Reddit mentions of MINI Cooper (R55, R56, R57) Service Manual: 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013

I've got an 08 MCS and I replaced the engine out of warranty. Aside from that I had the timing chain/tensioner, thermostat, and high pressure fuel pump all replaced under warranty. If I had to do it all over again I'd still buy my car in a heartbeat. Yes, my love for my car outweighs any and all problems I've had. I've had numerous amazing experiences in the 165,000 miles I've driven and I look forward to so many more.

If you can get a warranty with the purchase, do so, but I'd recommend looking at financing with your bank/credit union and also getting the warranty through them if possible. Just my personal experience that you're much better off doing that than getting financing or warranty at the dealer.

My biggest suggestion would be to see what the local MINI community is like. They can be your best resource to find out what shops do great work on MINIs (and will likely be cheaper than BMW pricing), and on top of that they make fantastic friends! Other than that, I'm thankful for the Bentley Service Manual (Amazon Link). I'm not incredibly mechanically inclined, but the manual has good detail and I'm enjoying doing my own work when I can!

Good luck and hope to see you back on here beaming with your new (to you) MINI!

Haynes seems to have dropped the ball on Minis, but there is a good Bentley Publishing manual available for the full run. This is the one I have :

https://www.amazon.com/MINI-Cooper-R55-Service-Manual/dp/0837617308/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1519153953&sr=8-1&keywords=9780837617305&dpID=51oyh90FgRL&preST=_SX218_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch