2008 Mini Cooper S Reviews Pros and Cons

David has had a diverseness of life experiences, which he loves to share with his readers.

A highly customized MINI Countryman in the exhibit of a dealership.

David Livermore

What Is a MINI?

So what is a MINI? It'southward basically a minor economy car that is known for its speed, extreme globe-trotting, and unique look. There have been various types of MINI cars over the last several decades, but their popularity has surged because of their availability almost all over the world, their unique look, and their race machine-like quality.

MINI, which is owned by BMW, is recognized at making some of the most popular small cars. While the Cooper is the most recognized model, in that location are other cars from MINI to choose from.

I take owned a MINI Cooper for iv years. I thoroughly researched the brand before ownership it, and I did not desire to write an article until I felt experienced and knowledgeable about what the vehicle had to offering. This article volition cover my feel owning this car. I will go over its pros and cons also every bit go over the current models offered by MINI.

This MINI has options added after information technology was purchased from the dealership.

David Livermore

The Pros of Buying a MINI

I'll start with the positives as to why you should own a MINI brand vehicle.

• Fun to drive. The principal reason I wanted a MINI was considering they looked and then fun to drive. Once I got backside the wheel, I knew it was a skillful choice. They can quickly get fast, make turns without a trouble, and can practically park anywhere. A don't actually care to drive, only when I do, I want it to be in a fun car. You tin can run across how maneuverable they are in The Italian Task. Of all of the vehicles I have owned, the MINI has been the most fun.
• Customization. When I was beginning shopping around for a MINI, I went to their website to play with the diverse options I could have on the car. A cool thing about this auto is that yous can customize information technology almost anyhow yous desire. Not but does the MINI stand out among other cars, you can make your own MINI stand out amongst identical models.
• Relatively affordable. If you lot cull not to get any options, this tin exist a very affordable car to buy. Granted, having some of the neater options are overnice, they are not required.
• Surprisingly spacious cabin: Despite their small size, these cars were designed to have spacious interiors, particularly in the front seats. These cars can comfortably fit tall drivers.
• Easy to park: The small-scale size of these vehicles make them easier to park in cramped spaces. This is something to keep in mind if yous live in a city where parking is a problem.
• Less frequent maintenance. A MINI doesn't need an oil change or regular maintenance done every few months similar other cars. Instead, you tin can go two years before having the car checked out. With the standard 3-year warranty, you lot can accept it to a MINI dealership for its first maintenance. However, I like to get my oil changed sooner somewhere else just and then it can have clean oil.
• Keen gas mileage. Even though these cars utilise premium gas, information technology does offer decent gas mileage. I just have to fill up my tank once a month, and that is driving to and from work likewise as other places around boondocks. I can practice about six to 7 hours of solid freeway driving before needing a fill up-upwards.
• High resale value. A MINI brand motorcar has a pretty good resale value, assuming the motorcar is in great shape and has no problems with it. If and when you decide to get rid of your car, yous will earn more back than what yous would with other vehicles. I tend to change cars every five years, and while I may non with my MINI, having a high merchandise-in value is definitely a bonus.

Example of 1 of the older MINI models, which isn't for auction, but is dainty to look at.

David Livermore

How Much Is a Mini Cooper?

Here are the starting MSRPs of the 2022 models of MINI Coopers, too as the prices for the various other models offered by the brand. Continue in mind that these prices will increase with the improver of various options.

MINI Hardtop 2 Door

• Cooper: $22,400
• Cooper S: $26,400
• Cooper SE: $29,900
• John Cooper Works: $32,400

MINI Hardtop iv Door

• Cooper: $23,400
• Cooper S: $27,900

MINI Cooper Clubman

• Cooper Due south: $29,900
• Cooper South ALL4: $32,900
• John Cooper Works ALL4: $39,500

MINI Cooper Countryman

• Cooper: $29,100
• Cooper ALL4: $31,100
• Cooper S: $31,900
• Cooper S ALL4: $33,900
• Cooper Countryman SE ALL4: $41,500
• John Cooper Works ALL4: $41,500

MINI Convertible

• Cooper: $27,400
• Cooper Due south: $31,400
• John Cooper Works: $38,400

Some of the drawbacks of MINIs are that there isn't much leg room or trunk infinite.

David Livermore

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The Cons of Buying a MINI

Unfortunately, there are cons to buying and owning a MINI as well, some of which I take experienced personally.

• MINI knows y'all desire i. When people shop around for a car, they tin can bounciness from dealership to dealership without really expressing they want a particular type of automobile. Unfortunately, when shopping for a MINI, most dealers will know that you want ane of those in particular. If you express yous drove a long manner, loved them for years, etc., and then they can turn that against you lot.
• Can be expensive. If you want to go multiple options, then the price of this car can skyrocket. With all of the options I wanted, the price of my vehicle jumped past over xxx%! Granted, it was worth it, just information technology fabricated information technology the most expensive car I have ever owned. So be prepared to spend a lot of money if you desire diverse options to make your car unique.
• Dealerships aren't everywhere. In my case, the closest dealership is about an hr and a half away. It is certainly a hurting to bulldoze to. I am lucky that I have one that shut. Other people may have to travel hours to get to a MINI dealership. If y'all practice buy a automobile, then ensure that you learn about your warranty. The flatbed service they offering to pickup your MINI is only for a limited area, and even getting a rental while your motorcar is existence repaired can be express in how far you tin drive it.
• Repairs can be expensive. One time your car is out of warranty, all repairs volition need to exist covered by you. There are extended warranty options, but those are expensive too. Despite MINI brand cars condign more common, the repairs can exist very expensive. So if you purchase one, exist prepared for that if your car starts to have issues.
• It's a small car. I went from a sports machine to a MINI, which to me was a big leap in size. A lot of people complain that these cars have very little storage space. It's not meant to exist a family car, information technology'southward meant to exist a fun car that can barely fit four people. Folks in the back seat volition certainly feel cramped. I can hold a lot in my car, information technology just requires a bit of effort. However, the more than expensive models have more space.
• Uses the most expensive fuel. Despite the decent fuel economy, the MINI does require premium fuel. You tin can use the cheaper types of gas, simply it won't be great for your vehicle, and information technology will require more fill-ups, so it'due south strongly discouraged that you practice that.
• Non-MINI dealerships won't do a practiced job servicing your vehicle. I took my automobile in to a local repair shop to deal with a couple small issues, as well as go an oil alter. They couldn't fix the bug I had with my car, and missed a very disquisitional issue that my dealership found months later. So don't rely on a non-MINI dealership/repair shop to have good car of your vehicle.

Secret Compartment in the MINI Cooper

Common MINI Cooper Problems

The MINI Cooper is a fairly reliable vehicle, just it does have its share of common issues. Here are some that tin can be frequently seen.

• Clutch Failure: This was a adequately mutual problem with first and 2nd generation MINI Coopers. The usual cause was hard driving, and it could occur as early on as under twenty,000 miles.
• Transmission Failure: The first generation vehicles were notorious for an automatic transmission that would routinely fail. A lawsuit actually forced BMW to offer a warranty specifically for the transmission. The coverage was for eight years or 150,000 miles, whichever came outset.
• H2o Pump and Thermostat Housing Leak: The water pump leaking on the first two generations of MINIs was a fairly common occurrence. They often had to exist replaced at over l,000 miles. The thermostat housing in the second generation models were fabricated of plastic. This would naturally break down over time.
• Radiator Back up Problems: The radiator support is made of plastic and is located in a depression spot on the front of the car. It is very delicate and can exist damaged past hitting a low curb when parking.
• Electric Power Steering Pump Bug: The electric power steering pumps were decumbent to failure, enough and then that BMW ordered a recall. The main crusade of the effect was either depression ability steering fluid or the malfunction of the electric cooling fan.

My Mini Cooper S, which I take owned for 4 years.

David Livermore

My Personal Experience Buying a MINI

I'd like to offer some of my ain feel ownership a MINI, only to give you a taste of what I had to go through.

I had wanted this car for years. I did a lot of enquiry before deciding to purchase one. I actually had to become to 3 dealerships earlier I finally purchased my automobile. I will encompass each feel with each dealership.

• Dealership #1 - I was on holiday 1 week and decided to make the two-hr drive to examination drive a MINI. I arrived at the dealership and felt like I was more of a pain since I wasn't buying at that time. I was given a short test bulldoze and was sent on my way. That thoroughly discouraged me and I stopped looking for awhile.
• Dealership #2 - I decided I would buy a MINI, despite my negative experience, simply it took months for me to get to that signal. I made an appointment with this dealership to exam drive a vehicle. When I arrived, I was brash there were no automatics to test drive, as they were all still "wrapped up." They had a lot full of cars, simply none of them were automatics. The salesman had the gall to state I could still make a down payment on a auto, fifty-fifty though I hadn't exam driven the ane I wanted yet. I walked out every bit I was very upset.
• Dealership #iii - Fifty-fifty though I was upset, I was close to another dealership. I fabricated the short bulldoze to that one. The salesman was very nice; I was able to find the motorcar I wanted, and I purchased it that 24-hour interval. It was a great experience, it was just a shame that it took three attempts to find a good dealership.

