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Used 2006 MINI Cooper S Consumer Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
10 reviews

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Pros
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5 out of 5 stars

Old Guy with Old Mini

Barry Whitman, 01/06/2017
2006 MINI Cooper S 2dr Hatchback w/John Cooper Works GP Kit (1.6L 4cyl S/C 6M)
14 of 14 people found this review helpful

This car has the unlikely distinction of having very successfully replaced a Lexus sedan. It is a poor man's Porsche (I've owned a couple of Turbo Porsches in my time), with excellent tracking, braking and performance. Its ride is on the stiff side, due to its extra springs and run-flat tires, but perfectly acceptable because of its performance. It is happiest at 70+ on the Interstate, but does just fine around town. The mileage is almost always in the 30's, but bear in mind that it prefers premium fuel. If I were buying today, I'd add a Sirius radio (for station variety) and navigation, but I would not change much else. I have just under 79,000 miles showing, and I'll drive it well over 100,000 if I'm still around.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
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3.63 out of 5 stars

My favorite car I've ever owned

fervidmuse, 12/14/2011
2006 MINI Cooper S 2dr Hatchback w/John Cooper Works GP Kit (1.6L 4cyl S/C 6M)
19 of 21 people found this review helpful

My 2006 MINI Cooper S was the second MINI Cooper S that I owned, my first being a 2003 There were so many improvements made to the 2005 and 2006 body style over the 2002-2004 models. The 2002-2004 models are just as fun but not as easy to live with. The MINI is a car that you buy if you love driving; it simply puts a smile on your face every time you get in it, even the non-S models. I particularly like the cheeky British styling altho not everyone does. It was tied for highest resale value (w/Honda Civic) for compacts! If reliability, interior space or a quiet ride (MINIs have lots of interior squeaks/rattles) are at the top of your shopping this, this probably isn't the car for you.

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5 out of 5 stars

Chili Red 2006 Mini

ChiliRed2006, 09/01/2006
2006 MINI Cooper S 2dr Hatchback w/John Cooper Works GP Kit (1.6L 4cyl S/C 6M)
14 of 19 people found this review helpful

I am tall, but have plenty of head and leg room in my Mini. The hatchback with back seats that lay flat allows me to get a lot of cargo in the back. It has great visibility, gas mileage, and it's just fun to drive. I love this car!

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5 out of 5 stars

More fun than it should be.

KenK, 10/04/2020
2006 MINI Cooper S 2dr Hatchback w/John Cooper Works GP Kit (1.6L 4cyl S/C 6M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Owned my 2006 since new. It's still a blast to drive after 14 years. If you buy the gen 1 try to buy 2005-2006 with a manual trans. Stay away from CVT models. It's also best if you are decent DIY mechanic. This will save you lots of money ! Keep current on the maintenance and replace all the known weak links as needed (look them up online) Cooling system parts, suspension bushings etc. If you want a daily driver, this may not be a good choice, but it's a great second car or short distance commuter.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
2 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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4.88 out of 5 stars

Love my SCOOTER!

scooterluv1, 04/25/2013
2006 MINI Cooper S 2dr Hatchback w/John Cooper Works GP Kit (1.6L 4cyl S/C 6M)
5 of 9 people found this review helpful

I have owned many cars in my day, but this scooter (Mini Cooper S) is the most fun to drive. This car is quick, roomy (I am 6'2", 200#), a sure head-turner and financially economical. Warning: If you are looking for a smooth ride and back seat roominess, pick another car... I bought it 2 years ago w/21000 miles on it and now it has 50000 miles. I have had few issues w/it; (thankfully, I did purchase a good aftermarket warranty) most major issue was w/carbon dirt build-up/clogging up the fuel injectors, but a fuel system flesh ($100.00) and 93/100 octane gas cleared that right up. I am very well pleased w/this blend of Mini/BWN.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

MINI s with JCW Tuner Kit

llblasi, 06/12/2006
2006 MINI Cooper S 2dr Hatchback w/John Cooper Works GP Kit (1.6L 4cyl S/C 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

The Mini Cooper S with JCW tuner kit is a tight, fast pocket rocket that loves to be thrown into tight corners. The fun factor is definitly a 10.

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5 out of 5 stars

Good things come in small packages

2MANYCARS, 11/14/2007
2006 MINI Cooper S 2dr Hatchback w/John Cooper Works GP Kit (1.6L 4cyl S/C 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

A pocket hot rod, Goliath killer. I have all the high perf. options and love the overall package performance. A couple of laps at Sebring surprised my brother who races a Porsche there. Stable, fast, excellent brakes, peppy engine. If you want thrifty car, buy a VW diesel. This is about fun and "low self esteem ", they will look at you for sure. Bought HK Sound and Chrono Package. Love them. Chili Red with Silver top different look altogether from Red/White. Would buy again.

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5 out of 5 stars

GOTCHYA

Nightcrawler, 11/05/2021
2006 MINI Cooper S 2dr Hatchback w/John Cooper Works GP Kit (1.6L 4cyl S/C 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

When I arrived for my test drive the salesman obviously didn't understand what he had. He had a 2006 Mini JCW-S (john cooper works-s)6 speed manual, not a mini cooper S automatic that it was written up as. This was perfect for me since I really wanted a JCW-S anyway. A few expected minor issues like power windows innop, that are about to be rectified. The 1.6l supercharged engine is awesome this car has had all sorts of mods done to it by the previous owner which were intended for racing, which again is FINE with me. This is now my daily driver as I had intended and fits my needs for compact, fuel saving, speed to a freaking T. Love this little car.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars

not in my posession anymore SOLD it sometime ago.

ROBERT E. CLAPROTH, 11/06/2015
updated 11/17/2016
2006 MINI Cooper S 2dr Hatchback w/John Cooper Works GP Kit (1.6L 4cyl S/C 6M)
1 of 10 people found this review helpful

This car has a good amount of mileage on it mostly driven on Freeways,always garaged and kept in good maintenance shape-and was never involved in an accident.----- sadly to report that I no longer own this car traded it in for a Subaru all-wheel drive Impreza. Thanks for using your service.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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4.75 out of 5 stars

GP - From 0019 in the US

AprilWhine, 02/26/2007
2006 MINI Cooper S 2dr Hatchback w/John Cooper Works GP Kit (1.6L 4cyl S/C 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is my fourth MINI, not bad on a car only that has only been available in the US since 2002! I've loved them all, but the GP is really something special. From the sound of the supercharger winding up to the road hugging dynamics, it's the most fun to drive car I've ever owned.

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