has "comfy" in terms of toys as the Cooper but its no slower. Also great fun!

 

[andrewbuch]

I edited the thread title to make it more noticeable

Sent from my HTC Wildfire S A510e using Tapatalk 2

 

[Porra46]

The 2007 and 2008 models did suffer from timing chain problems / rattles...

The 2009 models upwards received a upgraded timing kit. Chain, Pully hub, Pinion, Tensioner, etc. Much quieter and improved.

However like with all the Peugeots that share the same engine, the 2007 and 2008 models on our cars had the same problems... But most of them were recalled for that. I don't think there really is a Peugeot or Mini that has not done the upgraded timing kit by now. Best to check with service and maintenance history on car.

Bear in mind that even with the upgraded parts the timing can slip if it hasn't been torqued down properly. Some of the newer model Peugeots have lost their timing cause of this. It gets new stretch bolts and the timing gets redone.

The turbos failing on these cars are due to wrong oil and feed. The oil should be of 0w30/5w30 full synthetic and best to buy some to keep in your garage cause these engines use it. Topping up with 5w40 synthetic oil is not recommended! The oil feed section must clean and must not leak at the banjos. They tend to crack and perish and even clog preventing oil feed to the turbo! This causes oil starvation to turbo and then death to it... An upgraded remedy is a braided oil feed line that is more durable and is teflon coated on the inside.

 

[Jarryd F]

I agree with motor plan being essential. Had mine not been active I would have had to fork out R97,000 in 3 and a half months. Consider saving for a few months until you can get one that is still under motor plan

 

[fads]

Hey guys
I own a 2007 R56 and just had the upgraded chain, guides and tensioner fitteda week ago, im close with the technician that did the job at the dealer and i trust when he said it works he hasnt had a "come back" on the new chain upgrade, other than that im loving the R56:inlove:
The r53 is ok but i personally feel the r56 had more potential where performance is concerned:thumbs:

@ Porra: im thinking of running 10w60 oil whats your take on it?
And im having a oil cooler made up, oil temps were hiting 110deg when running a ethonal mix @1.1 boost,the performance was good but im worried about the oil temps.

 

[Mike1]

Get a better oil, going thicker increases resistance and in turn increases friction and oil gets hotter. What is in there at the moment?

 

[fads]

Im using what the dealers are using 5w30, 10w60 is thinner...
Oh wanted to know if there are any mini runs or get togethers in ct taking place?

 

[Mike1]

No....10W60 is much thicker in all aspects, both on startup and at operating temperature!

If you wanted thinner you would need to go for a 0W20 and I give you three weeks of boosting that oil about before you blow that motors head at that boost.

The dealers are using a hydrocracked BMW approved 5W30, so replace it with a Fully Synthetic Oil with a similar approval with far greater shear stability and increased oil flow. What is the mileage on the car?

DO NOT GO FOR A THICKER OIL. :thumbdo:

 

[fads]

Thanks mike apptrciate the advise :thumbs:
Its has 67000 on the clock, the turbo,clutch and flywheel was done earlier this year.

So are there any mini runs???

 

[Mike1]

Yup, 30th September in the Cape Region! Check the Western Cape Forum Section! :thumbs:

If you need any info, or want a proper oil for your car let me know as my dad own an oil company and we have some epic oils which will do a much better job in your car.

Mike

 

[fads]

Cool... Seeing that you know so much about oils what would you recomend thats best and prices