Thinking of importing a MINI Cooper.
Thinking of importing a MINI Cooper from the UK. What are the main things to look out for, known MINI problems etc? The car will be in the region of 2005 to 2008 in age. Will there be much difference in the spec of an English car compaired to the Irish car?
Thanking you
Noel Eaves (Co Laois)Feb 2017 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi Noel,
You’ll need to check the turbo dump valve is working (irregular idle speed is the giveaway), listen for rattles that could be the cam belt tensioner and a knocking sound underneath that might be the exhaust working loose. The MINI needs a catalytic converter replacement at 115,000km so make sure that’s been done, and any vibration from the engine (up through the pedals and gear shift) could be a flywheel on the way out. Misfires or rough running usually means a coil pack needs replacing.
Clutches wear out easily, as do the wheel bearings (listen for rumbling noises), and the power steering pump can fail.
As for spec, UK cars are the same as Irish cars in basic spec, but a UK car is likely to have had more optional extras fitted.
Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Advisor@neilmbriscoe