Stick or twist?
Discussion
I've owned a Mini Countryman Cooper S (R60, 2010) since 2015 and 35k miles.
It's now on 72k but it's needing three or four involved repairs per year even though it's not doing much distance. I've got a reasonable sized garage and tools but not much time.
So far this year it's been mainly age related stuff:
- interior blower motor (7 hours, entire interior and dash out
- an O2 sensor (easy but inaccessible to a socket)
- driver's door handle and actuator
- aux water pump and full coolant flush, having lost it all
I can now see a slight oil leak, with it collecting on the bell housing and wicking down. Without removing everything, could be the o ring on the high pressure fuel pump, something on the oil pump, or something else altogether.
The car is on its original suspension, clutch, timing chain, brake calipers etc. so they're all jobs waiting to happen. It could also do with having the valve stem seals done.
WBAC seem to be offering about £3k, but privately they're listed at 5k to 6k.
--
Basically, I think it's probably going to cost over a grand to find and sort the leak, and get the valve stem seals done. Then with it being 13 years old, all the other bits mentioned will need doing at some point, either proactively or if they break.
I can't see much value in the second hand sub £10k market. Back in the day anything with over 100,000 miles was a no go, but they're literally everywhere, along with Cat N/S vehicles.
Should I be trying to keep this old bus on the road or cut my losses after the MOT next week? Are there any other small/mid sized SUVs I should be looking at for £10k?
Ideally a petrol automatic given lower milage, and I'm desperate to keep xenon headlights.
Thought about a Yeti 1.2 DSG, a Tiguan 2.0 DSG, or my absolute left-field idea is a 5 Series GT 530D. The BMW ticks all the wrong boxes but looks like a steal for all the kit you get.
It's now on 72k but it's needing three or four involved repairs per year even though it's not doing much distance. I've got a reasonable sized garage and tools but not much time.
So far this year it's been mainly age related stuff:
- interior blower motor (7 hours, entire interior and dash out
- an O2 sensor (easy but inaccessible to a socket)
- driver's door handle and actuator
- aux water pump and full coolant flush, having lost it all
I can now see a slight oil leak, with it collecting on the bell housing and wicking down. Without removing everything, could be the o ring on the high pressure fuel pump, something on the oil pump, or something else altogether.
The car is on its original suspension, clutch, timing chain, brake calipers etc. so they're all jobs waiting to happen. It could also do with having the valve stem seals done.
WBAC seem to be offering about £3k, but privately they're listed at 5k to 6k.
--
Basically, I think it's probably going to cost over a grand to find and sort the leak, and get the valve stem seals done. Then with it being 13 years old, all the other bits mentioned will need doing at some point, either proactively or if they break.
I can't see much value in the second hand sub £10k market. Back in the day anything with over 100,000 miles was a no go, but they're literally everywhere, along with Cat N/S vehicles.
Should I be trying to keep this old bus on the road or cut my losses after the MOT next week? Are there any other small/mid sized SUVs I should be looking at for £10k?
Ideally a petrol automatic given lower milage, and I'm desperate to keep xenon headlights.
Thought about a Yeti 1.2 DSG, a Tiguan 2.0 DSG, or my absolute left-field idea is a 5 Series GT 530D. The BMW ticks all the wrong boxes but looks like a steal for all the kit you get.
The blower motor is listed as a three bolt repair online... which it is for LHD cars. Completely inaccessible on a RHD R60. Steering wheel and full dashboard removal. Even then once you get to the last bits, you have to tilt the final metal bracing before the firewall forward.
I don't think this Mini has been a particular lemon - it's only ever left me properly stranded once, and that was last month after the coolant loss. But I'm just not sure I've got faith in it anymore, tonight I took it on its first >50 mile trip since I did the last set of repairs and was on edge throughout.
Completely get your point that the others will need work too, but some of the 5 Series GTs have had the major bits like chains, rear suspension bags and EGR done and are listed at 7 to 8k.
I don't think this Mini has been a particular lemon - it's only ever left me properly stranded once, and that was last month after the coolant loss. But I'm just not sure I've got faith in it anymore, tonight I took it on its first >50 mile trip since I did the last set of repairs and was on edge throughout.