So at present I owned a MINI. I had a couple minor issues with it. It was zippo too bad and nothing that warranted taking it back to the dealership. I did accept information technology in to a local place later on a couple years to take the oil changed and to look at a pocket-size issue. Unfortunately, they couldn't fix it.

I recently took it in to my dealership to get total maintenance done on it, as well as have some issues looked at. Unfortunately, information technology was going to take more than than a twenty-four hours, and so I was given a rental and would take to become back the next 24-hour interval. By the time I arrived the next 24-hour interval, it still wasn't washed. I basically wasted ii days on getting the automobile maintained, but information technology was worth it.

There was an oil leak, which is plain mutual in MINIs, but for any reason they don't tell people that or do a recall. Had it been ignored, peculiarly since the local repair shop didn't find it, it would have crippled the vehicle. There were some recalls as well, but for whatever reason, I was never notified.

Despite all of that, I was pleased with the service. They talked to me throughout the procedure, and for the first time ever, I was taken back to my vehicle where the mechanic explained some of the repairs to me. Fifty-fifty the mechanic was friendly. Then despite the issues I had having to take two days off work to go this done, I was happy overall with the feel.

I love my MINI, information technology's the best car I have owned. I am concerned well-nigh any time to come repair costs, but I think if you take care of your car and have a Mini dealership look at information technology directly, and then at that place shouldn't exist many issues. I recommend this car for anyone who wants something fun and exciting to drive.

*UPDATE #1*

I eventually traded in my MINI. Once the warranty expired, I didn't feel comfortable owning it since I did not have a local dealership close past to service the vehicle. I practise miss the vehicle and will probably selection one up once again if a dealership ends up in the same city I live in.

*UPDATE #2*

Nonetheless no MINI dealership in my area, simply I know I even so want another MINI in my lifetime. I still take concerns near reliability, so I need a dealership close past if I ever were to consider one again.

Frequently Asked Questions About MINI Coopers

Here are some common questions that people frequently ask about these cars.

Are MINI Coopers Reliable?

The reliability of these vehicles is slightly checkered. This mostly relates to the mutual issues that older models had. These problems were typically related to the transmission and front radiator back up. The more recent models of this car have seen redesigns that accept stock-still these major bug.

Why Is the MINI so Expensive?

The loftier-end build and blueprint of these cars hateful that they are a flake more expensive than other small cars on the marketplace. These cars were congenital to perform, and you volition feel that in how they handle. You also have to consider the fact that these cars are made in Europe, so these are imported vehicles. Some models are more affordable than others, merely what will really drive the toll up is the addition of options.

Is MINI a Luxury Automobile?

While the MINI may not be up there with Rolls-Royce or Mercedes-Benz, information technology can be seen as a luxury car that is within a more modest cost range. These cars accept designer looks and feature powerful engines. Some of the nicer options bachelor for MINIs include panorama roofs, automated climate command, and heated seats.

Are MINIs Condom to Drive?

Small cars have a reputation of non being sturdy in a collision. The MINI Cooper, through testing from the Insurance Found of Highway Prophylactic, has been proven to offer great protection in front and side collisions.

Are MINIs Good Kickoff Cars?

Information technology would exist pretty crawly to say your get-go auto was a MINI. These are substantially luxury cars that volition get attention. The major consequence to keep in listen is cost. Some people may be hesitant to give a loftier-end car to a commencement-fourth dimension commuter. The cost of maintenance can be pricey, and these cars require premium fuel. The chances of a young commuter existence able to beget this vehicle is pretty slim. If y'all are considering older models, y'all have to keep the reliability issues in listen.

Does MINI Make a Hybrid?

Yes, a model of the Countryman does come as a hybrid. You lot should look into that model if you are looking to reduce your carbon footprint.

What year MINIs should I avoid?

