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?
That you have a personality. The car is red with a black roof and racing stripes. 99% of other cars on the roads are boring in comparison.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
They love it, my car cred' has gone through the roof.
Would you buy this car again and why?
Yes, but it would have to be the same model. The full JCW is too hard and the standard cooper s is too common. The cooper s with the works kit is the bast compromise.
What are you likely to buy next?
Too soon to say.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Franchised
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£10,500
When did you buy the car?
May 2012
Did you get a good deal and why?
The deal was good because the car was bought from an Alfa Romeo dealer, so they didn't realize that this model cooper s had the optional 'John Cooper Works' package, so I bought it at the price of a standard cooper s!
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
The car stood out from the sea of grey and black diesel hatchbacks.
What was the dealer like?
The dealer was friendly, and kindly delivered the car with a full tank of petrol. However, the part exchange price was from the website, 'we buy any car' at a knock down price. Strangely he didn't key in the details for the car I was buying off them into the site, funny that...
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Thrilling. The 0-62 time is almost identical to the 09- golf gti with it's 2.0 turbo. It's surprising that with this tuning kit the car produces 190bhp from a 1.6. Speaking of the JCW kit, it includes a performance air filter, works exhaust (cat back) and an engine management upgrade boosting power from 172bhp to 190bhp, not bad. Handling is fantastic and direct, but without compromising ride quality, it's fantastically engineered.
What's it like to park?
It's a mini!
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
There was a little issue with the optional 'stop start' system fitted to the car, I can't seem to get it working despite my best attempts. Also, this particular car needed a new set of front tyres which I purchaced this weekend at a cost of £356.00 for run-flat dunlop summer tyres. Will also need to buy winter tyres at great expense later in the year!
What's most practical about your car?
It isn't a practical car. The boot is tiny and the rear seats feel claustrophobic, but you don't buy a mini for practicality.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
The sport button! You feel a noticeable difference in throttle response and steering feedback.
