R55 LCI Clubman. What to look for? Plus stupid question.

R55 LCI Clubman. What to look for? Plus stupid question.

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Jader1973

Original Poster:

4,289 posts

207 months

Thursday 17th October 2019
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The OH is making noises about wanting an R55 Clubman. This is despite the fact she gets a brand new car every 8 months. Unfortunately the next one is imminent and isn't the same as what she has currently, and I suspect she isn't going to like it so I may be forced in to doing something.

The trouble is I know nothing about Minis in general, let alone what to look for specifically.

As an example, there is a 2011 Cooper S R55 LCI with the N18B16A engine and AT (has to be AT) for sale at a dealers. Only done 74k km.

What should I be looking for? I found an older thread on here that indicated the N18 should be okay but I realise that may have changed in the past couple of years.

Also, stupid question: do these have a digital speedo in the cluster? Her ability to keep to the limit even with a digital readout in the cluster is not great, so only having the big central speedo could be problematic!

Thanks in advance.


stevemcs

8,993 posts

100 months

Thursday 17th October 2019
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The N18 is the one to go for, Mini's are all about spec, the more toys the stronger the price.

Mine has been very good but in the 6 years i've owned it I have replaced

High pressure fuel pump
Inlet vanos solonoid

The low speed fan doesn't kick in so the AC doesn't work on mine which i need to fix - but condensers can and do fail.

If its cold the bendy lights on mine come up with a failure warning and thats it. Oh mine has a recall for the aux waterpump, and the thermostat is still an issue. Rear discs corrode.

They are great cars though and it will be a sad day when mine goes, although i'll probably get upset when the £700 Mondeo estate goes too.


john_1983

1,449 posts

155 months

Friday 18th October 2019
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The rear doors rust - peel back the rubbers and check

Maracus

4,476 posts

175 months

Wednesday 30th October 2019
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Jader1973 said:
Also, stupid question: do these have a digital speedo in the cluster? Her ability to keep to the limit even with a digital readout in the cluster is not great, so only having the big central speedo could be problematic!
I have a 2010 R56 N18 Cooper S. As said above, HPFP!

And yes, there is a digital readout in the rev counter cluster.

irocfan

42,391 posts

197 months

Wednesday 30th October 2019
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condition first then toy count, makes a huge difference. The sunroof is/was an issue - particularly when it's hot

Jader1973

Original Poster:

4,289 posts

207 months

Wednesday 6th November 2019
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Thanks for all the replies.

The one I spotted sold before I had a chance to go and see it - although the dealer not getting back to me about whether or not it had any service history was probably a sign.

Sounds like aim for an N18 and budget for an HPFP.

They are pretty scarce down here: only 4 Auto LCI for sale nationally, ranging from $18k to $25k. I may need to wait a while.

Darren93

151 posts

112 months

Wednesday 6th November 2019
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As above HPFP, I've got one being delivered today for £402. Also watch for chain rattle from cold, think it's uncommon but can still happen.