Minis

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MiniMpi
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Re: Minis

Post by MiniMpi »

Nice !!!
That would be some motor Anthony, V6 I assume ?
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Re: Minis

Post by atnits »

MiniMpi wrote: Wed Jul 03, 2019 5:13 am Nice !!!
That would be some motor Anthony, V6 I assume ?
Yeah, the "VR6". I've always been a fan of that VW engine. Expensive chain issues though, which is the only thing that puts me off.
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Re: Minis

Post by MiniMpi »

Yes lovely engine the VR6, shame about the chain issue.
Saying that the R53 is probably due a chain at this stage but not expensive to do, you replace the tensioner at the same time.
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Re: Minis

Post by atnits »

MiniMpi wrote: Wed Jul 03, 2019 12:53 pm
Saying that the R53 is probably due a chain at this stage but not expensive to do, you replace the tensioner at the same time.
Ah - how expensive, roughly, is a new chain etc on a Mini?!
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Re: Minis

Post by jtc »

Watched the ever entertaining Doug DeMuro earlier and thought of this thread....



Chicken tax :D
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Re: Minis

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atnits wrote:
MiniMpi wrote: Wed Jul 03, 2019 12:53 pm
Saying that the R53 is probably due a chain at this stage but not expensive to do, you replace the tensioner at the same time.
Ah - how expensive, roughly, is a new chain etc on a Mini?!
"MINI TIMING CHAIN TENSIONERS

Often referred to as the ‘Death Rattle’ the Mini timing chain tensioners can fail and cause the timing chains to stretch and become noisy.  It is a common issue on the R56 Mini Cooper S models from 2006 to 2010 and JCW models from 2008 to 2012 with the N14 engine.  It is slightly less common on the earlier R53 Cooper S models, but unusual for the other models to experience this issue.  This item is always checked on our sales cars, and service cars.

It is important to rectify this issue as soon as possible because the damage it can cause will only become more severe and costly.

Early Symptoms include:
Rattle from the engine, which is more prominent at cold start, in more severe conditions it can sound like a diesel engine.

If caught early enough this can be rectified with a new and revised timing chain tensioner, however if left too long it will require a new tensioner, timing chain and guides.  Norfolk Cars have fitted many timing chain swaps over the years, and have the necessary tools and experience to carry out this job efficiently.

Replace Timing Chain Tensioner only £96 inc VAT
Replace Timing Chain Tensioner, Chain, & Guides £550 inc VAT"

This is from an independent MINI specialist.

As I say, maybe not needed at all, just something to think about.
Nothing like as bad as the dreaded R56 chain saga though.

Also could be a lot cheaper elsewhere.
It's generally fixed with a new tensioner.
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Re: Minis

Post by atnits »

Many thanks for that info. Could be worse, then. And a great deal cheaper than the VR6 chain bombshell.
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Re: Minis

Post by MiniMpi »

Enquired about changing my MINI Convertible today, possibly for a nice two year old Clubman in stock at my dealers.

Sadly the cost to change is crippling so it's a non runner.

Not the end of the world for sure as I love my Convertible, my only concern was the mileage I'm putting on it.

At least I know where I stand and I can focus on getting it serviced by my independent MINI specialist and look forward to driving it on a trip to the Peak District in May and a possibility of a road trip to France in September.
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Re: Minis

Post by Thegreyman »

One point of view Ferg is that the longer you keep your convertible, the depreciation curve will flatten out and it'll lose less money per annum. So as long as it is still running well, and you are still enjoying driving it (which you say you are) just keep it for the foreseeable.
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Re: Minis

Post by MiniMpi »

Quite true Patrick ;)

The mileage is the thing though, no one expects high miles on a Convertible as they are generally a second or third car.
I have nearly 90,000 km's on my 2016 now.

But as you said, it's running fine and I over service it, ie: half the main dealer intervals do it's running sweet.
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Re: Minis

Post by Bahnstormer_vRS »

Another thought is that if you wait until the Spring, you may well get a better p/x price on your convertible.

Talking with your dealer, in the middle of Winter, he may well be factoring in needing to hold it as stock for 3-4 months.

Just a thought.

Guy

PS> Patrick is correct about the depreciation curve flattening out over the next few years.

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Re: Minis

Post by Bahnstormer_vRS »

Blimey, that is high mileage (or should that be kilometreage?) for any car; let alone a convertible!

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Re: Minis

Post by MiniMpi »

Yes about 56,000 miles so a bit indeed.
Mainly work commute.

I have till July 2021 for the remaining PCP then just to pay the remainder.
Hopefully balance out reasonable enough.

Anyway as I said, I love the car so it's just focused my mind to look after and enjoy it for now.

Thanks gents for the nice and wise words as always.
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Re: Minis

Post by PaulJS »

56k on a car that is nearly 4 years old doesn't seem that bad to me - the funny thing that I have found with dealers is that when they are selling 'average' mileage is 12k / year but when you want to trade in then it is suddenly 10k per year!

We sold our Cooper convertible with 89k on the clock privately for a decent price with no trouble - it was in fantastic condition and that's what sold it as the buyer said they had looked at lots of lower mileage cars that were cosmetically trashed.

Plus, personally I would rather buy a well serviced & cared for car that has a higher mileage and has therefore spent most of its life up to temperature and relatively unstressed. Cars that have done 10 miles a day and serviced 'by the book' will likely have far more engine wear as well as everything else suffering from never getting fully up to temp and / or not getting fully dried out for months at a time ( although I appreciate the latter,may not apply in the arrid Irish climate :D).

Anyway, once the sun comes out you will be pleased you hung on to the convertible - we really miss ours.

Cheers,

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Re: Minis

Post by MiniMpi »

Many Thanks Paul.!!

Yes I can't wait for some nice weather later in the year even though I've already had the top down this month !