MINI Hatchback Ratings
Getting firsthand information from an actual car owner is one sure way to get an idea of car performance once it leaves the lot. Autobytel features real consumer reviews that give the unbiased experience of a car.
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2006 MINI Cooper S
High maintenance after first three years.
Pros: Quick and easy to drive. Supercharger is great, but gas mileage is low, almost the same as my wife's cross over.
Cons: High vibration
Although there is no maintenance costs for the first three years, the maintenance schedule is little and far between. Oil is changed once a year or whenever the mileage count down indicates. The placement of the air conditioner is low in the engine compartment where road grim and water spray affects the switch that engages the high speed fan causing the fan to cycle on and off every minute or so. I've chnaged my system three times since I've owned my Mini. Further the road noise it transmitted into the passenger compartment to a much greater extent than other vehicles. The vibration through the suspension causes damage as well. I've had to replace my motor mounts, and either due to mechanic error or excessive vibration, the oil receptical where the filter is attached cracked. The could have been due to mechanic error as it only began after I had an oil change. Replacing the motor mounts and correcting the oil leak was in the $4000 range. Finally, Mini of Hawaii doesn't have a viewing area so you can watch what the mechanics are doing, so you don't have an opportunity to watch them put minor scratches and dings in the car as they work. They do road test, but they must really drive hard because I've picked up my car only to notice new checks in the edges of my rims. The car is very hard on tires. I' tend to change my tires every 8 months. The act of tire changing is another problem as they always scratch my rims. That has lead to a secondary business of rim repair.- Recommend this vehicle to a friend? No
- How long have you owned this vehicle? 4 years
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2003 MINI Cooper
cute
Pros: superchsrger and stereo
quick and attractive- Recommend this vehicle to a friend? Yes
- How long have you owned this vehicle? 5 years
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2007 MINI Cooper
Terrible auto!!!
Pros: Panoramic sunroof
Cons: I only get 36 mpg on the highway...
Best car I have ever owned! Easy to park and drive through traffic. If you have not driven in one, you need to. If you do not own one, get one!- Recommend this vehicle to a friend? Yes
- How long have you owned this vehicle? 2 years
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2009 MINI Cooper
The Mini is not only fun but extremely crashworthy
Pros: The interior and exterior styling of the car
Cons: Glove compartment does not lock
I was recently in a bad accident in my Mini. Thanks to the car, I was uninjured. The frame was not even bent, even though I was smashed between a Buick LeSabre and a Ford Crown Victoria. The airbags and restraint system are very good, and the frame is very rigid and strong. In my opinion, it's the most fun you can buy for the money. Headroom and legroom galore.- Recommend this vehicle to a friend? Yes
- How long have you owned this vehicle? 2 years
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2005 MINI Cooper S
MINI Cooper's One Major Flaw
Pros: Precise
Cons: Unable to by transmission parts.
I love this car. It has one major flaw. This flaw was discovered when an aftermarket part failed and damaged my transmission. MINI does NOT sell replacement parts for the transmission, if any thing goes wrong you have to replace the whole transmission! This makes out of warranty transmission problems VERY Expensive. This is a flawed company policy that will keep me from recommending this car to friends and family.- Recommend this vehicle to a friend? No
- How long have you owned this vehicle? 5 years
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2006 MINI Cooper S
Afternoon Drive Therapy
Pros: Converitible top
Cons: small trunk
Surprisingly roomy, just plain fun. Very quick with great handling and pretty good accelleration. Can take driver and three others fairly comfortably for short distances. Continues to elicit positive comments from onlookers. Negatives include thin paint, small trunk. It's been a blast and I would get another one.- Recommend this vehicle to a friend? Yes
- How long have you owned this vehicle? 4 years
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2009 MINI Cooper
2009 R57 Mini Coopeer S Convertible
Pros: Convertible Top
Cons: Lack of Quality Control
Great gas mileage verses performance. Rides reasonably well for such a small car. Wind control for top-down riding is very impressive. Handles well and is fun to drive. Performs equally well as a touring or 'around town car.' Frustrating operating controls even after a year of use. BMW quality control is lacking: fuel pump failure right after car was driven off the showroom floor; engine sounds like a diesel truck on cold startup; seatbelt will no longer retract, and the center console is broken.- Recommend this vehicle to a friend? Yes
- How long have you owned this vehicle? 1 year