2009 MINI Cooper Hardtop Base

Pros

Good Fuel Economy, Resale value, Reliability

Cons

Feels all of the bump on the road and dashboard

Purchased As New

I'm so excited about getting the 2010 model sometime within a few months. I was thinking about getting the Lexus IS 250 for some time- but as a college student, the MINI won me over for its price, unique appearance, much better fuel economy, resale value, and reliability (Don't get me wrong, The IS 250 is wonderful in its own way but IMO, the MINI seems a lot better for a student like me). The only thing I don't like about the MINI is the crazy looking dashboard and that I can feel all the bumps on the road. Other than that, everything's perfect.. Now, I just need to decide which color I want!...read morehide

Pros

FUN! Quick, great handling (espcially in sport mode), great MPGs

Cons

headlights could be brighter and wiper speeds were confusing at first

Purchased As New

I LOVE MY 2009 MINI! I get 34mpg average with the 6 speed manual. Everyone stops and asks me about it and wants to drive. When I let them they get jealous. hehe. Cute sporty little car for a great value (BMW makes them). The headlights could be better, but I don't have perfect night vision. High beams are powerful. The manual gives you plenty of power especially in the sport mode even if it burns more gas.

I've had friends sit in the back seat and they were perfectly comfortable, but they are all under 6 ft. Backseats fold down to plenty of cargo room if you only want to drive around 1 passenger.

Ride is very smooth and comfy in the front seat. the two moon roofs make it feel very open and big inside. I spend a lot of time in my car and the mini makes it really enjoyable....read morehide

Pros

tons of fun to drive, unique, many options, great gas mileage

Cons

does not handle bumps well at all, cargo room is minimal, backseat uncomfortable for passengers

Purchased As New

This car is so much fun to drive. It is zippy, has go-kart handling, and is a powerful little thing. I bought mine with the cold weather package (well worth it for the upcoming cold New England winter- the heated seats work great!), and the premium package. Love the bluetooth that syncs my car and phone. I find the sound system to be fine, but if you put the volume up too high, it does start to get more muffled.

The worst thing about this car is that it does not handle bumps very well. Where I live, many of the side streets are poorly paved, which makes me nervous driving down them because the tires are so small! Also, I go about 4 miles per hour over speed bumps because literally anything over 6 mph is too much for the car to handle. Not sure if this is a tire issue or not, but the tires are quite small!

Overall, this is the best car I have ever owned. I am so possessive of it, I love it. Everyone wants to drive it, but that won't happen :)...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

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

EVERYTHING

Purchased As New

I absolutely LOVE my mini. it fits me perfectly. it has great gas mileage (avg 33 mpg) and it is a blast to drive! i can't even imagine owning another car.

Pros

Fuel economy, styling, quality, reliability

Cons

Turn signals are odd and take getting used to, but are customizable too.

Purchased As New

Bought ours in November 2008, has been the best car we have ever had. Amazing MPG and fun while we are doing it. Interior and exterior styling are superb, real high quality finish and even the seats are comfortable. I guess you could complain that there isn't as much space in the back for four people although they claim it's comfortable but then you can get four big people in a MINI so that's enough for us. We even find that the back will take a surprising amount of luggage, though this car isn't as practical as a Wagon or SUV so if that's what you need steer clear. Assuming you won't look back and regret that huge amount of SUV/Wagon space or a four door car's passenger space you will love this car. It's a little expensive for it's size and so forth so only three stars there - but the rest cannot be faulted. Absolutely superb in every way, we would recommend without reservation!...read morehide

Pros

comfortable

Cons

rough on potholes

Purchased As Not Purchased

very nice looking car. i like it alot. want the car. low suspention though. but over all a very reliable car. better than bmw z4. its very easy to handle. speeds up fast. nice look, and good feel during driving. good on snow.

Pros

Very affordable and fun to drive

Cons

Cup holders are in a very poor/odd place

Purchased As New

I bought my MINI as a 50th birthday present for myself and I ordered all the little extras that I wanted. This car is everything I hoped for.......wonderful handling, fun to drive and great gas mileage. The sunroof in the premium package is terrific.. The heated seats are great in the Midwest winters. The sports style seats add extra padding which is a real plus for comfort on longer drives. The rear storage area is very limited, but the back seats fold down offering plenty of extra room when needed. If something happened to my MINI, I would order another one in a heartbeat....read morehide

Pros

Handling, fuel economy, layout, jut a blast to drive

Cons

Hedlights could be brighter

Purchased As New

The published fuel economy seems too low; I get 35.5 mpg combined highway/city at average speed of 37 mph commuting to work. The car handles great on curves and does very well in the snow with the right tires. The double sunroof is a great option. In two years zero problems. BMW engineers buit the right combination of handling and comfort. I am 6'6" tall, and fit this car better than a full sized pickup truck. Lots of ways to customize, should have been more creative!...read morehide