Should you buy a 2nd Gen Mini Cooper? My Love/Hate relationship with my R56 Mini Cooper.

[@nolahahnshouse3389]

Hoping to get my 09 jcw clubman back from the shop today after getting the timing chain fixed and like you I have a love hate relationship with my mini as well.

[@kypetrolhead]

I know your pain!

[@nolahahnshouse3389]

@@kypetrolhead “update” mini clubman timing chain all fixed but still can’t drive her because her turbo has gone bad so as such I’m still missing out on fun until I get that fixed but hopefully not too long from now.

[@kypetrolhead]

@@nolahahnshouse3389 that’s why I am glad I don’t have the turbo. If the timing chain is out it is often indicative of not having enough oil and oil changes so oftentimes the turbo seems to be damaged too. I think mini’s recommended oil change intervals are too ambitious for this engine! I am currently trying to figure out an issue with my VANOS system and my pcv valve and they are driving me nuts!

[@ianwatkins5880]

Hi man, it's great to see you loving these little mini's. I've got a 2005 R50 first gen. Yep its a cooper NOT a S but with a bit of work got it to 136 bhp at the wheels it's got 79 grand on the clock..not to shabby a... from a 67 year old guy from England...Have fun fella.Cheer's..

[@kypetrolhead]

Sweet! What did you do to yours to get more power? Once I get mine solidly reliable I would like to up the power. I wish it was easier to get the Austin minis in the US! I would love one of those!

[@danielcarvajalblanco3476]

I been driving my 2013 face-lift cooper for almost 2 years. I still don't had any issues with the car. Actually runs 150bhp, tunned stage 1 and high performance intake. Next week I will swap the cat for a sports 200 one. The engine on the face lift is really reliable. I love driving the car.

[@danielcarvajalblanco3476]

Always do service before due and check levels constantly.

[@nealdunleavy]

i like how it Sounds

[@kypetrolhead]

Thanks! It’s a real simple hack! Just cut the muffler off of the back and leave the resonator on in the middle. I had a local shop put a pipe on it where the muffler was and that was it.

[@tm5346]

Luckily for you free !

[@kypetrolhead]

Took a lot of work to make it nice again though! But yes I was lucky to get it and have the ability to figure out how to fix it.

[@tm5346]

@@kypetrolhead it's a fun car !

[@tm5346]

My daughter hit raccoon in Sonata it messed her tires ! & busted something I don't know how raccoon cause that much damage but they can

[@kypetrolhead]

Me neither! Pesky trash pandas!!!