Mini Cooper 1.6 16V Reviews
Latest Reviews
★★☆☆☆
“Hope your hobby is to live at the Service Department!”
Written on: 21/11/2012
On Friday, 11/16, I had to trade in my 2010 Mini Cooper. I was really upset about it since it was a car I had wanted for years. Here were my issues: -49,000 miles: Software system need to be completely updated. The car thought it had fog lights when it didnt so I was getting an indication that my headlights were out when they weren't. -Dealer Solution: Complete system upgrade (fortunately still covered under mfg. warranty. -59,000 miles: Car hesitates and engine light goes on. I... (read more)
★★★★☆
“Been good so far”
Written on: 11/04/2012 by StewieGriffin (1 review written)
I have had my mini for 3 months now and have thoroughly enjoyed it so far. I got the Chili Pack and panoramic sunroof which i really like as I had a convertible for my previous car but did not like the lack of boot space. Although the mini does have a small boot you can put the seats down which means you can get quite a bit in. Haven't had it long so hopefully will not get the problems like other people on here, so fingers crossed! (read more)
★★★★★
“Great small car”
Written on: 23/08/2011 by lightning (20 reviews written)
We bought our Mini Cooper new in 2004, and it proved to be a great little car. Having also driven the updated version I personally think that the older one is better. We never had any problems with it, but I wish we'd bought the Cooper S as our standard Cooper (115bhp) wasn't all that fast. Also I'd recommend buying one with the sunroof as it makes the interior brighter and less claustrophobic. There was an issue with the early Cooper pulling to the left, ours did it very slightly but the... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“never recommend a mini”
Written on: 21/07/2011 by gbmotors
My husband is a driving instructor and this Mini was his 3rd car, the first one the gear box dropped out due to the clutch not being fitted right, but this last one has cost us money after money .While the car was still under the warranty , it was losing so much oil ( the end bill over a 3 month period was over £300) but the garage was not interested until the car broke down and it turned out the valves had burnt out which cost nearly £2,000 to repair , we had to pay for the repair, but... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Our Brand New Mini Cooper with Chilli pack and other...”
Written on: 21/10/2010 by Oliver the dog (1 review written)
Our Brand New Mini Cooper with Chilli pack and other extras.
I feel it has become important to everyone thinking of a buying a Mini to draw their attention to deficiencies at MINI UK.
Our brand new vehicle was delivered with numerous faults to the front, bonnet, grilles and spats which made it look distorted - the dealership should have put these defects in order before delivery - even after two post delivery opportunities they still failed to do so and on top of that they claimed the...
(read more)
★★★★☆
“This is my 4 Mini Cooper and it puts a smile on my...”
Written on: 28/09/2010 by lindylou176 (1 review written)
This is my 4 Mini Cooper and it puts a smile on my face everytime I drive it. For that reason I am about to buy another. I understand there have been a few people unhappy with their Mini's, I will say 3 words, complain, complain, complain. One of my Mini's was a Friday afternoon car and the dealership bought it back from me and had to sell it up north (I lived in Surrey at the time). I wrote to BMW Mini complaining as it was in their garage more than it was in mine. You name it, it went... (read more)
James Mcguigan's Response to lindylou176's Review
Written on: 11/03/2011
I found this review helpful because...Lindylou suspects the 'Friday PM and Monday AM' syndrome still persists despite all the robotics. However, I live 'up North' and, whilst I congratulate her persistence in sorting out her problems, I only hope the Mini was repaired before being 'deported'.
<br/>I noted it was a 'very wise man' at her Dealership...never even tried to win the argument. Probably, married and 'house trained'.
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★★★☆☆
“I have owned my mini cooper s convertible since new. I...”
