billythekid310

Has anybody ever owned a Mini Cooper S here? Specifically the Turbo models (2010-up, I believe).

I am looking for another toy since somebody offered to buy my Hummer this coming week. I love "hot hatches" and in college for a DD I had a RSX-S. Absolutely loved it. Not fast just a fun car to put-put around in.

Just looking for some reviews, thoughts, do's/don'ts. I have also looked at GTIs but it's something about the Mini that has my eye.

TractionControlOff

We have a 2013 Countryman S, so it's bulkier and heavier than the standard Cooper S, but it's decent fun for what it is; still underpowered. If it were my car, I would only get the manual -- the auto is a bit sluggish and the paddle shifts don't always cooperate. It's great on gas for a fun DD.

Only problem we encountered were the brakes were warped upon delivery of the car, so those were replaced under warranty after a week.

billythekid310

Yeah I am definitely looking at a 6 speed.

03clyde

The reviews I have read indicate a fun driver but caution about ensuring warranty repair coverage.

B Stead

I couldn't find car specs on Yahoo like I've seen previously and most other car specs on the internet are very lean.

But I found a few specs on the internet:

Mini S
97.1" Wheelbase
189 HP
2785 pounds weight
$24,100

Nissan 370Z
100.4" Wheelbase
332 HP
3292 pounds weight
$29,900

Basically, it's the price range. A Lotus Evora or an Alfa Romeo 4C have more notable chassis construction but cost more
.

Meh

The woman had one. Handles okay, but slow and not nearly as fun as my S2000. If you want a fun toy, get one of those.

billythekid310

I love the S2k but I am looking for something with two back seats.

Meh

Have you seen the back seats in a Mini? They aren't even big enough for kids unless their legs aren't long enough to dangle over the edge of the seat.

billythekid310

I understand this. However I still need some back seats. Mainly to put stuff. Not to sit in.

Millenium 04

I had a 2011 Mini S and a 2011 Mini JCW

1. They are fun to drive
2. They break often
3. They are expensive to repair
4. I miss my JCW so I bought a 15 GTI

My JCW ost the engine control module when it had 6K miles. It took them 3 weeks to fix it. I got it back and a side scuttle trim fell off going down the highway.

Buy a 2011 or newer for the N18 engine - much better runner. Then get one of the piggy back plug and play tuners for 25 more HP

zeevette

VW GTI. Better at everything than a Mini. I had a '13 6 spd, but the new ones are even better.

ZEEEE06

I had an 08 S and now have a 12 S. It's a blast to drive, very few problems, great mileage, and you can fit a LOT of stuff in the back with the seats down.

White Out

I looked at one for a DD. Overall, the Mini S looks like a fun hatch.

Millenium 04

Yes it is. And they are priced about the same.

Dave68

The VW GTI's reliability history has been dismal at best:

2011: Much worse than average
2012: Much worse than average
2013: Worse than average
Problem areas include engine cooling, fuel system, electrical, body integrity and some body hardware issues.

The Mini Cooper S is just as bad:
2009: Much worse than average
2010: Much worse than average
2011: Much worse than average
2012: Much worse than average

Problem areas include engine (major in 09 and 10), engine (minor in 09-12), engine cooling, fuel system, body integrity, and body hardware.

The 2013 has been better than average but that may be too recent to believe all is suddenly well.

As you can see, neither of these cars are likely to be reliable. I'd stay away unless you work at a dealership and get hefty discounts on repair work.

billythekid310

I love the GTIs, especially the 4 door in white or that dark bluish/purple. I am considering those, but IDK if it is because I want a mini I just see them everywhere now. A lot of the owners seem pretty cool. Spoke with one a Publix the other day that had a JCW one. Offered to let me drive it right there if her could just ride in the C7 lol.

Guibo

Just because a car is rated "worse than average," that doesn't necessarily mean it will require much repair work at a dealership. Mini, as a nameplate, was rated well below average in JD Power's most recent vehicle dependability study, at 193 problems per 100 vehicles. That compares with Toyota's rating of 194 in 2006 (above average) and surely you wouldn't suggest Toyota is unreliable. Mazda had 242 problems per 100 vehicles that year, and 195 as recently as 2010.


Mini's back seat is fine for petite passengers on short trips around town. And on longer trips if the front occupants are sensible enough to scoot up a bit.

Dave68

Actually, a much worse than average reliability rating means the vehicle required numerous repairs. Whether they were at a dealership or not is irrelevant. My 01 Corvette was rated worse than average and boy did I find out why with many trips to the repair shops and dealerships. I'd wager the Mini is no different. Just peruse any Mini forum. An equivalent year Mazda 3 is quite a bit more reliable. That you cannot deny.
Going even further up the reliability pole is Lexus. Our RX400h is typical in that after 10 years and 100,000 miles it has not had one issue, that's right, not one. Consumer Reports ranked Lexus, Mazda, and Toyota 1-2-3 as the best car companies in terms of reliability and overall performance. Mini was very close to the bottom of a long list of car companies.

TurboTnZ06

In-laws had a cooper S turbo vert. Fun to drive, I drove it 1500 miles. It was brand new and always in the BMW shop. Hope you live close to a BMW shop is the main thing.

zeevette

Yes and a Lexus, any Lexus, is the most stunningly boring car to drive on the planet.