2008 MINI Cooper Consumer Reviews

Wild Maus (mouse)

Written by: JimH on 06/29/2009

Vehicle

2008 MINI Cooper 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6M)

Review

This is my second burgundy Mini. My first was a 1967 that I brought back from Europe. Both cars were/are go- carts. The '67 cornered better, but was underpowered. The '08 has the power but it overpowers the steering. No complaints, mine you! Lord, what a fun car to drive. By the way, the title refers to a carnival ride, "The Wild Maus." It would snap your head off your shoulders, if you weren't careful. Read the complaints: Bumpy ride: It is a sports car - dodge them. Limited space: drop the back seats and think again. Odd radio controls: It has a radio? - who knew! I love to hear it purr!

Favorite Features

Third Gear: The exhaust resonance is perfect, you are going 50+ and you know that you have three more gears. Drop Down Seats: The thing becomes a mini stationwagon. 3 suitcases, boogie boards and a cooler- or a weeks load of groceries.

Suggested Improvements

More dealerships is all I can think of. I do have some electronic bugs with auto up windows and the passenger airbag light - but my first visit to the dealer will handle those, I hope.

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45,000 and still going!

Written by: Sean Michael on 06/21/2009

Vehicle

2008 MINI Cooper 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6M)

Review

OMFG THIS THING IS A BLAST!!! From the very get go I fell in love with a car my wife had suggested when I thought of getting a bug... I'm glad I went with the Mini. First of all I commute 184 Miles a day up and down from the mountains. Phx to Payson AZ of an elevation change of over 5000 ft. I needed something reliable and could handle the road and elements. This little car has sold me for LIFE! I love the Tech with the Sports handling. If you're thinking of buying your wasting precious time you could be driving. =)

Favorite Features

Handling, Mileage (40.2), technologies (mp3 and bluetooth), The shear sexayness!

Suggested Improvements

If they could make the mp3 interface more like an ipod it would ROCK! Also if could have the phones include some more American Manufactured Phones... Otherwise leave the Mini as it is, unless you can figure getting more MPG for the same power.

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MINI Cooper-The best in it's class!

Written by: warren on 06/13/2009

Vehicle

2008 MINI Cooper 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6M)

Review

So far, my MINI is winner. As all other reviewers have commented on-- it's a blast to drive! Test drove the other subcompacts and MINI stood out from the pack. Cornering and handling are outstanding with no body roll. Braking is very responsive and fuel economy is excellent averaging about 31mpg combined. Getting 44mpg+ on the Hwy with a light foot in 6th gear. Styling is one of a kind. Base Cooper still nicely equipped without a lot of added options. Interior fit and finish is impressive. Ride is a bit firm, but still in a fun kind of way, although this can get tiring on long drives I must admit. Watch the road dips as this car sits low to the ground.

Favorite Features

6-speed transmission, fuel economy, Sport mode, handling/cornering ability, iconic retro styling and major cool factor. Highly customizable.

Suggested Improvements

Improve bluetooth clarity due to road/engine noise, more trunk space, and improve base stereo system. How about adding BMW's dual-clutch gearbox to the Cooper S?

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This is a fun but wacky little car!

Written by: KarenZ on 06/04/2009

Vehicle

2008 MINI Cooper S 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

Pros: handling fuel efficiency (my avg 30.4, I think) parking (mwah, ha ha!!!!!...that little space is mine all miiiiiine!) power/acceleration dash layout fit and finish reliability ipod-friendly ($12.00 male-male cord. Plugs right in...totally easy!) Cons: Very jerky acceleration Somewhat jerky braking The seat belt thing gets caught in the space where the door jamb is.I've tweaked my back/shoulder muscles a few times. Hate that! Awful cupholders. If you can get a soda cup out without crushing it, you are amazing and you should become a surgeon. Trunk locks when doors are locked. Even if you've already "popped" it. Annoying! Wind wiper controls stink. And only two intermittent speeds.

Favorite Features

Parking, parking, parking. Hee hee hee!

Suggested Improvements

Make the cupholders deep and looser.

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More Fun than my 911's-Part II

Written by: TPAMiniGuy on 05/04/2009

Vehicle

2008 MINI Cooper S 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

After 12000 plus miles the car is flawless..it gets better than sticker gas mileage..onboard computer displays your MPG in realtime and average...great feature...not a single problem ..average 36.5-39.5 ..it will get over 40 MPG if you drive it easy on the highway at 70...Sports car ride more firmly than a luxury car..It is incrediblely stable and safe at "highway plus" speeds...also has fantastic brakes..Tons of leg room..We plan to add a 2009 S Convertible so our 2008(yellow) will have a playmate...as soon as she decides on the color....If you're a car guy you'll love this car....If you not, you'll still love this car!

