MINI Cooper S (2006 - 2016) 1.6 (Chili Pack) 3d (2007/57) 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?
So far nothing as it has been in the garage undergoing repairs more than I have been able to drive it.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
They like the looks of the car.
Would you buy this car again and why?
NO, I will never buy another Mini again, it has been totally unreliable, very harsh to drive, impractical and the way I have been treated by BMW and Mini in regards to the engine replacement under warranty has put me off.
What are you likely to buy next?
Range Rover
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Franchise
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£14,300
When did you buy the car?
August 2009
Did you get a good deal and why?
The deal was very good, they supplied the car with the optional driving lamps as part of the deal
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
I wanted a decent car that was reliable but quite sporty
What was the dealer like?
Stratstone Mini Derby is extremely good and the staff are very knowledgeable
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
It is fast but very skittish. The ride is harsh due to the run flat tyres, it torque steers and brakes very badly, also due to the run flat tyres. It handles fairly well but it does suffer on roads that are not smooth and this causes the car to bounce very badly resulting in a very poor ride. The acceleration from the engine is not very smooth due to turbo lag and the engine feels like it is running very rough.
What's it like to park?
There are a lot of blind spots which means you have to be very careful when parallel parking
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Yes, the engine has suffered a major mechanical fault. The cams turned against the bearings on cylinders 2 & 3 causing the cams and head to be written off and the cylinder block on cylinder no.4 warped, all of this meant a new engine is required.
What's most practical about your car?
nothing, the car is too small
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
Sport button to quicken the steering and improve throttle response and DSC button to turn the traction and stability control off.