You should probably avoid models from the first and 2nd generation of MINIs. These range from the years 2000 to 2012. As noted above, these models had frequent bug with the transmission, power steering, and h2o pump leaking. The third generation of MINIs, introduced in 2013, have made revisions that fixed these problems.

Even so Want a MINI?

Dandy MINI Video

The Vehicle Models Offered by MINI

These are the models that have been offered by MINI.

• Cooper - This is the hardtop MINI, and it's the nearly recognized model. It's considered the bones, and cheapest, model. This is the model that started the craze for the brand.
• Clubman - This is basically a longer version of the Cooper, allowing for more than legroom. It has a different method to open the trunk. If you want more space, this is the way to go.
• Convertible - If you live in a overnice place, then the convertible version is the way to go. The meridian goes down nicely, and it seems to be a popular model among celebrities.
• Countryman - This could exist considered an SUV. This is the first model to have doors for the forepart and backseat passengers. It tin besides have four-wheel bulldoze.
• Coupe - This is the fastest of the models. Unlike the other models, this one has quite a distinct look. Expect this one to be a tight fit. This model was discontinued in 2015.
• Roadster - This is basically the convertible version of the Coupe. This model was discontinued aslope the Coupe.
• Paceman - Another cross-model, this is the two-door version of the Countryman. Production for this model ended in 2016.
• John Cooper Works - You lot can choose to upgrade to the John Coopers Works edition of most of the MINI models, just it comes with a high price tag. If you desire the best engine, you tin go with this.

Alternatives to the MINI Cooper

If the MINI isn't quite what you lot are looking for, you should consider these cars for your next purchase.

• Honda Civic: This compact car is a bit more on the affordable side, although yous can add some nice options if y'all have extra spending money. In that location are likewise performance models that offer more horsepower.
• Kia Soul: This auto has a similar size and advent to the MINI. It has a spacious interior and carries a upkeep price. It's non as fast as a MINI, but its performance is non bad considering the cost.
• Mazda MX-5 Miata: This sports car makes up for its lack of space with a stylish await. It doesn't really offer anything special, but it drives very well for its affordable price.
• Volkwagen Golf game: This is a compact hatchback that offers stellar handling with its turbocharged engine. There is a pricier functioning model that offers more horsepower.
• Honda Fit: This subcompact car offers a roomy interior that is similar to the MINI. Information technology is likewise very like shooting fish in a barrel to park this vehicle in a crowded city. While it may not await as sophisticated every bit the MINI, information technology is hard to beat out the low price on this one.
• BMW X1: This subcompact SUV is pricier than a MINI, but you volition get a spacier interior for passengers and cargo. It features sharp handling and should be considered if you lot have a bit more than to spend.

Who Owns MINI?

The MINI make is currently endemic by BMW; they have owned the brand since 2000. MINI was originally introduced by the British Motor Corporation in 1959. They were initially marketed under the Austin and Morris line of cars before they eventually became their own make in 1969.

What Model MINI do Yous Want?

MINI Cooper S

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author'due south knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional person.

Questions & Answers

Question: Is it worth it to buy a second-manus MINI rather than new?

Answer: That's hard to say. I know one person who has a MINI that has lasted for a long time, while mine was having remember bug. It depends on the price. Go a report on the vehicle as well.

Question: How does a mini handle in the snow?

Answer: Deep snow may cause an issue because of the low clearance. There is also a business concern nearly those tough up hills.

However, it will greatly depend on your choice of tires. If you live or programme to go someplace snowy, finding tires good for that will be your best bet.

Since they are great at turning, y'all'll want to be careful y'all don't turn yourself into a spin either.

Question: Could I bring a Mini to a BMW dealership for maintenance and repairs?

Reply: Phone call a BMW dealership upwards and check if they will service a MINI. My local BMW dealership could not service my MINI. Even if they say they volition verify that they will take your warranty just in case it's a warranty issue. Just because they can service it, doesn't mean they will accept the warranty.

Question: And then what kind of motorcar did you lot get after y'all were done with your Mini?

Respond: A Nissan Juke, which was a complete error. Information technology broke down within two years, the dealership treated me poorly, and the car lacked the power I wanted. So I switched to a Chevy Camaro afterward that, which I have to do this day. It'due south a 2018, and is a cracking car. Dealership has treated me well, the car runs like a dream, etc. I beloved information technology.

Question: I recently thought almost getting a new auto and started looking. I care about how pretty it is, gas mileage, repair costs, and prefer two doors. I fell in dearest with a 2010 Mayfair MINI being sold past a private seller. Does it sound like the car for me?