Favorite Features

Tight Sports car feel and ride...lighting acceleration and race car cornering..very stable and safe on the highway..Terrific MPG and troublefree. Able to customize all the display setting and controls...features for the entire car ...IPOD radio Cute but very sporty.

Suggested Improvements

A few more traditional gauges for water/oil temp/pressure.....

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Short Lived Love Affair

Written by: Ohioman on 05/02/2009

Vehicle

2008 MINI Cooper S 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

O.K., it's cute, fit well in my garage and was truly "fun to drive", but the novelty for us was over for us in a big hurry. It is a very small car, and while likely the best in its class, we found it cramped, noisey, rattley and poor riding, especially on road trips. The run-flat tires are bricks, the premium stereo was fair at best, it was nearly impossible to get comfortable (no,we aren't big people), and I really didn't care for the valve rattle at start-up on cold days. I switched to a Camry SE V6 which is (yes) faster, more refined, has far nicer/more of "everything", and for about the same money. If you need to drive regularly, long distances or with others, don't buy a Cooper

Favorite Features

Looks, novelty, heated seats, DSC, big sunroof, BRG color and stripes, gen build quality and fun factor for quick around town trips.

Suggested Improvements

Premium stereo was a waste and very disappointing. Fix valve lash problem at cold start up. Some body rattles. Armrest was very poorly engineered. Order rear fogs initially if you really want them. Understand that the car is very small before you order it.

0 out 2 people found this review helpful

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A MINI That Give You Alot!

Written by: Little Red Rocket on 04/24/2009

Vehicle

2008 MINI Cooper S 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

Have had my MINI for about 15 months. I'd have more miles on it but living in sunny AZ, I love riding my Bikes. This is one 'fun' car! Almost takes me back to when I owned a BMW 2002Tii. I had the JCW Performance Kit installed. Yes it really makes a difference! Not so much wth the JCW Brembo Brakes. Save yourself some money and stay with the OEM. Just about everyplace I park my MINI, people compliment it. My wife has an 06 Miata MX-5. Both cars have almost the same performance stats, but really feel different. The MX-5 is so smooth and natural. The MINI feels like every second it looks for a fight! What fun! Watch out for the options you order A $23K car cost over $40K easily Have fun!

Favorite Features

Uniqueness. I could order it any way I wanted. Nav-system and voice recognition are light years ahead of my Lexus. Very easy to use. Road feel and handling great! 0 mph to trouble in less than 6 seconds. Back has plenty of room for shopping. It has an 'identity' that other cars lack. ATTITUDE!!

Suggested Improvements

Try to smooth out the 'torque steer' on acceleration, but no big deal. More power never hurts although with the JCW Perf Package, it really 'rocks'. With the automatic, display what gear I'm in all of the time rather than just 'D'. It only tells you what geat your in when you shift to manumatic mode

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Short lived love affair

Written by: Family Guy on 04/20/2009

Vehicle

2008 MINI Cooper S 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

I custom ordered my Cooper S manual last spring, and sold it after only 9 months of ownership. It was certainly fast (one speeding ticket), nimble and fun to drive, but even my 8 year old daughter complained that the rear seating was too small and that "she didn't feel safe". I regularly drive 2- 3 hour trips and found this car to be harsh riding, noisy and rattley. The small tires and wheels were simply no match for the rough roads around Ohio and Michigan. My full-sized buddies complained bitterly about no leg room when they rode with me, whether in the front or back seats. Buy it for the city and only if you don't have kids.

Favorite Features

Extreme power to size ratio, dual sunroof, very customizable, great styling, fit and finish.

Suggested Improvements

It is what it is. Realize it is small and drive a few before you buy. Don't just fall in love with the looks, power or trendiness. Engine can be noisy on cold start-up. They need to do a better job sorting out the items that can rattle.

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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awesome cooper s

Written by: rnmini on 04/07/2009

Vehicle

2008 MINI Cooper S 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

Love everything about this car. First it looks cool, so much fun to drive, can go up the hill soo much faster than other cars, still gets good gas mileage..I drive somewhat fast and like to accelerate and I have an automatic turbo charged..i push that sport button and this car will fly..still average 30miles per gallon, have the mini sound system...Fun, reliable, good mpg

Favorite Features

fun to drive, good mpg, design

Suggested Improvements

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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A Total Blast!

Written by: Val on 04/01/2009

Vehicle

2008 MINI Cooper 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6M)

Review

I was on my way to purchase the Acura RDX when the Mini Clubman caught my eye at the car show and I totally fell in love. I ended up getting the Mini Cooper since the Clubman wasn't out at the time and haven't regretted my decision for even a minute. I love it!

Favorite Features

Peppy, quick and very fun to drive. Love the mood lighting (purple is my favorite)

Suggested Improvements

Wish I had a built-in compass - which probably came with the navigation package (which I didn't get).

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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