2009 MINI Clubman Consumer Reviews
Most Helpful Reviews
Positive Review
Decided to write this review because I’m getting tired of seeing comments about Mini Coopers and reliability issues. The problem is/was not the car, the problem is/was YOU. First of all people using regular gas, you’re not supposed to use regular gas, premium gas is recommended on all models including the base model. They both use the same engine and this engine has a high compression ratio meaning it needs higher octane fuel to ignite. That’s the reason half of you end up with all of these engine problems at 50,000 miles. I recently bought my Cooper S Clubman 3 months ago, two previous owners at 50k miles (both owners drove around 25k miles before selling), now at 57k. And the only thing I’ve had to replace are the spark plugs, which isn’t a surprise because in the owner’s manual it said I would have to replace them at 60k. Nothing else has had to be replaced on the car, and the reason this is is because the owners actually took care of the car. It’s a typical compact car, you bought a car that you thought you had to treat like a Toyota Camry but that’s not the case with a Mini Cooper. It needs a little more attention than usual. This one has the manual, the leather seats, sportier suspension, pretty much the works, and the car does have premium build quality, this is at the end of the day, a BMW after all. The ones that are most likely poorly made are the models with base level trim options equipped. At the end of the day, a distinctive car on the road that will give you years of service if you properly maintain it.
VS
Critical Review
Just a warning to anyone thinking about a cooper. Stay away. My Mini has been nothing but trouble since day one. Sure its fun to drive (when its not in the shop) and its a good looking little car, but those should not sway you into buying this money pit. I have probably put well over $5000 into repairs over the past 2 years (I bought used with "great" service records) and driven the car 70k mile in that time. Considering I bought the car for $13000 and have over $5000 in repairs done to it I would have been better just buying a new economy car. Mini may be owned by BMW but none of that quality shines through. Do yourself a big favor and look past the "cuteness" and driving dynamics, find something more reliable. And if not more reliable find something that is cheaper/easier to repair. All that being said I am a gear head and I have found all the problems this car has had before it has left me stranded. The $5000+ in repairs has been done by shops and I have probably done about $2000 worth of work myself. The quality of workmanship on this car is lacking in the mechanical aspects but also in the fit and finish of the interior. Everything looks cool in the interior but there are numerous rattles around the car at almost every speed (this may drive you crazy). I have spoken to many other Mini owners since I have owned this car and we all agree the brand should get a Viking burial. If you buy an N14 Cooper, check your timing chain, turbo oil lines ect. ** Only reason you should buy a Mini is if you have the money to waste on a new one and only keep it for the warranty period. Otherwise for being a small car it is most definitely a B.O.A.T. (Bust Out Another Thousand). Do yourself a favor if the car doesn't have a warranty and just buy an actual boat, it would be cheaper.
2009 Clubman Reviews
Showing 8 of 73 reviews.
Interior leather in great condition, Non-Smoker, Lower mileage, No pets, smells clean, etc., it is very presentable. Exterior is Red and in good condition, and it is also very presentable. Push Button start. It is a nice car for someone who appreciates Mini Coopers that are 6 Speed, though it is pre-owned, it has been maintained. Everything works.
Aesthetic, zippy and fun to drive
Bottomless money pit
This car is so cute and was a blast to drive…until it wasn’t. The repairs were $1000 + every time she had to go in the shop and it was always something at least every few months. No one wanted it as a trade in. Such a bummer, ended up selling it to a cash for cars place for $425, what a waste.
Good on gas.
Repairs are expensive.
Decent car. Good on gas, lots of customization, great for road trips, letting down back seats gives you more room for luggage etc, and good for getting into those small spaces. Downside is repairs can be expensive.
Cute exterior. Unique. Fun to drive.
Very unreliable. Very expensive upkeep.
I have had a lot of expensive repairs beyond the regular stuff you expect. Coolant temperature sensor, oil control solenoid, oil pan gasket, water pipe, thermostat assembly leaking, ignition coils replaced, rear sway bar end links,ignition coils again, circuit board,ambient temper sensor. I haven’t included gazillion things I think are within expectations. I currently need a $2200 catalytic converter even though it passed my state’s emissions testing because there is an air leak somewhere. I expect to buy a new car by next year and it will not be a Cooper.
Fun to drive, great on gas.
Moving the seat position is manual.
I’m retired
so much fun to drive, plenty of zip and storeage--
Hard to get out of sometimes as it is pretty low
Love to drive. No mechanical issues. Bout it 3 years used with only 11,000 miles on it. 10 years old 44,000 miles. Easy to wash
Fits anywhere and is stylish.
?
Love this car! Tears through snow and rain like a truck. Very secure feeling with a turbo boost that outruns large vehicles on the highway. Hugs the road with smooth maneuverability.
Blast to drive
Herky jerky handling on bumpy roads
Let me start off by saying I bought this car used, with about 100k miles on her. To be fair, I have no idea how roughly she was driven before I bought her. While the Mini Clubman S is a hoot to drive, (when not in the shop) it is, unfortunately a money pit. Even a simple (or should be simple) repair such as an alternator is $1000 dollar job! Seems that if anything is done, the entire front end of the car has to be removed. They built the car AROUND the engine, and I was told by a mechanic: "well, technically, it IS a BMW, and everything is more labor intensive, and parts are more expensive." (Forget an actual Mini dealership.....I was quoted $6k in repairs, which I was able to get done at a NON Mini dealership for half that price.) The Mini is quirky. Weird location of switches etc, takes time to get used to. It is super fun to drive when it is running as it should, but handles bumps horribly. Steering gets VERY jumpy on off ramps where a bump may be involved. Almost scarily so. (and that is on brand new tires) Seems to eat oil , which caught me a bit off guard. I own older American muscle cars that don't consume oil like this car. My mini has 130k miles on it, and I have had to replace cam, serpentine belt, O2 sensors, alternator, and 2 batteries. (to be fair, I think the alternator burned out a decent battery, just bad luck there) Car is fun, and incredibly quick. Some rattles that shouldn't be there. Low profile rims and tires don't offer most comfortable ride, but I didn't buy it for that. I love the fun of driving it when she is running as designed, but not something to be completely relied upon as your only means of transportation. Better get AAA membership would be my suggestion.