Completely get your point that the others will need work too, but some of the 5 Series GTs have had the major bits like chains, rear suspension bags and EGR done and are listed at 7 to 8k.
Thanks for replies, seems it's not clear cut then.
So, checked this morning and looks like I lost 500ml in 80 miles last night.
It's seemingly only happening when in motion and over a longer distance, the vacuum pump is a likely candidate as it's cam driven. I did the high pressure fuel pump a few years back so unlikely that seal has failed already.
I did the rocker cover and gasket a few years ago but can see a weep from that too. Think I'll order a new pump and rocker cover gasket and see from there. MoT is Thursday so if it needs major work that might force my hand. A 530D GT has just appeared on AutoTrader in the North East with reasonable milage so may go and have a look in the week.
So, checked this morning and looks like I lost 500ml in 80 miles last night.
It's seemingly only happening when in motion and over a longer distance, the vacuum pump is a likely candidate as it's cam driven. I did the high pressure fuel pump a few years back so unlikely that seal has failed already.
I did the rocker cover and gasket a few years ago but can see a weep from that too. Think I'll order a new pump and rocker cover gasket and see from there. MoT is Thursday so if it needs major work that might force my hand. A 530D GT has just appeared on AutoTrader in the North East with reasonable milage so may go and have a look in the week.
Edited by Bossworld on Saturday 18th November 16:32
You said valve stem oil seals?
Is this a thing on these cars?
Seems excessive if you’ve owned since nearly new and it’s been looked after.
£1,000 to find an oil leak?
I think you need to find a decent trustworthy garage or find time to do some DIY, as any new used car could be equally in need of money spending.
Is this a thing on these cars?
Seems excessive if you’ve owned since nearly new and it’s been looked after.
£1,000 to find an oil leak?
I think you need to find a decent trustworthy garage or find time to do some DIY, as any new used car could be equally in need of money spending.
Valve stem seals were flagged by a good BMW indie, who I used for the air con condenser last year. Renowned problem on the N18 engne which leads to excessive oil consumption. The N18 is better than the N14 but neither is particularly renowned for liability.
Reckons it can be done without removing the head but was a £500 job when last quoted so let's assume that's now £700 given costs have shot up.
They had a five week waiting list to be seen when I last tried to book in, hence me doing the aux water pump and coolant flush myself last month.
In an ideal world I'd be getting them to do the timing chain at the same time (as preventative maintenance) which would shoot the cost up. Even if I don't, you're looking at labour costs for replacing one or more of: vacuum pump, oil filter housing gasket or rocker cover gasket. Basically, I was previously burning a little oil, but now I'm also losing unburnt oil too.
I just feel like I'm at a tipping point with the car, I'm fortunate that other than an air con condenser and extremely awkwardly placed aux belt and tensioner I've been able to do the bulk of the work myself over the last 6 or 7 years. The issue that it's all starting to mount up and it just feels like it's probably an appropriate time to move on.
That said, from other comments, it seems £10k isn't likely to keep me immune from forking out for lots of maintenance on any potential replacement car. If it's not already coming across, I'm also acutely aware I'm trying to run an ageing BMW/Mini on a shoestring budget.
I'll see what the MOT yields on Thursday, and hopefully changing out the vacuum pump and resting the rocker cover gasket might give me another year's motoring.
Reckons it can be done without removing the head but was a £500 job when last quoted so let's assume that's now £700 given costs have shot up.
They had a five week waiting list to be seen when I last tried to book in, hence me doing the aux water pump and coolant flush myself last month.
In an ideal world I'd be getting them to do the timing chain at the same time (as preventative maintenance) which would shoot the cost up. Even if I don't, you're looking at labour costs for replacing one or more of: vacuum pump, oil filter housing gasket or rocker cover gasket. Basically, I was previously burning a little oil, but now I'm also losing unburnt oil too.
I just feel like I'm at a tipping point with the car, I'm fortunate that other than an air con condenser and extremely awkwardly placed aux belt and tensioner I've been able to do the bulk of the work myself over the last 6 or 7 years. The issue that it's all starting to mount up and it just feels like it's probably an appropriate time to move on.
