mini
Saturday, 4th of July 2009
Polls
Search
mini Road Test Reports And Car Reviews
Mini One Full Road Test Report
Clubman - Mini has chosen a good time to launch the latest member of its model range, the One Clubman. The new entry-level estate enters the market just as the iconic little city car celebrates its 50th birthda... read more
MINI Cooper Convertible Full Road Test Report
- The Mini is a true motoring icon that will be 50 years old in 2009. As part of the celebrations, a new Convertible version is going on sale, boosting the latest generation’s line-up to three models. T... read more
Mini Cooper S Full Road Test Report
- The Mini Cooper S is a pleasure to drive, the turbo-charged 1.6-litre engine is a perfect fit. A real driver’s car, the highly desirable Cooper S is built at the Mini factory in Oxford.... read more
Have your say!
mini lease prices 
mini new cars and nearly new cars
mini road tests and customer reviews. Submit your own mini review, read other driver's opinions or visit the best road test web sites available on the web.
Mini Cooper
Average driver rating ( based on 9 reviews )
Mini Cooper S
Average driver rating ( based on 8 reviews )
Mini Clubman
Average driver rating ( based on 7 reviews )
Mini One
Average driver rating ( based on 5 reviews )
Mini Cooper S Convertible
Average driver rating ( based on 3 reviews )
Mini One Convertible
Average driver rating ( based on 1 review )
Mini Cooper D
Average driver rating ( based on 1 review )
Mini Cooper Convertible
Average driver rating ( based on 1 review )
mini Consumer Car Reviews
The latest mini driver reviews and road test reports. The views expressed do not reflect the thoughts and opinions of ReallyGoodDomains.com
Submit a mini road test report
Hugh Jarse, England
Mini Cooper S Cooper S Chilli 2008
My wife and I were initially looking for a bigger car, but once my wife saw the MINI and drove it, she just had to have it. With the sport button switched on, the MINI feels much faster than the figures suggest. It feels similar to a turbocharged MR2 that I used to own which had a 0-60 time of 5.2. What I like about the MINI is the fact that you can switch off the sport button and drive it like a normal car.My MR2 turbo felt like an out and out sports car. The MINI is smooth and comfortable and you feel like man and machine in perfect harmony. You feel ultimately in control when you drive the MINI.
Submitted: 24/04/2009 08:48:26
Matt, England
Mini Cooper 2007
What a waste of £15,000!! For a start alarm bells should have rung when I had to add nearly £2,000 to get some equipment on it (air-con etc). In and out of the dealers monthly for build quality and engine problems (the car actually cut out on me for no apparent reason). Did 35,000 miles in it in just under 18 months then just simply had enough and sold it. On the plus side it was fast(ish), handled well and it was economical (50mpg). The car also had a good wash and vacuum every time it came back from the dealer. Would not recommend at all!! The worst car I have ever owned.
Submitted: 20/04/2009 13:07:38
Andy Baxter, England
Mini Clubman Cooper D 2008
Will try to be as neutral and honest as I can, I know often these reviews swing from extreme negatives to undying pledges of allegiance to the brand so this is hopefully a rounded view. Mine is a company car Clubman D selected as a low tax / high fuel economy choice with enough room to occasionally potter around in with the kids. As the main work car it actually made financial sense for me to downsize and my wife to have a big car, especially with the fuel situation at the time. I’ve just hit 12000 miles and my thoughts are mixed... Economy is nowhere near claimed figures (is it ever?), or at least I cannot get it there. I drive regular long runs from Manchester to Durham outside peak hours and even when very gentle can get around 59 mpg tops whilst holding everyone up. So economy is not bad, but then in my experience a carefully driven Mondeo/Vectra/Passat diesel isn’t that far behind at around 50-55 mpg average with more space and comfort to boot. I opted for three rear seats as a no cost option - but cannot fit three child seats in abreast so its pointless really. [to be fair we have an MPV for general use so it’s not an issue, just for information for those considering as a main vehicle]. Engine wise it’s a bit noisy and no fireball but then that was not a criteria for me and performance is more than acceptable for most needs, the 6th gear making motorway cruising very easygoing. If you want outright performance in this range go for a petrol Cooper S. Comfort wise, I actually find the car ok over long distances, but theres no doubt the run flat tyres and suspension make for a firm "Germanic" ride, and after a year I’m ready for some comfy seats to be honest. One surprise omission on the pepper pack is that the side mirrors are not heated - that was a surprise and means you have to manually defrost /demist them. I can’t believe that is not standard, wiping my mirrors with my sleeve in a morning takes me back years... Space wise it’s ok if you understand and