Hi,
I am seriously thinking about buying the Mini Cooper (hardtop 2 door) but wanted some owner experiences.

1. Is 121 hp enough? Is it enough to go up a mountain? Is it enough to haul around 4 adults? I realize that the S is 181(?)hp and that is a lot but I heard it doesn't have a spare tire. And I don't want to spend the extra $3000.

2. It doesn't have much of luggage space. where do people put golf clubs? Do i need to buy a roof rack and cargo space? if so should I buy the factory or after market.

3. it looks solid...but still tiny ... is it really safe?

4. i don't plan on getting many options...perhaps the automatic windshied and headlights only...do you have any advice on must have options?

5. back to space...can 4 people actually seat comfortably?

6. if it does break down, is it expensive to fix?

7. is it reliable...or does it break down a lot?

Thank you.

I really want the car (I just don't know which version to get and what options and how much pain I should expect in terms of maintenance and money)...it is so cool looking and seems so fun to drive...I just want your opinoins and experiences. Thank you.

Alex

 

Oh, boy! Thanks for asking, Alex. And welcome to NAM.

1. 121 hp is enough for a lot of fun, but 181 is noticeably quicker.

2. Yes, it doesn't have much luggage space, or leg room for rear passengers. Put the rear seats down for golf clubs, but don't plan to carry a foursome with clubs.

3. Crash test results were impressive.

4. You don't really need many options; not even the automatic wipers and lights.

5. Probably not (at least for longer periods), but it helps if the people in front are short legged.

6. Depends on what breaks. In general, more expensive than a Honda, but less expensive than a BMW.

7. According to Consumer Reports (which some here poo-poo), the MINI Cooper is average in reliability, and the MINI Cooper S is below average.

There's only one way to get that "want the car" out of your system.

 

Well it seems like to me with your needs/concerns maybe you should consider buying a larger mini (Clubman,Contryman.) You would still be driving a mini, or maybe another car all together?

 

1. You need to get two friends to go on a test drive with you. With the MA, you'll have 4 people in the car. When you say mountain, I assume it's pretty steep. So I would say it'll let you make it up the mountain, but not super fast. But I have no proof of this.

2. I don't think you can carry golf clubs and your buddies in a Clubman anyways. You'll definitely need additional cargo options if that's what you want to do.

3. Check out this other thread about your safety question: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...cs-inside.html

4. Options, well they're options. From what I see on the lot at the dealerships, the premium package is popular. Also, I see a lot of cars has the Bluetooth/iPod connection. Some has chrome trims, arm rest, sports package. Well, they are all 'optional'. I ordered my Clubman with Xenon and premium package. I don't own an iPod so the Bluetooth/iPod is waste of $500. The arm rest is weak I think, too small. Chrome trims, I don't care for chrome. Sports package, I don't see any good reason to have it since I'm just doing normal driving 90% of the time anyways. You should listen to the radio/CD system on the Harmon Kardon and basic audio system. Bring your favorite CD and see what you want. I really wanted the Pano roof when I first went to shop for the car. Then I heard the HK audio system, and then I said "Yea, I want that too." I don't care for the auto A/C that comes with the premium package but might as well since Mini has the promotion. To keep my car cost down, I custom order the car and waited for it. Well, still waiting.

5. I think people can sit in the back in the Clubman. The regular Cooper is a bit too tight for my taste. But depends on how of an adult we're talking about.

 

It sounds to me like you're really worried about passenger and cargo space, so I would recommend the larger Clubman over the standard Cooper... I'm 6'3" tall and the driver's seat is right against the back seat. Nobody is sitting there for sure.

 

Thank you for the awesome, informative responses. My fear of lack of tiny spaces is allayed.

I have been reading on the web and see lots of problems with transmission. Is this only for the 2002-2006 models? Has the problems been fixed for newer models or is it just matter of time?

Can one normally get many years and miles out of a MINI?

Just from reading the personal horror stories of the MINI owners with problems it seems that MINI USA is terrible to deal with and doesn't stand behind their products...am I just getting biased selected view of complaining owners?