Written on: 23/09/2010
I have owned my mini cooper s convertible since new. I love the look of the car but realistically it is not practical. I have had 2 services and during the last service 8 months ago, I pointed out that I had replaced the front driver tyre 3 times and there was a knocking sound. On collection of the car, I was informed nothing was wrong. I have just taken the car for its 3rd service, 30,000 miles and pointed out that the noise is still there and it has started overheating. The warranty ran... (read more)
Guest's Comment
Written on: 21/06/2012
I had the same issue with a peugeot 206cc. The 5 year warranty (extended two years beyond the normal 3 yrs, owned since new and serviced by the same people since purchase) ran out and suddenly I was faced with a mssive £3,000 bill. I spoke direct to HO (as like yourself I had a reoccuring issue with tyre wear and other bits), I was offered a £1,500 discount. I declined (telling them where to stick it) and part ex'd the car for a mini, aiming to keep it for max of 3 yrs. I shall never ever have another peugeot. My philosopy now is never ever have a car beyond any warranties, its just too much hassle! The only car I ever owned in the past, that gave me 100% satifaction to drive, service, reliabilty and excellent resale was a sporty little toyota. Shame they dont make them like they used to!
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★★☆☆☆
“I was thrilled to purchase my ex-demo mini Cooper S...”
Written on: 07/09/2010
I was thrilled to purchase my ex-demo mini Cooper S Clubman and love it too bits. It works well with three small kids but not so well with a dog in the boot!
However at only 20k miles the clutch has gone. Mini won't accept responsibility and I know it's not my driving style. I asked them to keep the parts so I could get an independent expert to look at the clutch but when I went to collect the car the garage has returned them to Mini. This is my second "high spec" mini and I feel let down.
(read more)
★★☆☆☆
“I've had my Cooper for 9 months bought from a small...”
Written on: 12/08/2010
I've had my Cooper for 9 months bought from a small Dealer (not Main) 3 months warranty no problems. 60000 on clock when purchased now 70000. Since then I have had...new radiator, window motor,airbag sensor, air con problems and recently power steering pump and wiper motor replaced. In all I have spent over £1500 in 9 months. Getting rid. Wouldn't touch another with a barge pole!! (read more)
★★★★★
“i have had my mini cooper for six months and luv it...”
Written on: 25/01/2010
i have had my mini cooper for six months and luv it ive had loads of retro cars from gti's to xr's and gte and find the mini to be spacious reliable and quick off the mark u get what u pay for mine cost 6000 with 62000 miles on the clock and it hasnt let me down it has asphetic looks and will be a future classic im sure and i have owned a few original mini's incl a 60's clubman estate and loved that and when u have owned cars like a " porshe " u cant expect a car that costs twenty grand to... (read more)
See next 10 reviews
Showing 1 - 10 of 33 Reviews
★★★★★
“I bought my mini cooper 1.6 automatic after my peugeot...”
Written on: 30/10/2009
I bought my mini cooper 1.6 automatic after my peugeot died. I absolutely love my mini more than any other car I have owned. It is clearly very well built with quality materials. It is surprisingly spacious inside (the only part that is small is the boot). It drives beautifully - better than any other auto supermini that I test drove. I can't imagine switiching to another car other than a new mini cooper. (read more)
★★★☆☆
“I purchased a Mini Cooper Convertible 2 years ago....”
Written on: 18/07/2009
I purchased a Mini Cooper Convertible 2 years ago. Whilst mechanically its been fine I really do not like this car. I've owned Porsches and Merc convertibles in the past but the mini is totally impractical. There is no boot space (regardless of whether the roof is up or down). The ride is extremely hard and uncomfortable. The visibility out of the rear window is pathetic. I have found the dealerships to be most unhelpful. For what it is, the car is very much overpriced. The car is... (read more)
★★★★☆
“I have had my Mini Cooper for 4 years and have had it...”
