2008 MINI Cooper Consumer Reviews
Fuel Economy
24 - 32 mpg
Recent Consumer Reviews
(50 Total Reviews)
MINI Review
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2008 MINI Cooper S 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
Review
I have had my 2008 MINI Cooper S for a year and half with zero issues. I have only had to have one part replaced on my coop - the recalled exhaust. (The tail-pipes were too long and were a burn hazard for the legs.) I love love LOVE to drive MINI's and can't imagine owning any other car. They handle well, have pep and are cute to boot!
Favorite Features
Fully customizable - interior and exterior
Suggested Improvements
disappointed
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 5 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 5 |
| Comfort: | 5 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 5 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2008 MINI Cooper S 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
Review
Bought my Mini new in 2/08 and the fuel pump went out at 17000 miles. Although it was covered under warranty I can only guess what troubles lie ahead. I also had to replace one of the run flat tires to the tune of $249. The car is fun to drive and I have adequate space since I no longer have young kids to transport. But once I experience a major mechanical failure I start looking for a new car. I plan to buy a new Honda or Toyota in 2/10.
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
Beware of "Warranty"
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2008 MINI Cooper 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6M)
Review
I bought my car brand new a year ago -- have loved it despite quirks with the windows (no fix for it yet...supposedly coming in late 2008). Drove it responsibly for 14,000 miles in the year to include a trip across country. Now the clutch is "burnt" and its not covered under the warranty. They are blaming me, which is ridiculous. I would be wary of buying one again.
Favorite Features
It looks cute and was fun to drive...until now because I'm afraid to drive with the clutch issue.
Suggested Improvements
The windows glitch needs to be fixed and I don't know what to say about the clutch issues -- maybe Mini could explain why a clutch would go out at 14,000 miles.
7 out 8 people found this review helpful
Cooper MINI Convertible
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 6 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 1 | Interior Design: | 1 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 5 | ||
Vehicle
2008 MINI Cooper 2dr Convertible (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I am very disappointed with the engine & automatic transmission design. There is a very bad dead zone in the acceleration in 1st from a dead stop. The top squeals when coming up. The maintenance is free but when they don't fix anything it's worthless. The repair shop isn't familiar with the car and can't fix problems. I have had to go back 4 or 5 times before something gets fixed. They have even lied, actually fixed something and said on the repair sheet that there was nothing was wrong. I would not recommend anyone buy this Car with an automatic. The rear view is cluttered and very dangerous to back up. The automation in the controls is stupid, mostly unnecessary and very annoying
Favorite Features
Handling is exceptional and fun. I like the convertible.
Suggested Improvements
Standarize the components of the driver controls. improve the rear view. teach the mechanics how to fix the problems with the car. don't lie to your customers. Improve the design of the engine automatic transmission assembly simplify the control design to automated.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
Too much maintenance, too much time
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 5 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 5 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2008 MINI Cooper S 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
Review
It's a fun car to drive, great gas mileage, cute etc, but very expensive for repairs. In one year, I've spent $2500 out of pocket on a car I bought brand new from the dealer, in addition to the gas to get to the dealership (100 miles roundtrip in DC traffic) and taking time off work (they close at 7pm).
Favorite Features
driving it and gas mileage
Suggested Improvements
Better service: I brought my car to the dealer, and left it there for two weeks for repairs. One day after picking up the car, the oil light goes on and I have to drive it back, 100 miles round trip, to have that fixed -- that's 200 miles in one week, in DC traffic.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
Mini cooper S
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 3 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2008 MINI Cooper S 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
Review
My clutch went out at 14,000 miles, windows finicky (don't work all the time). Re the clutch: no explanation other than its my fault from Mini of North American and the dealer; I had to pay for the replacement less than a year after purchasing it. My previous clutches didn't burn out until 60,000-75,000 miles, so I don't understand this, but I won't buy another mini and will sell this one within the year.
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
Clutch, windows
Another Clutch failure
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 3 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2008 MINI Cooper S 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
Review
This is my second mini. The clutch went out in the first one after 2 1/ years years and only 22000 miles. The cause was determined to be a manufacture defect and was covered. My 2008 Mini S has only 10727 miles and is a standard transmission too. The clutch began slipping on this one. It is currently at the dealer and I am waiting to hear if the repairs are covered. I do not ride the clutch and do not drive aggressively or even need to shift that often (not a lot of stop and go traffic). I have read many posts on other sites about mini's and clutch problems. Buyer be ware!!!
Favorite Features
Style. I love the retro look.
Suggested Improvements
Improve the clutch and transmission quality. These should last longer than a few years.
2 out 2 people found this review helpful
No more sidewalk model
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2008 MINI Cooper 2dr Convertible (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I love my British racing green convertible. The sidewalk package has all the bells and whistles esp the gorgeous brown leather interior. Now they won't make it any more. I am disappointed I wanted a new one only because I think the rear window visibility would be much improved with the retractable roll bars.
Favorite Features
How it handles on curves
Suggested Improvements
Repeat the sidewalk model
0 out 1 people found this review helpful
One year in my Cooper
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2008 MINI Cooper S 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
Review
Had the car for little over a year now. It is an absolute BLAST to drive, and will always put a smile on your face. Fuel economy is phenomenal for a car this fast as well. Lots of cool features, like the folding mirrors, that are more fun the show of than functional, but fun either way. The pushbutton start is cool, but I wish it had the comfort access system. The leatherette looks nice, but I don't like the way it feels. All in all, for $25,550 and the included maintainance, its a lot of fun for the money.
Favorite Features
FUN FUN FUN!!!! Handling is incredible, 6-speed stick is fun, turbo engine is a blast, unique style, panoramic sunroof, radio controls on the steering wheel, good seat bolsters, fuel economy.
Suggested Improvements
Some of the ergonomics that were a complete pain at first I am now used to, but when you buy your first cooper, plan to spend a few HOURS getting to know the ins and outs of the controls. I hate the speedometer in the middle, but I just use the digital one above the steering wheel, so problem solve
1 out 2 people found this review helpful
Wild Maus (mouse)
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
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.
1 out 2 people found this review helpful
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