accept the limitations of a car this size to start with - it’s no estate car for Ikea visits but will take a weeks family shopping ok. See it as a Mini + but don’t try to convince yourself or your other half it’s a family car. Quality - well I’m sorry but there’s just no getting over the hard, black plastics for me and the ones that are painted silver look and feel home painted as they are not lacquered i.e. "cheap". It feels cold, clinical and, well, Germanic. Everything is hard to touch in mine, and that registers on cold mornings! I’m sure you can up spec but at this price you’d have to be mad to stump up even more when you could get a decent new Golf for the same money. The side door is useful [when it works, which it often doesn’t on mine and the dealer cannot seem to fix] Which brings me onto reliability. Generally mine has been ok, but there are niggles such as that side door which sometimes does not work, the fuel filler cap which does not engage properly when the car is locked so hangs open, and a rattle under the bonnet on cold mornings. The rattle is quite bad, although the dealer cannot find it. I’d be a bit concerned and embarrassed about it if it was my own car, ditto the fuel filler flap. It’s all well and good having a warranty but that assumes the dealer can find/fix the problem! At least they wash and hoover it for me when it goes in. Long term [or if you are considering second hand], what worries me is the engine stop / start system, which swithches the engine off at idle to save fuel. Great idea, and you get used to it - but when you are doing high speed e.g. on the motorway and hit standing traffic the turbo must be frying itself when the engine stops and therefore the oil supply stops. Time will tell! You can switch this feature off but I suspect many owners won’t either without realising the potential for problems down the line or just because of the hassle factor. Pound for pound a Fiat 500 / Clio / Fiesta are probably just as good and economical for half the price, but failing that, and if image isn’t top of your list please don’t write off a second hand, well driven, well maintained rep mobile for comfort, safety, equipment, space and economy. For the dealers, it’s like shooting fish in a barrel; there’s no need for a "sales" team, these cars sell themselves. You buy one mentally before you actually drive one. You’ll love the 20 minute test drive, you’ll be grinning like an idiot and remembering the first mini you had in the old days and you’ll want one, whatever the cost - but how long will the novelty last? To sum up - there’s no doubt it’s a nice enough car, but there is an element of toy like novelty that will wear thin with the miles, and what you are left with is a very expensive [£15400], very small [260 litre boot], average supermini. I’m one year in to my 4 year tenure and already I wish I had followed my head, not my heart and got a worthy but dull Mondeo. I’m saving on tax and people stare at it but that isn’t enough for me to choose one again. A lenghtly review, but I hope I have been fair and this helps.
Submitted: 03/03/2009 08:35:09
Jane Biscoe, Suffolk
Mini Cooper 2001
I have had my car for approx 6 months now and although an older model it has done very few miles. However the problems have started with airbag light, intermittent fault with indicator, trim popping off of seats. Should I sell it now????
Submitted: 27/02/2009 09:14:01
Tony Ward, Yorkshire
Mini One 1969
If it’s called Mini one and is a car made by Germans - is it a Mini or a BMW? The only Minis in the world that deserve the name Mini are the classic Minis; the rest are BMW’s. Real Mini drivers don’t acknowledge BMW as a Mini, so if you have problems with your BMW call a German dealer.
Submitted: 11/02/2009 09:05:17
Phil, Lancashire
Mini Cooper S chili 2008
Had our Cooper S just 10 months from new. A fabulous fast, fun car that just looks the absolute business. Just revs and revs in all gears and puts a great smile on a driver’s face. 39mpg is very acceptable given the fun factor. Insurance is not a problem when shopping around but aged 60+ helps. A classic car that will outlast most others and repay in trade in value should we decide to trade it in for another MINI in the future. How sad is this, an hour or two before we know we are going out in MINI we just like to park it in front of the house, in the sun with the double sun roof ajar then just admire the little pepper white beast from indoors.
Submitted: 07/01/2009 11:18:39
Arron Mitchel, England
Mini Cooper S Convertible Cooper S Convertible 2005
In the past three years I’ve owned a 2004 Honda Civic Type R, a 2002 BMW Convertible 330ci, a 2004 M3 Coupe and now own a 2005 Mini Cooper S Convertible. I SHOULD HAVE BOUGHT THE MINI THREE YEARS AGO :) :)
Submitted: 22/12/2008 09:28:59
Dave, Lancashire
Mini One 2005
Top notch little motor. Got one for my wife but I love driving it. I am 6 feet 4, but fit into it without a problem. Sticks to the road like glue and performance is great . Needs revving hard to get the best out of it. Superb fun and has held its value quite well.
Submitted: 12/11/2008 09:20:02
Stephen Howard, Sussex
Mini Clubman Diesel 2008
Great car to drive, save money on fuel and tax and so far I have only done 300 miles and got 75.7 mpg. I did order over £8000 of extra, however, satellite navigation for £1600 is an absolute rip off, it’s not even touch screen, and the trimming around the dashboard is very cheap and nasty! Not BMW quality at all. To be honest it is typical of BMW attitude to rip people off, like I said it is a real shame about the interior switches and controls, it lets the car down and especially the sat nav (I know I go on about it, but it really is disgusting waste of money). I hope BMW get their act together!
Submitted: 23/09/2008 08:34:08
Paul, Surrey
Mini Cooper 2002
Sorry to hear about the clutch / gearbox issue; most likely your dealer didn’t notify you on the massive recall (some 50-60,000 cars) concerning the 2002 Minis. The recall was due to gearboxes issues (’stickiness’ between 1st and 2nd gear, most likely to affect you if driving a lot in slow traffic. I had experienced this issue myself...
Submitted: 12/09/2008 14:50:34
Jimmy Cliffe, Bedfordshire
Mini Cooper S R56 Turbo 2006
An absolute pleasure to drive (when the wife lets me). Doesn’t like town’s much, prefers to be on the open road and opened up a little (whilst staying within the speed limits of course)! Super fast and economy not bad now with the new turbo engine, around 35-40mpg. Good: A fantastic driving experience that will bring a smile to your face every time. Almost everything about this car is excellent. Bad: A little lumpy on tick-over and bumpy on long journeys. Dual glass roof sometimes sticks (replaced under warranty). A rattle when starting from cold sometimes. Investigated and a few bits changed, then a new engine fitted after only 11K. Well done BMW for great customer satisfaction.
Submitted: 03/09/2008 12:56:20
Adrian Webb, Berkshire
Mini Cooper S
I’ve had my Mini Cooper S 6 months and have one thing to say - fun - very good all around. It likes petrol, 35 miles to the gallon on average but the miles are great to drive. Nice on motorways very smooth, A roads are OK but with 17" wheels are a bit hard and can be lumpy.
Submitted: 19/08/2008 09:50:12
Steve Farndon, England
Mini One 2008
Hi - anyone know how to turn off the Ambient lighting please - reply to hilsalter@yahoo.co.uk Thanks
Submitted: 04/08/2008 08:29:08
Sarah Benchall, England
Mini Cooper 1.6 Cooper 2007
If I was asked to design the car that I really, really wanted then I think it would look almost identical to the Mini Cooper. I’ve always loved the style of the Mini, it is an icon and quintessentially British. I picked up a brand new 1.6 Cooper for exactly £12,500 and I think that I have an absolute bargain. The Cooper looks good from the outside but it was when I first sat in the cabin that it really took my breath away, the large switches are just perfect and the choice of ambient lighting for the dashboard is customisable, a beautiful touch that allows you to make the Mini uniquely yours. The acceleration is quick (1-60 in about 10 seconds) and the top speed of 126mph is 30mph more than I need. Good fuel economy (approximately 50mpg), great looks plus supreme performance make the new Mini Cooper a winner, BMW have thankfully improved upon the previous model while leaving everything that makes the Mini British firmly in place.
Submitted: 30/04/2008 10:04:58
Hugh Travers, Kent
Mini Cooper S 1.6 S Cooper 3dr 2007
This car is sweet as a nut, the sharp steering and brilliant handling means that driving it is about as much fun as you can have behind the steering wheel. This is a classic modern car and will outlast any gimicky hot hatch.
Submitted: 24/04/2008 09:32:50
Emma Cameron, Devon
Mini Cooper S Convertible Mini Cooper S Convertible 1.6 2004
I have had my mini for 1 year now and am sadly selling it. It is a fantastic and fun car to drive and I love it to bits however it is very costly to run, very thirsty on fuel and high car tax. The ride is not the most comfortable but then what do you expect from a mini! I will surely miss this fantastic car however the cost of running has meant I have part exchanged for a BMW 118d SE, a diesel!!
