Which Model Cooper S

[Spy]

I am considering buying a convertible Mini Cooper S for the wife.

Over the years, I have read about many costly, common issues with the Minis ranging from engines to gearboxes.

Which model years were ones that had no expensive common issues or cheap issues ?

Thanks for your help

[Spy]

Sounds like the consensus is in favour of the latest F gen model.

CarsandBikes - Your R52 is quite tempting. PM me more details

[Spy]

TameRacingDriver said:

Go for the F generation of mini IMO, which is 2015 onwards. These are the ones with the 2.0 B48 engine and they have very few deal breaking issues, which is why I went for this generation myself, albeit in the JCW spec.

What about the 1.5 engine in the F gen series ? Is that as reliable ?

[Spy]

Having thought about it a little more, as this is a second/third car, I don't want to spend £12k+ on a 3rd gen car.
Sounds like the second gen cars with the Renault engines are lots of trouble, a first gen, R52 convertible, is a slightly safer bet.

Am I Crazy ?

If I go for one of the last of the first gen cars (2007/08), what should I be looking out for on an R52 Cooper S convertible apart from the obvious of all electrics working and no smoking from a cold engine ?

Edited by Spy on Thursday 2nd November 15:39

[Spy]

Another question, how reliable are the Auto boxes in the Gen 1 Cooper S R52/R53 cars ?