That said, from other comments, it seems £10k isn't likely to keep me immune from forking out for lots of maintenance on any potential replacement car. If it's not already coming across, I'm also acutely aware I'm trying to run an ageing BMW/Mini on a shoestring budget.
I'll see what the MOT yields on Thursday, and hopefully changing out the vacuum pump and resting the rocker cover gasket might give me another year's motoring.
Edited by Bossworld on Saturday 18th November 19:34
Edited by Bossworld on Saturday 18th November 19:35
Went straight through its MOT, a single advisory on minor oil leak. I spent Weds PM changing the vacuum pump, and the rocker cover gasket in case it was either. I've not lost any noticeable amount of oil so it's difficult to tell if it's fixed and it was perhaps something residual on the block when it went for the MOT.
Anyway - progress update, I've sent the details into Motorway.co.uk so curious to see what that comes back with tomorrow. Was down-quoted to £3.5k which seems low but we'll see if there's any dealer appetite.
I'm going to view a 5 Series GT tomorrow, slightly (very) concerned that it's a 2011 car so only 6 months newer but it's 'only' on 82k miles and has a great spec.
I'm also leaning towards taking a look at an X3 of a similar era, just frustrating when you read online reviews from a couple of years back and they're talking about £9k buying you a solid 2014+ example. No chance now.
A neighbour made valid points about leasing but it looks like an outlay of at least £5k over two years for a small hatchback, and I'm not that fussed about having a brand new car. I guess if a £9k BMW can last me four years with minor repairs (ha) I'm not really much worse off.
Anyway - progress update, I've sent the details into Motorway.co.uk so curious to see what that comes back with tomorrow. Was down-quoted to £3.5k which seems low but we'll see if there's any dealer appetite.
I'm going to view a 5 Series GT tomorrow, slightly (very) concerned that it's a 2011 car so only 6 months newer but it's 'only' on 82k miles and has a great spec.
I'm also leaning towards taking a look at an X3 of a similar era, just frustrating when you read online reviews from a couple of years back and they're talking about £9k buying you a solid 2014+ example. No chance now.
A neighbour made valid points about leasing but it looks like an outlay of at least £5k over two years for a small hatchback, and I'm not that fussed about having a brand new car. I guess if a £9k BMW can last me four years with minor repairs (ha) I'm not really much worse off.
ZX10R NIN said:
Are you only looking at BMW's?
I'd take a VW/Audi/Seat/Skoda as an alternative but I want an automatic. The ZF8 box on the BMWs seems to get great reviews.Our other car is a MK6 Golf Cabrio.
Don't want anything French, and not sure if Japanese autos are any good? Think a lot of them use(d) CVTs?
Q50 Sport:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202311224...
QX50:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202307280...
The 530d GT is a very good option if you can find one for sensible money:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202311174...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212052...
Or the CLS350cdi:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202311194...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202302033...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202311204...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202311224...
QX50:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202307280...
The 530d GT is a very good option if you can find one for sensible money:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202311174...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212052...
Or the CLS350cdi:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202311194...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202302033...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202311204...
Thanks mate. I don't know much about Infiniti, is it a rebadged Nissan? Does that mean the autos are CVTs?
The 530ds you've linked are roughly in the same price tier as the one I'm looking at tomorrow so that's reassuring.
Never had a Merc, I do most routine servicing and bits myself. Will look into your suggestions.
Any route you take, it seems that second hand prices are still stubbornly high for older cars doesn't it?
The 530ds you've linked are roughly in the same price tier as the one I'm looking at tomorrow so that's reassuring.
Never had a Merc, I do most routine servicing and bits myself. Will look into your suggestions.
Any route you take, it seems that second hand prices are still stubbornly high for older cars doesn't it?
Don't discount the Audi Q5, great car for around £10k. I know it's a dreaded suv but honestly for everyday driving I wouldn't go back to a hatchback!
Yes they are old and may not have as much tech but ours feels solid and is well made in comparison to newer suvs (t roc, Q3, Glc). 13 plate onwards have the music streaming via Bluetooth fyi.
Yes they are old and may not have as much tech but ours feels solid and is well made in comparison to newer suvs (t roc, Q3, Glc). 13 plate onwards have the music streaming via Bluetooth fyi.
joshcowin said:
Don't discount the Audi Q5, great car for around £10k. I know it's a dreaded suv but honestly for everyday driving I wouldn't go back to a hatchback!
