MINI Hatchback (2006 - 2013) 1.6 Cooper 3d Auto (Chili Pack) (2007/07) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

can't imagine it says much.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

i don't broadcast its fault (singular) so they think it's great

Would you buy this car again and why?

i'd love to but they'd have to sort that damned auto box out. it's a total pig. the car is otherwise really really good. it's more practical than it's given credit for. it's a superb car for the city. peerless. it is totally ruined by the auto box. it cancels out all that is so very good about the car.

What are you likely to buy next?

1 series BMW

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchise

Did you buy this car new?

Yes

What price did you pay?

£18,500

When did you buy the car?

March 2007

Did you get a good deal and why?

Just OK

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Wanted a smaller refined car with Auto Gearbox

What was the dealer like?

Very competent.

What's it like to drive?

fairly awful. most of my driving is in central london. the reason i tend to buy automatics. this is one of the worst i've ever driven. it hesitates to 'take off' at the lights and at junctions. this tends to cause me to press the accelerator harder and then the power arrives 'all at once'. it can be uneven to drive in slow moving traffic. it's the kind of car that makes you want to drive 'positively' taking advantage of its performance. but it behaves so much better when you treat the pedal on the right 'gently'.

What's it like to park?

brilliant, so long as you don't try to do anything too briskly.

Have you had any problems with the car?

The engine overheated when the engine cooling fan switch failed.

What's most practical about your car?

Easy to park in London

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

cruise control