Answer: That'south a x twelvemonth old car, then yous are buying a used car that could terminate up having a lot of problems, just like other used cars accept. If it'due south in your price range, and so yous could go for it. Simply do you have a place that could repair it locally? Practise you know what repairs had to be washed? Does information technology take high mileage?

I'd recommend a new MINI, and only if y'all have a local dealership that could service it.

Question: Does the Mini Countryman model come with a sunroof/moonroof?

Answer: Yup!

Question: I honey a good hot hatch, had a GT PT, and a GTI, currently looking at AWD options lime an A3 and a 4 door clubman 2010 and newer. Curious if any of these have the major engine problems. I've heard horror stories with previous models?

Answer: My Mini never had a breakdown, but in that location was a recall for some issue in the engine that would eventually take had a broken-down engine. Information technology was defenseless and fixed, only I was never notified of the retrieve until I went in for a dissimilar upshot.

It's hitting or miss. Mine had problems but knew someone who had a model a few years older than mine who had no issues at all. It'due south a gamble with Minis.

Question: How important is the AWD vs the FWD?

Answer: I really don't know, deplorable. I just purchased a MINI for the look and feel, I don't know much almost AWD or FWD.

Question: Practice yous know if the 2018/19 Cooper burns oil as fast every bit the older models? I've seen reports that the older models demand oil every two,000 mi. I don't run into whatever reference to 2018 or 2019.

Answer: No thought, as I didn't get that much mileage on my vehicle due to my depression commute and other driving. That being said, I didn't go more than vi months without an oil modify.

Question: I'yard on the fence with the MINI as well equally the VW or any other German car because of reliability issues and maintenance costs. Are German cars, merely made in United mexican states for the U.Due south. marketplace equally reliable as the Asian brands overall?

Respond: I really don't know how to answer that. I've only owned six or then cars, and they all had issues eventually. I will say the recalls on my MINI were severe, and if I didn't address them, the car may accept broken down at i signal.

Question: What type of gas should I use in my Mini?

Reply: Consult the possessor'southward transmission, but I believe I used premium gas in the vehicle as information technology was required. The cost deviation isn't that bad and information technology is good for the engine.

Question: What year was your Mini?

Answer: 2009 or 2010, I don't call back since I don't own it anymore, but it was around that time-frame. I traded information technology in after about five years due to the warranty running out and not having a local dealership to service it.

Question: Do Mini Coopers have backup cameras?

Answer: Starting around the 2018 model, yeah, they exercise have a backup camera. However, there are aftermarket options you lot can go as well depending on the model y'all take.

Question: Any problems with a 2001 MINI Copper S?

Answer: All cars eventually have problems, and considering it's most 20 years old, I'm sure there accept been some problems reported that you could find nearly elsewhere online. If you are buying used, y'all may want to go with a newer model, unless that one has something you lot like virtually it.

Question: I'k on the fence nearly ownership a Mini, don't get me incorrect a Mini Cooper is my dream car only the but matter holding me back is the fact that I'm scared virtually the issues that regularly occur with them. Is it worth the risk?

Answer: I felt it was at the time because I enjoyed the look of the automobile, driving information technology, etc. It was a great car. I only traded it in when the warranty expired and I had to drive an hour out of town to go it serviced at a dealership. If you lot have a dealership in your metropolis that can service it, and then I think it would exist worth the risk. Besides, mine didn't outwardly take problems with it, it just had some recalls that needed to be resolved. Had information technology broken downwardly due to those recalls though, I wouldn't take had it stock-still so easily because of the distance to my dealership.

Question: How is the reliability of the convertible model?

Answer: Probably the same as the other models, equally I believe they all use similar parts for the engine and other systems. The simply difference is the machinery for the convertible model, and I don't know much about that. They are really pretty rare, as most MINIs I see are not the convertible model.

Question: Would a Mini Cooper be good for a first motorcar?

Answer: If you have a solid warranty and a local dealership who can service the machine, yes, I think so. Again, it'southward the ringlet of the dice. Mine had bug, but others haven't had issues, so I can't say either manner.

I practice know if at that place was a local dealership in my urban center, I'd be more inclined to get one again and so information technology could be serviced locally.

© 2014 David Livermore

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Source: https://axleaddict.com/cars/The-Pros-and-Cons-to-Owning-a-Mini-Cooper

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