Looking at buying standard 2009 cooper (not S) Husband really wants it and so do I b/c they look fun and sound fun to drive. Our issue is we had a 2006 corvette and it was just a lemon, always in the shop and wasn't much fun after awhile. We were reading on some MC forums that there are problems with minis. Could you tell me if there are mechanical issues with 2009 that are going to plague us? I just don't want to have a car in the shop all the time

 

I have a mini MC (non-S). I've never had a lick of a problem. In general the non-S scores in reliability ahead of the S (Consumer Reports), and it scores quite well. I"d avoid electronic gadetry and stay somewhat basic.

 

I have an 07 S with 25,600 miles so far no problems.

 

You'll likely have no problems with your '09 Cooper at all. MCSs had a cold start issue that has been resolved, but Coopers have always been pretty much rock solid. The car is a pure delight. I have an '07....love it. No problems at all.

 

Read Consumer reports, Edmunds.com etc. & you'll find that MINI's have great frequency of repair records. Or type "Mini Cooper review" into Google & off you go. I've researched these cars for many months and they've got stellar reviews.

 

I have a 07' with 27K miles on it. All service issues have been minor, mostly minor tweaks and covered under warranty.

Buy it and happy motoring!

 

We picked up an 09 Cooper (non-S) early last week and havn't had any problems so far. I don't think you'll have any problems since it's not a first gen vehicle. Any problems should have been sorted out already.

 

been about four months and two weeks since i brought home my 09 MCS. the only problem i've had was getting used to its quirky radio controls, learning how to open the trunk when the car is on without using the key, and fussing with keeping her shoes clean...or at least, not so horribly dirty. but mechanical problems? none, nada, nichevo!

 

2009 delivered in 10/09. 9700 miles, hasn't seen the dealer since being driven off the lot.

Your mileage may vary

 

I have been driving an 09 loaner for almost a week and it is a solid vehicle. I even think it has more pick up and go than my 07. It doesn't handle quite as well cornering, but I lowered my ride and added a bunch of stuff to stiffen the handling.

I am impressed with the 09 and would highly recommend it to you!

 

Here is the important fact. No car is perfect but it is how the dealership/company reacts when you have an issue. My dealer is great. My 07 had a bad water pump so i had ot get it fixed under warranty. Was without my car for 2 or 3 days. They gave me a loaner so i didn't really care how long it took. As long as the dealer treats you right than even a break down or warranty work isn't that big of a deal.

 

I have had my '09 for nine months, a loaded 'S'. I have found it to be a fun car to drive. Yes, I had a problem with a noisy sunroof, and the dealer took 3 tries to fix it. They gave me a loaner every time and even delivered my car to me; as I am 100 miles from the dealer. I have met several MINI enthusiasts since getting my car. Oddly, some (not all) have had some sort of problem. Every time they are still enthusiastic about the car and are tolerant of the particular nagging problem. This to me, is a remarkable anomaly. Having had many different cars over my 45 years of driving -- I have never experienced this "love" for a car by its owners, before. I think if you get into the car, personalize it, as many do, participate in the local club and community -- you too, will have a good experience. My only comment is going from Corvette (even a lemon) to a Cooper may have you wishing you had gotten an 'S'. The handling on the Cooper is the same as all the MINI's, the performance compared to a Corvette is quite different.

 

07 MCS at 27K miles, no service except oil, and a couple of minor rattles. Gas mileage has amazingly continued to climb! Solid built car. Its not a Honda but then is definitely not Honda boring either. Don't worry.