Used 2008 MINI Cooper S 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 6M) Consumer Reviews
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Great Car - but here's what you need to know
watermelon4, Pompano Beach, FL, 01/20/2014
MINI Cooper S 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
71 of 75 people found this review helpful
Great car but the S models tires & susp R harsh except on smooth roads. When time to replace them, buy softer tires & the car will b so much more enjoyable. U feel every bump w/OEM tires. Recall for timing belt tensioner & they replaced w/main crank seal, no charge. Paid $60 for new timing belt. No chatter anymore like it did on really cold starts. The auto trans is a worry. Seems to not know what gear it wants when U slow & then accelerate-bucks like a horse - I expect it will fail one day but so far at 55k, ok. The computer tells you 2 have service at like 40k & dealer charges $200 just to check the vehicle over, no maintenance -I wouldn't recommend it if you can find someone else 2 check
Mini cooper S
ccs8c, 08/13/2009
MINI Cooper S 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
15 of 15 people found this review helpful
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.
2008 MINI Cooper for sale near you
3 of 63 listings
- Base ConvertibleMSRP: $7,50059 mi away
- S 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $5,495136 mi away
- Base 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $8,995365 mi away
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Too many problems, excessive oil consumption
bill_jones, Williston, ND, 06/14/2014
MINI Cooper S 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
58 of 63 people found this review helpful
I owned a 2008 Mini Cooper S, until recently when I traded it in with 75,000 miles. I bought it new and it was a fun car to drive. It had lots of leg room for my 6' 4" body, but in terms of maintainability it was the worst car that I have ever owned. After 36,000 miles, I was continually plagued with either a "CHECK ENGINE" or "SERVICE" light and as a result I was forced to bring it to the dealer/car repair shop to get it analyzed. Furthermore, it had "run flat" tires...a terrible experience! To summarize my MINI experience: after 50,000 miles it turned into a lemon. To the future owner...stock up on SYN 5W-30 motor oil...you're going to need it!
So much fun - and oh so not worth it in the end...
Scott England, Cary, NC, 12/08/2015
MINI Cooper S 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
55 of 60 people found this review helpful
Look I'll make this brief and simple. If you are reading this and other posts you should have an idea now that the Mini is a blast to drive. And you will pay and pay for the constant repairs to enjoy that go-kart feel. The reliability on these cars is abysmal - period. Something is always leaking, breaking or needs replacing. The little turbo simply just eats things up and you will be in the "repair" tunnel of hell once things go south. And they will sooner then later. I simply can't recommend these cars until BMW makes a significant commitment to improving quality. Save yourself heartache and go get a new Mazda Miata.
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300,000 miles and counting!
Mini Man, Richmond, VA, 02/11/2021
MINI Cooper S 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
10 of 10 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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