Yes they are old and may not have as much tech but ours feels solid and is well made in comparison to newer suvs (t roc, Q3, Glc). 13 plate onwards have the music streaming via Bluetooth fyi.
Can't seem to find (m)any in the North East at that kind of money on AT. Quite a few high mileage Q7s but think that would fast turn into a money pit.Yes they are old and may not have as much tech but ours feels solid and is well made in comparison to newer suvs (t roc, Q3, Glc). 13 plate onwards have the music streaming via Bluetooth fyi.
Any thoughts on this A4? Shame it doesn't look to have xenon headlamps I just found my dream car... Search for yours https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202305187...
Bossworld said:
Can't seem to find (m)any in the North East at that kind of money on AT. Quite a few high mileage Q7s but think that would fast turn into a money pit.
Any thoughts on this A4? Shame it doesn't look to have xenon headlamps I just found my dream car... Search for yours https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202305187...
I am no expert, Mr G or Dr G in the Audi forums is your man, seems very knowledgable. Any thoughts on this A4? Shame it doesn't look to have xenon headlamps I just found my dream car... Search for yours https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202305187...
As for the Q5 seems no shortage of them, 10k gets you a 12plate or 13plate with sub100k miles, s line plus is worth looking for.
Guess you know if your going to buy these you need a decent maintenance budget, I've done £1k in maintenence (tyres, service, exterior paint, glow plugs & brakes) in just over 5000 miles. This seems to be the same with 10year old merc, audi and bmw's.
joshcowin said:
Bossworld said:
Can't seem to find (m)any in the North East at that kind of money on AT. Quite a few high mileage Q7s but think that would fast turn into a money pit.
Any thoughts on this A4? Shame it doesn't look to have xenon headlamps I just found my dream car... Search for yours https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202305187...
I am no expert, Mr G or Dr G in the Audi forums is your man, seems very knowledgable. Any thoughts on this A4? Shame it doesn't look to have xenon headlamps I just found my dream car... Search for yours https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202305187...
As for the Q5 seems no shortage of them, 10k gets you a 12plate or 13plate with sub100k miles, s line plus is worth looking for.
Guess you know if your going to buy these you need a decent maintenance budget, I've done £1k in maintenence (tyres, service, exterior paint, glow plugs & brakes) in just over 5000 miles. This seems to be the same with 10year old merc, audi and bmw's.
Edit: urghh the A4 is CVT rather than DSG.
Edited by Bossworld on Sunday 26th November 21:40
Went to see the 5 series GT. The roof blind is knackered (a lot of them are in fairness) but more concerning is that the iDrive is resetting every 2 minutes. Suggests either the CIC unit or hard drive is done for.
Curiously they mentioned a couple of wheels would need refurbing on my trade in, yet the BMW's wheels were notably worse and no mention of sorting them in any deal.
Have left my details and see what conclusions they come to on the fixes needed on the BMW.
Curiously they mentioned a couple of wheels would need refurbing on my trade in, yet the BMW's wheels were notably worse and no mention of sorting them in any deal.
Have left my details and see what conclusions they come to on the fixes needed on the BMW.
Bossworld said:
Thanks mate. I don't know much about Infiniti, is it a rebadged Nissan? Does that mean the autos are CVTs?
The 530ds you've linked are roughly in the same price tier as the one I'm looking at tomorrow so that's reassuring.
Never had a Merc, I do most routine servicing and bits myself. Will look into your suggestions.
Any route you take, it seems that second hand prices are still stubbornly high for older cars doesn't it?
Yep it's a posh Nissan, they use the same drivetrain as a C220cdi so a proper auto mated the nigh on bulletproof Mercedes 2.1d.The 530ds you've linked are roughly in the same price tier as the one I'm looking at tomorrow so that's reassuring.
Never had a Merc, I do most routine servicing and bits myself. Will look into your suggestions.
Any route you take, it seems that second hand prices are still stubbornly high for older cars doesn't it?
If you do servicing yourself you'll find them (not that I've ever done anything on mine) easy to work on.
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