2009 MINI Cooper S consumer reviews

Smooth, peppy car. Nice features. Handles nice and quite a bit of pep for a 4 cylinder. 33 mpg even when driving fun. Top open/close is easy. If you want Bluetooth make sure it is installed, not just on the wheel and Audio area. Would have been nice but still have the Aux. to use. Enjoyable car.

My wife bought an 09 Mini Cooper S a few months back. I thought it was quite a fun car even in automatic form. Exterior design is what I expect from Mini. Styling is actually quite nice. Interior design feels a bit cheap with hard, ill-fitting plastics. Ride quality is a bit stiffer than I would expect from a modern car, even a sporty one. The stereo layout in the Mini just doesn't seem right being integrated into the giant speedometer. The rear seats are useable if you are 6'0" or under and the people in front are of similar build. Mechanically the transmission is very good for an automatic in a sporty car. The engine has more than enough power for the day to day grind. The only downfall is the carbon build up issue inherent with all direct-injection motors (not just Mini's). When it comes right down to it, there isn't anything you can do to stop it, just slow it down. To slow it down, drive it like it begs to be driven, use premium quality fuel, fuel treatment additives, and maybe install an oil catch can. However, expensive cleanings will eventually be required. Good thing Mini has rectified this issue on the 2011 and newer Cooper S's. If you wish to avoid this, you always have the option of going to a standard Cooper. They don't exhibit these issues. Overall it is a very fun car. So fun that the 24mpg city is acceptable out of a car this size. However I wouldn't own a 2009 out of warranty.

Never had enough money to buy a Cooper S when I was stationed in the UK in the 70's but I did own a used Mini for a couple of years back then. A 1965 model I think. I just love this new version. It's creepy to think about roaring around the back roads of ENGLAND on those 10 inch wheels and drum brakes and the the quirky gear shift. Every puddle brought the car to a complete stop because of where the distributor was mounted just behind the grill!! Thank you BMW for bringing the car back!!!!!!

I found my 2009 Mini Cooper S from this site and I couldn't be happier! I got a great deal and I have never gotten so many compliments from people before! I have no regrets about my purchase and would recommend a Mini for anyone looking for something fun, affordable, and overall great handling!

The Mini is really a feel good vehicle for the everyday "chore" of driving to places. Its fun to drive, its small and nimble, it handles well , it goes where you point it. I have owned many "serious" sport cars and this mini JCW just give me a smile every time I drive it. Thumbs way up !!

This car is extremely responsive: steering/handling, acceleration, braking, and the manual shifting is very smooth. The turbo makes this car very fast. Lots of leg room for tall folks (I'm 6'2") and with the back seats folded down not bad storage. I"m using it as a commuter car and am averaging about 37 mpg with 80% highway and 20% city and easy driving. My only problem is that its too fun to romp on this thing-way too much fun!

Great, quirky, cool car. I gave it 5 stars for comfort, because although not a luxury feel, you really become one with the car, and it is a comfortable car for its size. Very fast, very sturdy, very fun to drive, handles really well. It is not a luxury car ride; if you want that, this isn't for you. There is quite a bit of road feel. I would buy another in a minute.

I bought my Mini Cooper S two weeks ago. It has the Premium Package and the Cold Weather Package. This car is the most fun to drive of any of the cars Ive owned. I reccomend it to anyone that loves to be close to the ground and likes driving a car that handles like it is on rails.

I have to echo Radiobob's review. I will add just a few things. First, I opted for the manual transmission. I wanted to save the money, and the auto made me feel less in control of the car during my test drives. With the manual, I came back thrilled, with the auto, I came back tired. My one concern was driving stick in DC traffic (up to a 2 hour stop and go commute on bad days). My fear was unfounded. This manual transmission is very easy to drive. Second, the car looks fantastic. I went with the classic red / white combination. The car stands out. I can't believe how many people I catch just looking at the car and smiling. I've had it less than 2 weeks, and at least three people have just wanted to ask me about it. Waiting for the car in the valet line is fun. While I didn't buy the car for attention, the conversations are fun distractions from everyday small talk. All the attention for a car that cost in the mid 20s (Honda Accord territory). Oh, and going with Red saved $500 bucks vs. getting metallic paint. The interior styling is fun, but it is certainly unusual. I was seriously considering the VW GTI, in part because of how tailored the interior of that car felt. In contrast, the pie plate speedometer in the MINI seems almost silly, and some of the controls take some getting used to. They aren't difficult to work, but they don't always follow the standard conventions. It strikes me as unproductive to create an unnecessary learning curve for drivers. That said, there is a lot to like about the interior. None of this is a big deal, but it is something you should think about during your test drive. Overall, I love the car. It is a blast to drive. It's fun to be seen in. It has every option I really could have wanted, and it didn't cost nearly as much as I might have expected. It has made driving fun again. If you are reading this review, you are already interested enough that you should go for a test drive. Seriously. Go. Now.

I just bought a new 2009 Mini, delivered on 1/2/09..WAY new, but almost too much fun to be legal. It feels like it is attached to the road or like being on a roller coaster track, with wheels on the top and bottom of the track. Total control of the car at all times. With the "run flat" tires, the ride is a bit stiff. Also, there is no spare tire. Although there are four seats (get the leather, it is REAL nice), anyone in the back should not be a middle line backer. The front seats are surprisingly roomy and that middle line backer will do well there. Learning about the vehicle has a learning curve, but there are manuals for about everything. If you are interested, take a test drive. You will most likely be hooked and go for the true go fast (watch your speed, 100 mph is not hard to do). When purchasing the vehicle, shop around as some dealerships attach this thing called a MARKET ADJUSTMENT.... because the Mini is highly desired and in short supply... they add between $2000 and $5000 to the sticker, for the privelege of you buying a vehicle from them. Some places are able to order the Mini direct from the manufacturer and then you do not have to pay that MARKET ADJUSTMENT fee.