2008 Clubman Cooper S - Info required!
Discussion
Hello,
I'm sure some of this will have been covered in other threads, and I've done a lot of reading, so hopefully this isn't too boorish.
I'm looking for a MINI Clubman, as a commuting vehicle. I really want petrol, and there seem to be plenty around at good money. I'm slightly confused with engines, though. It's likely that I'll be looking at a pre-2010 car and it seems like the 1.6 engine might be fragile on these models?
At the moment, this example is top of my list: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204305...
120hp is fine (does that mean it's not a Cooper S as advertised?). It'll be for a 55 mile daily commute, which is mostly done stuck behind lorries on B roads, so I don't need to get anywhere quickly.
I love the idea of the panoramic roof, however I have some very bad experiences with sunroofs / blocked sunroof drains and I really don't want to of down that route again - do these have potential issues with water ingress into the cabin?
Anything else I should look out for?
I'm sure some of this will have been covered in other threads, and I've done a lot of reading, so hopefully this isn't too boorish.
I'm looking for a MINI Clubman, as a commuting vehicle. I really want petrol, and there seem to be plenty around at good money. I'm slightly confused with engines, though. It's likely that I'll be looking at a pre-2010 car and it seems like the 1.6 engine might be fragile on these models?
At the moment, this example is top of my list: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204305...
120hp is fine (does that mean it's not a Cooper S as advertised?). It'll be for a 55 mile daily commute, which is mostly done stuck behind lorries on B roads, so I don't need to get anywhere quickly.
I love the idea of the panoramic roof, however I have some very bad experiences with sunroofs / blocked sunroof drains and I really don't want to of down that route again - do these have potential issues with water ingress into the cabin?
Anything else I should look out for?
Yes, that will be the turbo model. Looks a nice spec. I owned a Clubman S for about six years.
It was pretty reliable over that time. I only needs the thermostat housing replaced in those years. (Cost about £200 from memory).
However, mine would use a litre of oil about every 700 miles. This is common. I think it is also a reason for the timing chains failing - which is the expensive bit on these cars.
When you get to the car, check the oil level first. Make sure the engine is stone cold and then start. Mine would always have a slight rattle which would clear in a few seconds. Make a judgement from there.
The one highlighted might have had remedial work done already, usually a new tensioner.
It was pretty reliable over that time. I only needs the thermostat housing replaced in those years. (Cost about £200 from memory).
However, mine would use a litre of oil about every 700 miles. This is common. I think it is also a reason for the timing chains failing - which is the expensive bit on these cars.
When you get to the car, check the oil level first. Make sure the engine is stone cold and then start. Mine would always have a slight rattle which would clear in a few seconds. Make a judgement from there.
The one highlighted might have had remedial work done already, usually a new tensioner.
The tell tale of a Cooper S model is the scoop in the bonnet that Cooper models don’t have.
Pre 2010 Cooper S will have the N14 engine, that has a bit of a reputation for oil consumption and timing chain rattle issues. Post 2010 the engine was improved and is known as N18, generally regarded as a better bet!
Pre 2010 Cooper S will have the N14 engine, that has a bit of a reputation for oil consumption and timing chain rattle issues. Post 2010 the engine was improved and is known as N18, generally regarded as a better bet!
Does look a good spec and good condition, but seems pricey for car with 110k miles.
Wouldn’t worry about the pano roof, I have it on mine and no issues. Drain holes are easy to clean as well.
As other posters have mentioned the N14 and N18 engines do have their issues, but always look for cars with good service history and regular oil changes. Also make sure the timing chain tensioner has been done, and I would look for signs that’s it’s had a clutch as well.
If your on FB there is a couple of good Mini Clubman and Mini Clubman R55 groups, with lots of info and a buying / selling page which often has some lovely cars up for sale.
Wouldn’t worry about the pano roof, I have it on mine and no issues. Drain holes are easy to clean as well.
As other posters have mentioned the N14 and N18 engines do have their issues, but always look for cars with good service history and regular oil changes. Also make sure the timing chain tensioner has been done, and I would look for signs that’s it’s had a clutch as well.
If your on FB there is a couple of good Mini Clubman and Mini Clubman R55 groups, with lots of info and a buying / selling page which often has some lovely cars up for sale.
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