Thinking of a MINI - help required

[MrB.]

I am thinking about getting back into another MINI. I bought myself a new Cooper in 2004, kept it three years and 82k miles, and then changed it for a Cooper S Convertible (R53?) which, again I kept for three years and 75k miles. Then I went off and dallied with older cars, faster cars, sillier cars, etc.

Now, I am currently on my 7th Saab (I do loves me a Saab!) but for about 90% of the time, it is just sat there, doing nothing as I get the use of a lot of other cars through my job, and if we go out as a family (only 3 of us and a small dog) we tend to jump into the family Jeep. MrsB has also said that, whilst she has liked some of my other Saabs, she finds this one a bit "clunky" and unnecessarily large for what we need. And so the thought came up about me buying just something small, cheap and fun that we could both use locally and be more fun than my big Saab. The two cars that we have considered is another Fiat 500, possibly an Abarth (I've had a couple of those in the past too) or get back into another MINI. But things have changed since I last had one, and both of those were probably the most reliable cars I have ever had.

So, here's the thing. Budget will be between £4k - £5k (more likely at the lower end of that scale), which covers a multitude of options. Should I;

1. Buy another Gen 1 (R53?) Cooper S, and if so, hatch or convertible?
2. Buy a newer R56 Cooper S, but look for one with the newer N18 engine?
3. Buy a newer, non-S, R56 Cooper - do these still suffer from timing chain issues?

I like the idea of a better built, more solid feeling car which is why the newer one appeals. But the more I read about them, this timing chain issue keeps rearing its head. It appears to be "when it happens, rather than if". And if they have been replaced, is it with a superior part, or is it something that might happen again? Is the N18 engine any different? Again, I read about issues with their fuel pumps. And does the standard Cooper suffer from the same issues?

The only mechanical issue I had with my previous MINIs was that I had to replace the supercharger on my S, but in the grand scheme of things, it was brilliant. But I just fear that the older model will just feel its age now with more creaks and rattles. I'd really like the newest that I can, but the potential issues put me off.

And I assume that this timing chain issue will also affect the PSA cars its fitted to, such as the Citroen DS3 and Peugeot 208 GTi?

Any help and guidance is appreciated.

[Maracus]

Just sold our N18 Cooper S after 8+ years of ownership.

The redesign apparently hasn't fully eradicated the timing chain issue, but it's really down to the lack of oil management/checking. Don't let it get too low!

Main issues with ours were:

HPFP - it should have been replaced by now
Rocker cover gasket oil seepage - had one replaced under warranty
Oil sender gasket at the rear of the engine required replacing
Two rear parking sensors
A/C Condensor

[MrB.]

Maracus said:

Just sold our N18 Cooper S after 8+ years of ownership.

The redesign apparently hasn't fully eradicated the timing chain issue, but it's really down to the lack of oil management/checking. Don't let it get too low!

Main issues with ours were:

HPFP - it should have been replaced by now
Rocker cover gasket oil seepage - had one replaced under warranty
Oil sender gasket at the rear of the engine required replacing
Two rear parking sensors
A/C Condensor

Interesting point about the oil consumption. Sounds like it might be worth seeking out an N18 if I decide on the Cooper S then, and just keep an eye on it.

Thanks for the info.

[E-bmw]

The better answer would be go for the newer non-S as that dismisses most of the issues AFAIK.