The Mini Paceman became available in 2013 and in 2016 the British marque halted production of the three-door model. The Paceman model range no longer features in Mini's current product line-up and, as a result, if you would like to own a Paceman, you will have to purchase a used model.
Related: Find used Mini Paceman models on AutoTrader here
Mini Paceman
The Mini Paceman is quite a unique model. While it offers practicality in its raised ride height and decent cabin space, it is a three-door vehicle. This makes it less desirable for customers who need to load infants into children's seats or regularly have passengers who need to occupy the rear.
It is not that there isn't enough space, just the accessibility requires more effort than a model like the Countryman. The model also offers a variety of powertrains, each with its own use case. At the entry point, the Paceman has a 1.6-litre, naturally aspirated petrol motor developing 90 kW and 160 Nm of torque.
The higher tier Cooper S and John Cooper Works variants provide a 1.6-litre, twin-scroll, turbocharged petrol motor. In the Cooper S, this engine produces 140 kW and 240 Nm of torque, while owners can expect 160 kW and 280 Nm of torque in the John Cooper Works.
Reliability
Due to the Paceman being a low-volume model, finding an accurate consumer reliability survey for the exact type is nearly impossible. However, one can expect it to offer similar reliability to the contemporary Countryman models, as many of the underpinnings, drivetrains, and powertrains are related.
In a J.D. Power survey on the 2015 model-year MINI Cooper Countryman, consumers rated the model's reliability 81 out of 100. This high rating means that vehicle owners experienced few defects or malfunctions relating to the entire vehicle, from the engine to the infotainment system.
Things to look out for before buying
According to feedback from owners of the MINI Paceman, the model offers good mechanical reliability. However, there are a few items to look out for before purchasing. One such item is the clutch, which is, in some cases, worn quite quickly. MINI service centres, however, discovered that the problem wasn't always the clutch itself but rather the clutch failure warning sensor that wasn't calibrated correctly.
Mini technicians often test the vehicle under hard acceleration to detect any clutch slippage before diagnosing the problem. If the clutch does indeed slip, the vehicle will require a clutch replacement. However, if it does not slip, the technicians will often recalibrate the clutch sensor to resolve the issue.
Considering a Mini Paceman, it is important to check the maintenance history and note if the vehicle has had an oil replacement with each service. Also, pull the dipstick and inspect the oil to see if it is still in good condition. This is an important factor as the engine oil also lubricates the variable valve timing system via very fine oilways. Old oil could easily clog these cavities, which could cause larger and more expensive problems down the line.
Verdict
The Mini Paceman should offer good reliability, even as a used vehicle, based on the information available. This, of course, relies heavily on the maintenance history and overall condition of the particular model being considered. Thus, if a customer finds a clean and well-maintained model, it should make for a good used car, provided it fits their lifestyle.
