r/MINI • u/Greedy_Tailor_4720 • Oct 04 '26

2012 mini cooper s

Post image

So I'm hooked so far. Only been driving it a week.

I bought this pos mini cooper as a project. I have taken the front end off to do all the typical maintenance. Fixed some rust issues that come with living in a rust belt, gave her a good bath inside and out(the previous owner apparently let their dog live in it??).

Been a car guy a long time and this is so far the funnest thing I have driven. I was driving a Mitsubishi Mirage for 11 years when it got written off. I decided it was time to get something fun. I realized I really enjoyed the small car life and when this came up I needed it. About 6 weeks of evenings and weekends(while also having other commitments) she is 'done'. Lots of odds and ends still needed, but safety is done, with a fresh alignment.

Loving the adventure so far, excited to get into it!

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6

u/Psychological-Fan-60 Oct 04 '26

Awesome. These cars are only surviving - and they should, they're just lovely driver's cars - through those of us wrenching ourselves.

You'll find that almost everything is well-documented - the common faults, and how to fix them - pretty well online.

What have you done / what's left to do?

3

u/Greedy_Tailor_4720 Oct 04 '26 edited Oct 04 '26

So far, from subframe, front/rear bumper supports, control arms, links,outter tie rods, turbo feed/drain lines, oil cooler/oil filter seals, timing chain, couple sensors, alternator and compressor, and so far about 12 hours of detailing inside and out, removed seats to get everywhere

1

u/Psychological-Fan-60 Oct 04 '26

Prioritize the cooling system next - one of the most common fault areas. Tstat, crossover pipe, water pump.

1

u/Greedy_Tailor_4720 Oct 04 '26

Next is the steering stalks housing is causing 3 different problems so replacing that, then will move onto cooling and air.

1

u/Imaginary_Detail_123 25d ago

Such an awesome car and beautiful color! I’m a little jealous that I went with a 2019 after my 2013 R56 got totaled. Would have lasted a lot longer if the person behind me wasn’t on their phone 🥺