A Mini Cooper S of the so-called R56 generation that ran from 2007 to 2013 makes a great hot hatch buy. It’s powered by the BMW/Peugeot-developed Prince engine – a 1.6 turbo with an overboost function. 

The bad news is that cars up to 2010 were powered by a version of the engine codenamed N14, which used BMW’s infinitely variable single Vanos valve timing. It wasn’t the most reliable thing, so in 2010 it was replaced with a better version, the N18, which featured a double Vanos system and produced more power. It also had lots of mechanical upgrades. If you’re unsure which is which, the N18 has a large plastic engine cover. At the same time the clutch was improved, although it’s still fragile. 

And then a few months later the model was facelifted, receiving restyled bumpers, a revised interior, LED tail-lights with pulsating brake lights and additional air intakes. Finally, in 2011 the engine gained the revised timing tensioner it had been crying out for since day one (it had a nasty habit of throwing its chain). 

We found a 2013/63-reg Cooper S Sport Chili with 69,000 miles for £6990. The car has a full BMW service history, it’s had two owners from new and is described as being in excellent condition. 

Oil leaks were a problem with older cars but shouldn’t be an issue at this age. Given the BMW history, neither should the cooling system, which can develop cracks in the plastic coolant thermostat housing. We’d check if the water pump was replaced at 50,000 miles and the condition of the radiator lower support bracket. On the test drive we’d feel for a worn clutch – they can go from as low as 20,000 miles.