 

The Cooper Non-S automatics from 2002-2006 have the troublesome CVT transmission, which is best avoided. 07+ or S Models from all years are safe.

The earlier Cooper Non S manuals (2002-2004 i believe.) have the Midlands transmission which is known for problems, although not as catastrophic as the CVT auto. 2005+ Non-S Manuals have the Getrag transmission which is solid.

In a nutshell 2005-2006 is generally considered the "best" to look for when it comes to used.

You will always hear more complaints on a forum than is a fair representation of customer satisfaction. Think about it.. how many people come online to share that everything is running smoothly? People come here to post problems and solicit help and advice.

 

If you're buying a new car, you'll have 4 years and 50K for anything that crops up to be fixed under warranty, how long do you keep your cars?

I agree with a couple other posters, you want a Clubman, and you want an S if you're going to be in the mountains or hauling a load of people a lot of the time.

We had a pretty good load in our Clubby last year when we went to Minis in the Mountains, including a car carrier full of stuff on the roof, it made virtually no difference, even at 10K feet! If you think you'll be using a roof rack, be sure to order the factory roof rails.

 

Thank you for all the feedback. It was very helpful when revisiting the dealership today. I have made up my mind to go with a regular cooper. with the harmon kardon, automatic headlight and windshield, and a roof rack in pepper white and black top. yipee.


Alex

 

On #6 I just paid over $900 for diagnosis and repair of A/C and a stubborn check engine light. The verdict? Bad battery. A lot to spend for not a lot of results.

 

I highly recommend getting the bavtech engine diagnosis and reset tool.
To any owners of these things.

If you have not already bought it or ordered it in my opinion
the rear fog light and sport package is mandatory options.

I think you will be very happy with the justacooper.
I was originally a little bit sad because I just could not
put the extra in it to get the S.

After following this site for years it seems most of the problems
are with the S.

We have no problem carrying two adults and two children
through the mountains, with the AC on. You would not want
to go more than 150 miles with 4 adults. Also, you can notice
a big difference in the available power. I suspect it would
not be as much with the S.

With all that said when we go on trips we take my wife's Suzuki.
(just to let you know)

I also think the cold weather package is worth it, it is only $500
but you can make the mirrors fold at will.

 

I have a 2010 Cooper and it is only 118hp. It is plenty fast enough. I have no trouble going up mountains or hauling 4 adults.

You can fold the back seats down and I'm sure golf clubs would fit fine. So as long as you're not carrying 4 people AND golf clubs then you won't need a roof rack.

Yes, it's plenty safe for a small car. http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com...Cooper/Safety/

White turn signal package, its only $100 and really makes the car look a lot better. (I've spent $$ already trying to duplicate the look and I still need to replace the tail lights.)
Harmon Kardon sound, if you care at all how your music sounds.

As long as a shorter person is driving, yes. If I am driving (5'4) I can fit an average size adult behind me. If my bf is driving (6') then you can't fit an adult behind him. There's no problem in the passenger side.

More expensive than your average boring Honda.

Only time will tell for the 2011 models. I have had zero problems with my 2010 in 21,000 miles. From reading the forums, it seems like the non-S is less prone to problems.

 

You need a Clubman. More room for four, better access using the 3rd "club" door, and larger trunk (boot, in British terminology). Easier to haul golf clubs.

While the "justacooper" seems low powered with just over 120 HP, it is still very peppy and energetic, like a wired puppy dog. It'll get you and your friends around just fine.

 

I originally went to the dealer to buy the 2 door cooper. After seeing the Clubman I decided it was a bit more practical (my groceries fit nicely into the boot). i had come from a Jeep Grand Cherokee, so this was quite the change.

Never in my life have I enjoyed driving more!! My 2010 Horizon Blue Clubman, while a Justa, has plenty of giddy-up-n-go for my purposes and the mpg is fantastic!!

VERY happy with my decision !!!!