Written on: 07/05/2009
I have had my Mini Cooper for 4 years and have had it from new. Although I still love it I have had problems with it that you just don't expect from a £16,000 BMW! It has had 2 new steering colums, a new radiator fan and it rattles like hell. I also have the white wheels which are a nightmare to clean! The bracket on my exhaust has rotted and there is a hole developing in the exhaust box. I have only done 35,000 miles. All I can say is thank god the servicing is free for another year!... (read more)
★★★★★
“I have owned a Mini Cooper for 4 years now. It came to...”
Written on: 23/02/2008 by Sallie6532
I have owned a Mini Cooper for 4 years now. It came to me 3 years old and with 11,000 miles on the clock. I traded in a family BMW 2000 for it and I love it. I choose to write now following a rear ending accident. The other driver was traveling approx 40 miles per hour, me and the traffic in front around 10 miles an hour. She pushed me off the road and I expected loads and loads of damage. Witness and police stopped; externally there appears to be only 2 scratches below the bumper. The safety... (read more)
★★★☆☆
“I've had my Mini Cooper now for 4 years. Very reliable...”
Written on: 20/02/2008 by lucype
I've had my Mini Cooper now for 4 years. Very reliable and loved it up until two years ago when I needed to have more contact with the BMW Dealership. Had to go to the dealer for a couple of things, lights needing replacing, windscreen wipers wearing out quickly (4 months!), needed tuning every 6-8 months as cuts out easily. These tamperings are not counted in the TLC package so beware! These sound like inexpensive minor aggravations HOWEVER, after going to the dealership for a new... (read more)
★★★★☆
“I've owned my Mini Cooper for nearly a year and it...”
Written on: 28/07/2007 by deebo (1 review written)
I've owned my Mini Cooper for nearly a year and it holds the corners really well, apart from the slight oversteer and the lack of exit speed that can be gained, the biggest most annoying thing is the windscreen, it sits far to vertical and the flies stick to it like glue, nearly everyday the windscreen needs a good rub down when I get home from work. It's nippy from 1st to 3rd gear and when in 5th it feels like theres still another gear to go. The rev counter 2 inches behind the steering... (read more)
★★★★★
“I love my Mini Cooper! I had a Mini One previously...”
Written on: 23/07/2007 by mindy d
I love my Mini Cooper! I had a Mini One previously which was also good fun to drive but I decided to spoil myself.
A very nippy car for city driving or around country lanes, grips the road well.
Drove to Italy in my Mini One and have just got back from the Netherlands in my Cooper and no problems on either trip: an enjoyable and fun drive!
Mini also do trips (see above) arranged around race tracks to give you opportunity to take it on the track, test out the run flat tyres and watch the...
(read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“I hate this car. I bought the car off my mum with only...”
Written on: 17/06/2007 by pookyal
I hate this car. I bought the car off my mum with only 12,000 miles on the clock and thought it was a safe bet. It was 4 years old and had the TLC package; only the 3 dealers I approached all said that they would not service the car as it had not done the minimum mileage and the car hadn't "told me" it needed it. I knew it needed it and surely that is what mattered. Further, and more importantly, the car was unsafe. It had a habit of cutting out, especially on sudden breaking. This happened... (read more)
Roger Bryce's Response to 293605_pookyal's Review
Written on: 15/09/2007
I thought this review was helpful - we are waiting for ours to arrive here in Australia!
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★★★★★
“My Mini Cooper 1.6 16V is fast, fun, chili red with...”
Written on: 04/06/2007 by battersea (2 reviews written)
My Mini Cooper 1.6 16V is fast, fun, chili red with white roof and mirrors, 32 mpg, and reliable! Everyone should drive one! Can't wait to get the Traveller Wagon coming out 2008. (read more)
★★★★★
“It is as though my Mini Cooper 1.6 16V is glued to the...”
Written on: 22/10/2006 by terencefish (6 reviews written)
It is as though my Mini Cooper 1.6 16V is glued to the road when cornering - great fun. Almost forget to fill up with petrol because it goes so far on a tank; great looks and great performance. Still like it loads and it seems to cross every cultural and economic barrier - a truly people's car. (read more)
See next 10 reviews
Showing 11 - 20 of 33 Reviews
★★★★★
“My Mini Cooper is over three years old now and still...”
