MINI Cooper
Select a Year
(2 available)
Most changes for the 2012 Mini are related to customization. Mini Yours debuts, with emphasis on a "very premium and very exclusive" subset of options designed to provide even more personalization (and take even more of your budget). The end result is a little bit Mini - and a little bit of Scion.
The 2007 MINI Cooper and Cooper S models represent the first major redesign of the beloved small car since the MINI brand's reintroduction to America in 2002. The tiny cars have been an undeniable success, selling in numbers far exceeding parent company BMW's expectations. Hallmarks of the two-door four-seat hatchback's design include sporty handling, distinct styling and more interior space than its small exterior dimensions imply. The popularity of MINI has helped to expand America's acceptance of small cars and in many ways defined the premium small car market. Competitors to the MINI are varied and include the Volkswagen Beetle, Chrysler PT Cruiser, Mazda MX-5 and Audi A3.
advertisement
why ads?Consumer Reviews
Good Value
By Steve (Littleton, Colorado) on Thursday, March 19, 2009
overall rating 4 of 5rating details
Reviewer Ratings
- Overall Rating
- Value
- Reliability
- Quality
- Performance
- Styling
- Comfort
"I've had the Mini a little over a year now and have driven in summer and winter conditions. I got rid of the run flat tires due to the harsh ride and lack of traction in the snow. This is a little risky with regular tires since there's no spare tire. It's a great little commuting car and I am very pleased with the performance of the little 4 cylinder turbo, but it does require premium gas, however the great mileage offsets the extra fuel cost. I get 28 mpg commuting to work and more on the highway. It corners great - like a big go cart. The steering is sensitive - very little movement causes an immediate change. Acceleration is very sensitive too - a very slight change in foot pressure results in an immediate speed change. This combination means you have to really pay attention to what you're doing (i.e., driving is more demanding than relaxing). The instrument layout is different from previous cars I've owned, so there was a bit of a learning curve to get used to the differences. I had trouble immediately after delivery of the car - the engine would die whenever the fuel level got down to a quarter tank or so. I had to take it in several times before it was resolved - the tank has two sections and the fuel was not transferring from one side to the other. The dealer here in Colorado was very good at working on the problem until it was fixed. I'm currently having an issue with hard starting after a long (25+ miles) drive and making a short stop on the way home. It seems like a vapor lock issue which I will have the dealer look at soon."
48 people out of 48 found this review helpful
Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse
WOW! A Lot of car for the money
By Arthur J (Los Angeles, CA) on Friday, August 24, 2007
overall rating 5 of 5rating details
Reviewer Ratings
- Overall Rating
- Value
- Reliability
- Quality
- Performance
- Styling
- Comfort
"Bought my base model MINI a few weeks ago. Pewter color with matching roof. Came with Premium pkg., upgraded stereo, wood interior trim, sport seats, black sport stripes. So far it has far exceeded expectations. Rides like a much more expensive car. Fast, nimble, & comfortable. Auto transmission with manual paddles is great...a best of both worlds. I can cruise effortlessly in traffic fully automatic or I can get aggressive in a canyon with the manual (clutchless) paddles or stick gearshift. Interior classy and comfy. Sport seats are great. The ride has a stiff sportscar feel, kind of BMW like. Handles like a dream. Interior quiet considering. However, if you are looking for a Lexus like ride, this is not the car for you. Everything fits and works with precision. My only complaint is that there could be more interior storage "nooks and crannies". Not a lot of places to stash sunglasses, mints, gum, CD's etc. If this car holds up over the years, I will be one happy camper who would not hesitate to buy another one down the line."
19 people out of 19 found this review helpful
Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse
Fun car but tire issues.....
By Jo Jo (Idaho) on Friday, October 02, 2009
overall rating 4 of 5rating details
Reviewer Ratings
- Overall Rating
- Value
- Reliability
- Quality
- Performance
- Styling
- Comfort
"I love my cooper however if I had known about the tire issues with it, it would have probably been a deal breaker. If you live where you need snow tires, it is expensive getting set up for them. You need tires and wheels because switching tires on wheels that have run flats is very expensive. My quotes have been up to 400.00 for just switching them. Then if you buy wheels, you also need the sensors for low tire pressure. These are 130.00 a piece at the dealer. You can choose not to use the low tire pressure sensors, however you have a permanant low pressure guage on your dash that prevents you from seeing anything else. This adds up to almost 1800.00 for the first year you need snow tires. I do love my car though, and of course I am paying the 1800. It is my own fault for not doing my homework before I bought the car. The nice part is that if you own the wheels it doesn't cost anything to switch tires each season."
18 people out of 18 found this review helpful
Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse