2009 MINI Cooper Hardtop John Cooper Works

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

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

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 Fuel economy, Unique interior, refined, zippy handles like on rails

Cons

even with 208 hp its never quick enough, 30 hp=$6000?, no road respect

Purchased As New

I have owned the car for a few weeks, Its fun to drive, I find myself self speeding up for corners instead of slowing down. The car feels quicker then it is can lead to over confidense. at stop lights. This is my first Mini and its a pretty good experience. However people tend to not see you alot. I have had more people pull in front of me and almost back into me in two weeks then 6 yrs driving any of my other cars.

Engine does not like to crawl under 1000 rpm, I find myself riding the clutch just to get in my garage. The sound of the engine is quite entertaining since it more pronounced then the Cooper S. Once again this helps build the over confidense. THis car shifts beautifully the gears are easy to find. the ratio also feels very close.. I think your almost at 3000 rpm at 70mph in third gear. This car doesnt come with a temp or boost gauge. I think a few astetics in the interior like that would help a person think he was getting more for his extra $6000.

handling, quite simply this car can easily outcorner cars more then 2X the price.. This car does suffer from some bump steer on rougher roads. Its my first FWd in a while so its taking me awhile to get use to it.

Interior... very nice compared to some of the competition. Its unique and was do you really want from a car thats so small? Mini Hi Fi is nice, IPOD/MP 3 adapter.. what else is really nice is just plugging a 16 gig thumbdrive thats loaded with music.. browsing the music isnt as friendly... but if you remove all the songs from the folders and place in one the radio can randomize the music. Otherwise you have to move between folders.

Finally the economy... So far when beating on it I get around 29 MPG, highway is maybe 33 MPG .. the car has under 5000 miles and isnt broken in yet. For this mileage to 0-60 ratio is pretty good.


Overall a fun little L.G.C. , it gets looks and jeers. Its definately a go cart emphisis on GO.....read morehide

Pros

balls to the walls acceleration,BMW power,good fuel economy,great handling

Cons

a 2005 JCW have more horsepwr(211hp),more prblms than the older model,higher ground clearance

i have a 2005 john cooper works,and it completely satisfies me more than any other car,i've beated a porsche boxter,a vw gti,and even this new 2009 john cooper works model,i've tested this one,and it feels more heavier and lil bit wobbly bcause of its higher ground clearence,and it has more problems than the older model,such as the ABS,the airbag system,and the engine check light is always on,and i never get any of those problems with my 2005 JCW,this 2009 model had only 208hp,slower than the 2005 with 211hp and lighter weight&lower suspensions,the 18inch rims becomes too harsh on the b-roads,but overall,it's still a mini that we love,and still had more fun rather than owning a lame,too comfortable car such as a mercedes,sorry mercedes fan,ths is my opinion cos i've compared my dad's clk 55 amg with a mini,and the mini had more fun in driving&faaaaar better handling than a merc,cos bigger power the merc have,means nothing if you can't take a difficult corner in style,and you can do it with a mini JCW!!...read morehide