Written on: 01/02/2006 by UKOAP (6 reviews written)
My Mini Cooper is over three years old now and still drives like new. It is ideal for parking around town, doesn't feel too small on the motorway and ignores the petrol pumps for a great deal of the time. I have had the odd problem with it, but, the garage has fixed it, if ever I have been worried, I can't remember what the problems were now, I think the tyre pressure warning light has come on a few times and I haven't known how to deal with it. There was a time when pulling away at a... (read more)
★★★★★
“The Mini Cooper is NOT made by BMW, any more than...”
Written on: 07/11/2005 by carey934 (1 review written)
The Mini Cooper is NOT made by BMW, any more than Jaguar's are made by FORD. BMW owns MINI, just as FORD owns Jaguar. MINI is the manufacturer, COOPER or COOPER S is the model.
My review - go test drive one. You'll want buy it!
(read more)
★★★★★
“Never have I driven a car that holds the road like a...”
Written on: 24/08/2004 by monkimagic (9 reviews written)
Never have I driven a car that holds the road like a Mini Cooper, my BMW Mini Cooper 1.6 16V City Car is styliish, fun, a head turner and a very well built car, this is another good review, you will notice that there is not one bad review about this car. Granted there were some early production gremlins but these have all been ironed out.
The resale value is second to none and at present you can be sure to get all your money back from a private sale in the first year. 10/10
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Sunnyside's Response to monkimagic's Review
Written on: 22/06/2005
I've had one of these for a couple of years now. The major downside is the fuel economy, which is lousy - rarely better than 30mpg. It is also very noisy at speeds of over 70mph.
Roadholding, acceleration, handling are all excellent, and it is quite a headturner, although less so now that quite a few people have one. The boot is rubbish of course, but on the plus side it seats four adults in comfort.
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★★★★★
“The Bmw Mini Cooper 1.6 16V is something special and...”
Written on: 02/06/2004 by eddiedraycott (3 reviews written)
The Bmw Mini Cooper 1.6 16V is something special and different in my opinion.
When I was buying a car I wasnt sure what to have, I looked at Golfs, Polo's, Saxo's, everything around 10-14 thousand. then my brother said have you looked at BMW's, I was oh MINI, what are they like? I wasnt a big fan of the old ones at all.
Then I went to the garage, oh my god how good and trendy do they look, even the dealerships look fun and friendly! The best thing was the different colour roofs, only on...
(read more)
★★★★☆
“I have just sold my Mini Cooper S after 2 years of fun...”
Written on: 19/11/2010 by bogwoppit (3 reviews written)
I have just sold my Mini Cooper S after 2 years of fun motoring and hardly any depreciation. It was a pleasure to drive and relatively cheap on insurance for a twenty-something lady driver. The fuel consumption wasn't even too bad when driven properly, but it wasn't exactly economical. The boot was tiny but I knew that when I bought it and always managed to fit my shopping in somehow! It never let me down apart from the usual wear and tear. However, the runflat tyres were expensive and,... (read more)
★★★★★
“My wife bought a brand new Mini Cooper (2009) a month...”
Written on: 17/12/2009
My wife bought a brand new Mini Cooper (2009) a month ago. I thought i give a review to buyers who have kids, and are trying to work out if the car would be practical. This is a 2nd car for us, but pretty much a run-a-round for the wife and 2 kids. The pro's are: Its looks absolutely fantastic (try and get the chilli pack and 17" flame alloys), quite nippy (please bear in mind its only a 1.6, so don't expect Skyline type performance), very roomy for both front passengers and perfect for... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“MINI COOPER S 2008. Do'nt buy one. Loved minis. ...”
