Anyone run a 2008 ish Mini as an everyday car?

They are curse word, we have tons of them through at work for engines, the 2nd gen were Peugeot based and they're dog poo.

They’re known to do this quite regularly...




I have to admit my knowledge on the R56 model range is pretty limited but do know that there are copious problems with the earlier R56 S models. They suffered with severe carbon deposits which caused death rattle and complete engine failure. There was an early and late type N14 & N18. The later model is the one to go for.

Having recently advised a work colleague who was considering a 2007/8 era mini I would say the same here. Buy an older one!

The R50/2/3 range of mini is fantastic. Me and my better half have them and have covered around 60K between us. I’ve done a supercharger belt on one, and a rad with a precautionary water pump on the other. Mpg is pretty similar and 45mpg is achievable on a run and they’re not terrible around town.

The later facelift version is the one to go for. Early models suffer with gearbox failure, body controls module failure and other niggly bits which wear you down and cost money.

I’d personally advise against a 2008 model and recommend a 2004 > 2006 model as we love ours!

The bore wear on them is unbelievable. Often see them come in with 9-10thou wear at ridiculously low miles (under 60k). It's the only common engine we do that suffers with it. Most of the problems with modern stuff is caused by bad rings, but generally the bores will go again with a hone. It's not even like you can look after the N14 engines are they'll be OK - my bosses wife has had one from new, 3000 mile oil changes, always looked after etc and the piston slap on it when cold (at 55k miles) is hilarious.

Starts thread asking about Minis...gets told by people who have direct experience that they are pretty sketchy...splurges £3k on one anyway and posts "time will tell"...oh, I love the Internet!!

Cool, I hope it gives you no problems whatsoever and you enjoy your car