The very first MINI Cooper was created in Britain in 1959, and even over 60 years later it remains one of the most popular and instantly recognizable cars on roads all over the world.
Owned by BMW, MINI Coopers are small economy cars known for their unique style and high speeds. Though they are a lot of fun to drive and tend to hold their value well, they do still come with some common problems.
Read on to discover five MINI Cooper problems that you should know about before you buy.
1. Clutch Failure
Though many car repairs end up being expensive jobs, clutch failure is one of the more serious problems, requiring significant repairs. Unfortunately, MINI Coopers often suffer from premature clutch failure, even at low mileage.
If you do a lot of driving in heavy traffic with constant stops and starts, you will be wearing your clutch down. If you are having gear shifting issues, can smell burning when driving, or the clutch pedal feels different, get your car checked over as soon as possible.
2. Water Pump Leak
Water pump and thermostat housing leaks are some of the most common MINI Cooper issues. Luckily, there are some early warning signs you can look out for.
If your MINI Cooper starts making a high-pitched whining noise, you should have it checked out by an auto repair service. Likewise, if you notice steam coming from your motor or the engine temperature gauge running hot, it means your water pump may be malfunctioning.
As a general rule of thumb, your water pump will need replacing after 50,000 miles. Replacing it as a preventative measure before a leak appears will save you a lot of time and money further down the road.
3. Loose Timing Chain
MINI Cooper cars are known for having timing chains that often loosen prematurely. This is an easy problem to spot, as you will start hearing a rattling noise upon starting up your engine.
If you hear this noise, do not ignore it. The problem is usually caused by low oil levels or infrequent oil changes, and can be expensive to repair if left unaddressed for too long.
You should have your oil changed either every six months or every 5000 miles driven, whichever comes first.
4. Power Steering Pump Failure
Power steering pump failure can occur if the car’s levels of power steering fluid are low or if the electric cooling fan has failed. This problem is common in early generation MINI Coopers, with the pump failing without much prior warning.
If the steering starts to feel more rigid and it is harder to turn the wheel, you likely need a new power steering pump. Make sure you take your MINI to a mechanic as soon as you can.
5. Front Radiator Damage
The front radiator support holds the condenser assembly and cooling fan as well as the radiator itself. The problem is that because it is made from plastic and hangs down low under the front of the car, it is very easily damaged.
Parking on a high curb or even making hard impact on a low curb can cause scrape the support and potentially cause a lot of damage.
Common Mini Cooper Problems to Look Out For
Every vehicle has its own individual quirks and faults. Don’t let these MINI Cooper problems put you off buying what is an all-round great car. Just make sure to be aware of them so you can spot and fix warning signs early.
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