Written on: 03/10/2009
MINI COOPER S 2008. Do'nt buy one. Loved minis. Spent a lot getting my minicooper s R56 just right. Real head turner. Looked after it realy well. Recently heard some noise shifting into first gear. Chewbacca growl. Went to dealer. They say clutch burnt out. Driver error. Had 12 manual cars before this. Never had clutch problems. Very expensive repair and BMW refuse to cover on waranty. Looking at websites this is a common problem with the mini. BMW are a disgrace. No idea of customer... (read more)
★★★★★
“I bought one of these Mini Cooper 1.6 16V's three...”
Written on: 19/09/2006 by dave66 (21 reviews written)
I bought one of these Mini Cooper 1.6 16V's three years ago and I love it. It's very fast with better fuel economy than the slightly faster Cooper s. As a city car, it's been very easy to park around London. The interior is comfortable enough, though leg room for rear passengers is poor. One magazine described it as a 3 seater, as you could not go away for the weekend with 4 people because all their bags would not fit in the boot. This car was a 'sensible' alternative to a 2 seater... (read more)
★★★★★
“Well i'll first start by introducing my own car. I got...”
Written on: 28/12/2005 by RPMmini (9 reviews written)
Well i'll first start by introducing my own car. I got my Mini Cooper from a used car trader for £10,500 Feb 2005. I follow the Mini Club status well and am a member of a few clubs. So my Mini's a bit special it's been superchipped, front strut brace fitted (improves handling), Air filter, and some other bits.
I must say when I first got my BMW mini I was over the moon with it. It was everything i wanted though I thought it wasn't as quick as I'd like it. I loved driving it and feeling a...
(read more)
★★★★☆
“The Mini Cooper 1.6 16V is a very fun car to drive,...”
Written on: 17/07/2005 by l1uka (9 reviews written)
The Mini Cooper 1.6 16V is a very fun car to drive, handling is good and it has a wonderful exhaust note which brings a good fealing.
Easy to park and draws a lot of attention.
Not very practical as it is tight in the back seats.
The options cost a lot and even air con is an extra in the cooper.
Over all a good fun car to drive, but it is not good value for money as it is also an insurance group 8. This car is nippy around town but on the open roads it shoots to 110mph but then really...
(read more)
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Showing 21 - 30 of 33 Reviews
★☆☆☆☆
“I bought my Mini Cooper 1.6 16V when it was 18 months...”
Written on: 28/04/2004 by darrelljohnson (1 review written)
I bought my Mini Cooper 1.6 16V when it was 18 months old in June 2003. It feels as though it has spent more time in the dealership that on the road. All I can say is thank God it was under warranty. Some examples ...
New gearbox
Two new alternator belts
New timing chain (After only 20000 miles)
New seat frams
New seat springs in base and back
New door (hinges failed)
New engine mounting
Serious pitting to paintwork on boot
Everything rattles and squeaks
(read more)
Cyclingfrenzy's Response to darrelljohnson's Review
Written on: 15/06/2004
I have talked to 20+ Mini owners, and they love theirs. If I had the recurring problems this guy has had I would have dumped this car. His problems just seem too bazaar.
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Darrelljohnson's Response to darrelljohnson's Review
Written on: 16/06/2004
I did! After 10 months I sold it back to the dealer and bought a 9 month old Mondeo Ghia X which is absolutely fabulous and faultless.
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★★★★★
“love it, my Mini Cooper 1.6 16v works S could smoke...”
Written on: 06/01/2004 by pdivizzle0112 (2 reviews written)
love it, my Mini Cooper 1.6 16v works S could smoke any japanese car off the line, love this car totally, anybody race, bring it on, dont laugh at it becuase it is small, laugh in anger becuase your car can get smoked by this little beauty, if you think you are too big to sit in one, you just dont have big enough gutts for this car, I absoulutely love it, and all the japanese cars, and redneck suv's will never be able to catch up to the super duper mini cooper. (read more)
Wacka's Response to pdivizzle0112's Review
Written on: 30/07/2004
Smoke any japanese car?
