2007 Mini Cooper
The 2007 Mini Cooper is a fun and stylish subcompact car known for its nimble handling and distinctive design. Engine options included a 1.6L inline-4 naturally aspirated engine producing 118 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque, and a supercharged version of the same engine in the Cooper S producing 172 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. Both were available with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the car’s engaging driving experience and unique styling, but common complaints include reliability issues and relatively high maintenance costs.
Engine
1.6L Naturally Aspirated Inline-4
- Oil Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks are common from various locations, including the valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and crankshaft seals. Symptoms include visible oil leaks, low oil levels, and the smell of burning oil.
- Solution: Replacing the leaking gasket or seal.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+ depending on the location of the leak and labor costs.
- Recalls: None Found
- Coolant Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, often from the thermostat housing or water pump. Symptoms include low coolant levels, overheating, and visible coolant leaks.
- Solution: Replacing the faulty component (thermostat housing or water pump).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ depending on the component and labor costs.
- Recalls: None Found
- Timing Chain Issues
- Description/Symptoms: The timing chain tensioner can fail, leading to a loose timing chain. This can cause rough running, misfires, and potentially engine damage if not addressed.
- Solution: Replacing the timing chain, tensioner, and guides.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
- Recalls: None Found
1.6L Supercharged Inline-4 (Cooper S)
- Supercharger Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The supercharger can fail due to wear and tear or lack of maintenance. Symptoms include a loss of power, unusual noises from the engine, and potentially a check engine light.
- Solution: Replacing or rebuilding the supercharger.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+ depending on whether the supercharger is replaced or rebuilt.
- Recalls: None Found
- Oil Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Similar to the naturally aspirated engine, oil leaks are common from various locations, including the valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and crankshaft seals. Symptoms include visible oil leaks, low oil levels, and the smell of burning oil.
- Solution: Replacing the leaking gasket or seal.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+ depending on the location of the leak and labor costs.
- Recalls: None Found
- Coolant Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, often from the thermostat housing or water pump. Symptoms include low coolant levels, overheating, and visible coolant leaks.
- Solution: Replacing the faulty component (thermostat housing or water pump).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ depending on the component and labor costs.
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
Aisin 6-Speed Automatic Transmission
- Valve Body Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Problems with the valve body can lead to harsh shifting, slipping, or failure to shift.
- Solution: Replacing or rebuilding the valve body.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Control Arm Bushing Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The control arm bushings, especially the front ones, are prone to wear and tear. Symptoms include clunking noises from the front suspension, especially over bumps, and vague steering.
- Solution: Replacing the control arm bushings.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ depending on labor costs.
- Recalls: None Found
- Strut Mount Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The strut mounts can wear out, leading to noise and diminished ride quality. Symptoms include popping or creaking noises when turning the steering wheel, especially at low speeds.
- Solution: Replacing the strut mounts.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300-$600+
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Power Window Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Power windows may fail to operate correctly. This can include windows getting stuck up or down.
- Solution: Replacing the window motor or regulator
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
- Recalls: None Found
- Sensor Failures
- Description/Symptoms: Various sensors, such as oxygen sensors and crankshaft position sensors, can fail, leading to check engine lights and poor engine performance.
- Solution: Replacing the faulty sensor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+ per sensor.
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Rust
- Description/Symptoms: Rust is common, especially in areas with road salt. Areas affected can include the hatch around the license plate light.
- Solution: Sanding and treating surface rust and replacing entire body panels with severe rust.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $2,000+ depending on the extent of the rust.
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Dashboard/Trim Rattles
- Description/Symptoms: Numerous rattles from the dashboard and interior trim panels can occur due to age and wear.
- Solution: Adding felt or foam to the contact points between panels to dampen the vibrations.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 - $100 (DIY) or $100 - $300+ (professional).
- Recalls: None Found
- Sunroof Issues
- Description/Symptoms: The sunroof may fail to open or close correctly, or may leak.
- Solution: Repairing or replacing the sunroof motor, mechanism, or seals.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ depending on the issue.
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2007 Mini Cooper, while enjoyable to drive, suffers from a number of reliability issues, particularly with the engine (oil leaks, supercharger issues on the S model), transmission, and electrical system. Suspension components also tend to wear out. The cost of repairs can range from a few hundred dollars for minor issues to several thousand for more significant problems like engine or transmission work. Potential buyers should be aware of these potential expenses when considering a used 2007 Mini Cooper.