2009 MINI Cooper Hardtop User Reviews

Purchased As New

the best car ive ever had. gets grear milage and it is much bigger then one would think, i fit two chars and table and my mom in it

Pros

Good fuel economy, Awesome Turbo, Great maneuverability

Cons

Summer tires, visibility by other cars

Purchased As New

This is my second MINI- My first was a 2003 base model, the absolute cheapest that was available. My second and current MINI, the JCW is the best that comes out of the factory, and I have very few complaints.

Pros:
I adore the speed that this little car has- it doesn't weigh much, so the 208hp can really slam you back in the seat, compared to what 208hp would do in other, heavier cars. The sport setting is my favorite- with a push of a button, the steering is tighter and more precise, shifting and clutch are much more responsive, as are brakes (it's like getting a whole other car). I have the built in computer/GPS, which is awesome- keeps me up to date on current traffic, locates businesses and public transportation locations, and does a great job keeping me on track. I can also plug my iPod/iPhone in and navigate my playlists through the display on the dash, which is really great for those long road trips. The JCW comes with Brembo performance breaks, which are a good bit more sensitive than standard breaks. It takes a little while to get used to, but they greatly increase the maneuverability of the vehicle, and the stopping power is unequaled by any other brake systems I've experienced.

Cons:
Torque steer can be a pain, but it's not hard to get used to. The low sidewall on the tires makes tire repair more expensive. Summer performance tires come with the vehicle, and while they are really great, their handling on wet and snowy surfaces leaves much to be desired. My 2003 MINI handled much more reliably in inclement weather than this JCW, and I suspect much of that is to do with the tires. I also have problems with visibility by other vehicles- driving a car this small requires that you be a very good defensive driver, as I've had multiple vehicles try to run me off the road, as they're not paying adequate attention. It helps to have the daytime running lights on to increase visibility, or to just use the extra power the car offers to get away from the idiots on the road.

FAIR WARNING: If you enjoy driving, and love to drive fast- this car WILL get you speeding tickets. It's very easy to go above and beyond the speed limit without noticing. You have been warned.

Go to a dealership and give this car a spin, if only for thrills. It's so much fun to drive, it's more of a treat than a chore. I look forward to getting in it every day....read morehide

Pros

Cute, Good performance, Good gas mileage

Cons

Noisy ride, Cant open moonroof, Run Flats are expensive(300 Each tire)

Purchased As New

As some one said in the below reviews I had this car for 400 days almost (08'June) and I am still feeling like 4th day. I think turbo V-4 is not powerful enough sometimes.Seats are very supportive. Lot of features with technology package..In Summer AC works little slow. Moonroof is very nice until you open it..once you open it lot of noise even around 40MPH. Great gas mileage..Breaks feel too strong. I usually get around 35-40mpg on highway with cruise at 70MPH. Had minor problems with power windows but dealer fixed it..Overall this car is for people who wants to have lot of fun and don't need backseats....read morehide

Pros

Fuel economy, quick, fun to drive, excellent braking, meaner looking than other minis

Cons

torque steer, tires, only comes in manual tranny

Purchased As New

I love this car! I bought this car after a friend of mine bought his and I test drove it. I was amazed how quick and responsive this car is. I have not had a single problem with this car other than the trunk warning light kept going off when I had closed it. I bought a car seat in the rear for my 3 year old and he loves this car more than I do! I love the way how you can manuever in traffic with ease and how responsive the car is when you push it harder. This car is awesome and would recommend it highly...read morehide

Pros

Mini S gets twice the mileage in city driving that my Mercedes E350 does.

Cons

Back seats are for children up to 10 years old. Never for an adult

Purchased As New

Fun car to drive. Mini S has enough power to six shift through traffic. She will go 70 mph up a steep grade at 3000 RPM. in sixth gear. Very comfortable on Interstate at 75 mph. Lots of room in front seat for up to 6 foot 4 inch driver. I get several questions about the car every week. I always recommend it. You need the Mini S to have the power to enjoy the sporty drive. Woold not recommend the automatic shift....read morehide

Pros

use not much gas and driving very fast...

Cons

everyday fun with MINI

Purchased As New

I buy my MINI Cooper in June 2008 and it's very fun, use not much gas, is very fast, no problem with parking places, I love it and don't want to miss it.

Pros

Small, reliable, fuel efficient, handles great most of the timeFast and gets into tight spots in NYC

Cons

Ride is hard and very noisy, Handles poorly in snow, Seats need more cusion and interior need s soun

Purchased As New

Mini is a great vehicle, Need interior sound deadening, more comfortable seats. The car handles poorly at best in snow but great in all other weather conditions. Gas mileage is accurate. I would only drive the Mini S.

Pros

Spirited performance with excellent fuel economy

Cons

Only available with summer sport tires

Purchased As New

This is my second MINI. The first was a 2003 Cooper S, which I recently traded in on a 2009 JCW. I spent thousands of dollars in performace modifications to get the 2003 up to 190 HP. The new JCW comes out of the box with 208 HP and is a joy to drive. It has blinding acceleration off the line, with just a bit more torque steer than the 2003. The turbo lag is hardly noticable compared to the supercharged engine in the 2003 car. Handling is nible, but the supension is tuned with a bit more understeer than my liking, so I think the only modification I will do, is an upgrade to a 19MM sway bar in the rear. Gas economy is terrific, even though it requires premium grade fuel. I was able to clock 33.4 average miles per gallon on a recent trip, which included some city driving. My only wish is that the car comes from the factory with an option for high performance all season radial tires. The only tires available are high performace summer tires, which will require a set of snow shoes for the winter if you live up north....read morehide

Pros

Great Economy, Looks and Handling!

Cons

Can't Think of One Thing

Purchased As New

What a hoot to drive, especially with the 6-speed manual trans! You'll want to punch it going into the curves....Bought in '08 just before $4/gal gas prices hit and it took less than $35 to fill even then. Still currently getting 39.3 mpg, and at $2.50 /gal its an even bigger money and fuel saver. Like I tell all the strangers who ask me about it..."I bought it for the fuel economy and got all of the fun for free!" Woo Hoo!!...read morehide

Pros

small cars easy to drive and park, fun

Cons

mpg lower than expected

Purchased As New

nice small car, overall i am very happy, however the mpg is loweer than expected and said . could be the way i drive , bbut if you want to drive a litle fast expect around 23 mpg mixed driving, other than that it is a nice car . also i would like the dashboard to look like a conventional car and the ac to be stronger. beside those points I am very pleased with my litle mini, it is a joy to drive anywhere....read morehide