Submitted: 02/04/2008 15:13:10
Sylvie Williams, Devon
Mini Clubman Cooper Diesel 2008
Great handling, but hard ride on run flat tyres. Diesel engine much noisier than my 9 year old VW Golf GT TDI. For a £17500 car ( the price I paid), the build quality is below average. Exterior trim is poorly fitted. All doors close without a satisfactory clunk, as my Golf did. Fuel consumption is high. 68mpg! You will be be lucky to get 50mpg on a long run.
Submitted: 25/03/2008 09:02:04
Andy Webb, Durham
Mini Cooper S 2005
A superb car in every way! It’s a fast little bugger and the handling is superb. It just begs to be driven hard. I’ve done a few long trips in mine and it is just at home on the motorway as it is on the twisty B roads. Two of my friends have been in mine for a spin and they’ve both now bought a Cooper S. The only thing I’d fault is the low roof line which means when you pull up to the lights you need to lean right forward to be able to see what colour they are! Petty, but thats the only fault.
Submitted: 14/03/2008 12:45:34
Michael Wise, England
Mini Clubman 1979
Here is a proper classic car. I mean hey it may not be the most spacious of cars but they are awesome to drive. They are fairly reliable, good handling, and most of all fun to drive. It is stylish and most of all you have piece of history.
Submitted: 29/01/2008 09:52:26
Sarah, Neath Port Talbot
Mini Clubman
GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Submitted: 18/12/2007 09:15:23
Nicky Evans, London
Mini Cooper 2002
I LOVE the styling of the mini both inside and out. It is comfortable and distinctive and ticks every box for me as far as design goes.... Why the poor star rating? Reliability, or lack of to be more acurate. A CATALOGUE OF FAULTS. Before the car was two years old and with only 24,000 miles on the clock it needed a new gear box and clutch. It has had its power steering replaced twice, the tracking went, the airbag light continually keeps coming on and needing to be reset... adn as the other reviewer stated, at every service something needs to be repaired or replaced. The customer service from BMW/Mini and the dealershiphave been appalling. All in all, this car is a real lemon. If you are thinking about this car, DON’T DO IT! Sense over vanity!
Submitted: 26/11/2007 15:54:28
Steven Hobbs, Torfaen
Mini Cooper S 1.6S Cooper 2007
This is such a HUGE improvement on the earlier model. Everything about it is now better, the ride, the handling, the way it holds the road are all now perfect. If you are looking for a hot hatch then I can firmly recommend the Cooper S. It’s cool and performs brilliantly.
Submitted: 20/11/2007 11:35:22
Eamon Moores, Cardiff
Mini Cooper Convertible 1.6 16v S 2dr 2006
You can’t fail to love this car. Classic good looks and a very sporty sounding engine. This car is perfect for zipping around town in style. Very nice to drive and good support from the drivers seat make longer journeys more than comfortable. It does take a bit of getting used to parking though as the rear visibility could be better. Still love it though!
Submitted: 20/11/2007 11:14:13
Jimmy Crosier, Gloucestershire
Mini Cooper S Convertible 1.6 2005
Great to look at, fun to drive but be warned, this is a thirsty car and not cheap to run. Also the rear visibility is poor and makes motorway driving, especially in heavy rain, as hairy as it gets! I’ve only had mine 6 months and although I do love it most of the time I’m not sure how much longer I’ll be keeping it.
Submitted: 19/11/2007 13:12:51
Daniel Saunders, Durham
Mini Cooper S 1.6 3d 2004
I can’t fault this car, I’ve had mine now for 2 years and it never lets me down. Brilliant accelaration and road handling make it fun to drive and the running costs make it a practical choice. Looks the business too. I don’t think there is another small car out there that can touch the Mini, it really is an icon amongst motorcars and something you never tire of driving.
Submitted: 19/11/2007 10:58:58
B J, Staffordshire
Mini Cooper Cooper 2004
I have owned this car since 2004. I do like it and this model is an automatic with every extra you can think of. BUT, everytime it goes in for service they manage to find something wrong. I have had new tyres when it was only 18months old and had done 11,000 miles plus new discs and a bolt costing £75, something to do with one of the wheels. So far I have had 2 sets of tyres. The last time I took it in when something was wrong with the stereo it coat over £600 to relace, the ariel alone was £19,00 for the part £200 to fit it. Scandalas. And they found that there was a problem with the power steering and tried to get me to pay over £1300 to put it right, until I told them I was taking it for a second opinion some where else, they then said Mini was going to pay for the repair. So it is going.
