MINI Cooper S (2006 - 2016) 1.6 (Chili Pack) 3d (2008/08) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
Some people reckon I'm a big-girls-blouse for owning one. That's jealousy for you when you get a superb car like the MINI Cooper S. When it's spec'd right, it's a true hothatch.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
Most people love the interior and how funky it is. Split opinion whether it's a girls car. Hardly when you spec it like mine!
Would you buy this car again and why?
I will be considering a Clubman S or JCW in future if the right finance options are right.
What are you likely to buy next?
Either this same car or move into bigger hothatches.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Franchise
Did you buy this car new?
Yes
What price did you pay?
£22,500
When did you buy the car?
March 2008
Did you get a good deal and why?
You can never get a deal on MINIs, but you can haggle small extras. Very happy with price. Be aware if you're getting JCW extras, enquiry prices in all your local dealers. That's where money can be saved.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Practical, fast, cheap to run, great build quality, slow depreciations, sneaky performance compared with larger hothatches.
What was the dealer like?
Very good customer service. Kept me up-to-date and helped me every step of the way. Not forceful and that helped me decide on which car I wanted.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Drives well everywhere! Long journeys are comfortable (even) on 17" low-profile run-flats). It's nippy, quick and you can get the speed when you need it.
What's it like to park?
Dead easy. Haven't got the reverse parking sensors and don't regret not getting them.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Had a slight niggle with a bit of plastic on the rear bumper not clicked in properly. Solved in no time at all.
What's most practical about your car?
Tax (great with the start/stop feature), lower MPG on long runs (upto 40/45 MPG), easy to drive, can get into gaps/car park spaces other cars cannot get into.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
Start/Stop is a great feature. Sport button makes a huge difference gaining more response on the throttle and tightening up the steering.
