Used 2008 MINI Cooper Consumer Reviews
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Wild Maus (mouse)
JimH, 06/29/2009
2008 MINI Cooper 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6M)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
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!
300,000 miles and counting!
Mini Man, 02/11/2021
2008 MINI Cooper S 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
So...you have read about the dreaded R56 engine and you have read about the oil burning and no doubt, you have also read about the incredible amount of pure joy you get from driving a Mini. The 2008 Mini Cooper S turbo is my car and yes, I go under the hood a lot. So, if you are not mechanically inclined, DON'T BUY THIS CAR! If you are going to take it to a dealership every time a check engine light comes on, DON'T BUY THIS CAR! But...if you aren't afraid of learning how to service and replace things, and if you are willing to buy an OBD2 scanner (cheap), and willing to research what is truly wrong when you get a code... this is an amazing little car. I love it and in fact, is my favorite car that I have ever owned (I'm 62 and owned Triumphs, Mustangs, T-birds, and many more. This car is quick, easy to handle, rides like a go-kart on steroids, and nobody but an exotic will beat you off the line at a stop line if you have the good fortune to find a six speed turbo and keep her in top condition. You will change the oil a lot, but if you find yourself adding oil a lot, its because you are not changing it enough. This is a SPORTS CAR, so change the oil and filter every 4000 miles. It is easy to do, but buy the proper tools. You will have a blast in these cars and they are reliable but require high maintenance, as any sports car does. And...my Mini at 300,000 miles is still getting 34 miles to a gallon, AND ripping down the highway!
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Fun to Drive, lots of limitations
jasonbum, 08/16/2012
2008 MINI Cooper 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6M)
36 of 41 people found this review helpful
I bought this car used and I am perhaps the wrong demographic to own such a car. If it wasn't so fun to drive, I would hate it- if that makes any sense at all! Noisy on highway, base engine strains when pushed. Automatic trans is clunky on downshifts and has trouble making decisions. This car had some type of solenoid problem before I bought it and found that out later. Very finicky about fuel- Mini will almost spit out anything less than 93 octane. Carbon buildup problems exist and on such a tightly built engine, that becomes worrisome. The Mini, for me, is like someone that you just date but wouldn't marry.
mini car with GIANT aspirations fulfilled!
Chris, 12/01/2015
2008 MINI Cooper S 2dr Convertible (1.6L 4cyl S/C 6M)
15 of 17 people found this review helpful
This car is a great car ive driven both the type s and reg mini cooper and they are both fun but the type s is way more fun! Like the description on the page before says, " like a go kart for adults", NAILED IT! The car is absolutely a blast to drive yeah ok for the first split second there's a tttiiinnnyyy bit of lag(maybe til like 1200-1500 rpms) but after it pulls harder and harder, also noise complaints??? The only noise i heard was the great roar of this four cylinder turbo screaming down the road as if it were warning the other cars to get out of my way!!! This car has GREAT POTENTIAL compared to any other cars, whether price range or in its class! Lastly as for those who complained about the "stiff ride", one question for you?, Have you ever rode in a car with performance suspension before???, yeah its supposed to be stiffer for handling purposes!!! So quit being a stiff yourself and just drive the darn thing like its meant to be driven!!! Moreover this might be a "mini car" but its a GIANT KILLER that i feel has fulfilled GIANT aspirations!!! GREAT CAR!!! (In my own opine the only thing that would make this car better would be a blow off to hear that ppssshhh, to give the car a bit more attitude like pppsssshhhhh please get out of my way!!!)
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Mini at 50
Mini at 50 - WOW!!!, 01/10/2009
2008 MINI Cooper S 2dr Convertible (1.6L 4cyl S/C 6M)
10 of 11 people found this review helpful
I've had my Super Charged Mini convertible for 1 season and have driven it 14,000 miles as a daily commuter. No problems. Unless you call the attention you get from other drivers a problem. My kids think I'm nuts driving such a small car as a daily driver, but I respond life is short and my Mini convertible makes the daily ride an escape from the grind. Put my computer in the trunk, plug my Ipod into the stereo, and let the wind blow on my scalp (not much hair left). Motor on!
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