Submitted: 19/11/2007 10:01:29
Tony Saunders, Carmarthenshire
Mini Clubman Clubman 2007
I’m impressed with my Clubman, it gives me over 43mpg. It is also a pretty green car with low CO2 emissions and this puts it in the bottom tax bracket. This is great fun to drive, economical and has excellent residual values.
Submitted: 09/11/2007 09:56:26
Nick Gibbs, Leicestershire
Mini Cooper D Cooper D 2007
Want fuel economy of around 60mpg and a green car with CO2 emissions of only 104g/km. Get a Mini Cooper D, its that simple. Tax is also cheap and residual value is fantastic.
Submitted: 09/11/2007 09:50:14
Mike Randall, Devon
Mini One 1.6 One 2007
The drive is brilliant, handles nicely and copes with rough road surfaces. Quiet purring engine. A joy to drive, it may be small but it is perfectly made. Only downside is that part are not cheap.
Submitted: 31/10/2007 17:25:25
Marcus Holness, Derbyshire
Mini Clubman 1.6 Cooper 2007
A mini with extra practicality!! I don’t think the looks will be to everyones taste though and undoubtedly more people will buy the diesel than the petrol. I think it looks good in Cooper spec and with Mini’s reputation for reliability I don’t think I will be spending too much time at the dealers service desk! Hopefully the residuals will be as good as the hatchback’s are!
Submitted: 31/10/2007 14:59:22
Samina Bareck, Yorkshire
Mini One Convertible 1.6 16v 2dr
Love it, love it, love it!!! It’s my pride and joy and I hate having to park it up at the end of the day. It’s chic and racy and there are not enough hours in the day to drive it.
Submitted: 29/09/2007 16:36:50
John Doolan, Lancashire
Mini Cooper 1.6
A great buyers package persuaded me to go for the Cooper, especially when the TLC pack is included, giving you your first 5 yrs servicing for a pittance! The car itself is nippy and spirited with sharp handling and a great engine, although the firm ride will not be to everybodies taste.
Submitted: 25/09/2007 15:09:45
Lorna Connell, Nottinghamshire
Mini One
Great run around, roomy inside, park in the smallest of space. Great responsive handling. However parts are expensive to replace.
Submitted: 28/08/2007 11:25:32
Michael Shepherd, Middlesex
Mini Cooper 1.6
I hate this car, too heavy on petrol, quite heavy steering, no boot space to speak of, only 2 seat belts in the back. If you are single and never want passengers, then this is the car for you, if like me you have friends, don't get one.
Submitted: 23/08/2007 10:38:36
Rachel Wilson, Lancashire
Mini Cooper Mini Cooper 1.6
I love this car! It looks fantastic and the drive is superb. It’s reasonable to run, nippy about town and just pure fun on long distance drives. A really, really great car.
Submitted: 09/08/2007 11:37:03
Mini Cooper lease prices
Mini Cooper S lease prices
Mini Cooper D lease prices
Mini One Convertible lease prices
Mini Clubman lease prices
Mini Cooper Convertible lease prices
Mini Cooper S Convertible lease prices
Mini One lease prices
Search Reports by Make
Aixam-Mega | Alfa Romeo | Aston Martin | Audi | Bentley | BMW | Cadillac | Caterham | Chevrolet | Chrysler | Citroen | Daewoo | Daihatsu | Dodge | Elettrica | Ferrari | Fiat | Ford | Honda | Hummer | Hyundai | Infiniti | Isuzu | Iveco | Jaguar | Jeep | Kia | Lamborghini | Land Rover | LDV | Lexus | Lotus | Maserati | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz | MG | Micro-Vett | Mini | Mitsubishi | Nissan | Peugeot | Piaggio | Porsche | Proton | Renault | Reva | Roewe | Rover | Saab | Sakura | SEAT | Skoda | Smart | SsangYong | Subaru | Suzuki | Toyota | TVR | Vauxhall | Volkswagen | Volvo |
CarAndVanAuctions.co.uk | CarSupermarkets.co.uk | TheVanWebsite.co.uk | SaveMoneyOnCars.co.uk | ContractHireAndLeasing.com | FleetDirectory.co.uk
WinACarCompetition.co.uk | TheGreenCarWebsite.co.uk | CarLeasingCompanies.co.uk | RoadTestReports.co.uk
CarLeasingSpecialOffers.co.uk | VanLeasingSpecialOffers.co.uk