<br>Your making me laugh .
<br>1.6 2wheel drive , no turbo ..whats the 0-100kmh
<br>time ? 3weeks , har har har !
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★☆☆☆☆
“I'm sorry to be the one to write this and i'm sure...”
Written on: 25/02/2003 by gareth.
I'm sorry to be the one to write this and i'm sure many people will disagree, but this is my personal experience. From day 1 this car had problems starting with the windows dropping 2/3 inches, not fitting into the window seals, rattles too numerous to list, marks on the leather, boot lock coming loose and the dash board coming loose. Annoying as all this was it was sorted with many trips to the dealer. The real problems started when the car lost power and cut out on the motorway, not once... (read more)
Paul M's Response to 75569_gareth.'s Review
Written on: 06/05/2004
Fair comments to a point. I also own a Mini Cooper and have had one or two problems with it.
<br>Yes the car is made by BMW. But what a lot of people forget is that this is a BRAND NEW CAR, not a re-vamp. You will always get problems with new cars, look at Range Rover and the like.
<br>Why do you think BMW give the Back-Up they give to owners. My Mini has been in twice for silly little repairs and each and every time I have been well looked after.
<br>The Mini is a Fantastic Little Car with a Great Future ahead of it.
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Paddysb's Response to StewieGriffin's Review
Written on: 19/11/2012
On Friday, 11/16, I had to trade in my 2010 Mini Cooper. I was really upset about it since it was a car I had wanted for years.
Here were my issues:
-49,000 miles: Software system need to be completely updated. The car thought it had fog lights when it didnt so I was getting an indication that my headlights were out when they weren't.
-Dealer Solution: Complete system upgrade (fortunately still covered under mfg. warranty.
-59,000 miles: Car hesitates and engine light goes on. I was told by Mini to keep driving and don't worry, it's probably the gas cap. Light goes out that same evening.
-60,000 miles: Car hesitates and engine light comes on. I decided to make an appointment and that this is not normal for a car that is well taken care of.
-Solution: Dealership say's timing chain tensioner and actuator is defective, $800.00 dollars please. I say, hell no. Dealer decides to charge me $125.00 instead (so I am still concerned about this car, but happy) My concerns were that the timing chain was allowed to stretch to 67mm and they would not change it unless its 68mm.
-62,202 miles: I notice car is leaking "blue/green" fluid. I am no rocket scientist but it looks like coolant and I'm thinking it's the water pump. But how could that be???? In other cars, both American and Foreign I have only changed the water pump at 90,000-100,000 miles.
-Dealer Solution: Ding, ding. I'm right!! Dealership say's $1,000.00 dollars please. I say, guys, this car is not ready for the public. You can have it.
-I am now the proud owner of a BMW 328 i Xdrive.
The problem with Mini's is, they look so good but there is junk under the hood. I was so brain-washed by the car that I had thought about getting another one thinking maybe I just got a car with some problems. My gut had told me that if I kept that car, which really didn't feel like an almost 3 year old car, it felt much older although, I had bought the maintenance policy and took very good care of it. IF you must buy this car, please buy the extended warranty up to 100,000 miles and the maintenance policy. You should test drive all cars in that price range. I did not do this because I had my mind set that I needed this car!
Pros of having a Mini:
1) Looks,
2) 41 Miles per gallon
Cons:
1) Reliability issues,
2) Costly vehicle for what you actually get for the money
3) Too much time spent at the service department
4) Dealer's Standard Comments: "Well it's not a Honda" "Did you put Super in?", "You shouldv'e bought the extended warranty?" "It depends on how you drive the car"
This car would probably be best as a second car so that you only put a 1,000 or so miles on it per year. It can't handle being driven everyday (note: I drive 90% highway) I feel really bad for people who have had their engines seize from the timing chain tensioner/actuator and other catastrophic problems that happened outside of warranty. It is definitely a tough lesson to learn.