2008 Mini Cooper Review: A Charming, Nimble, Fun-to-Drive Subcompact

Gilbert Smith
Jun 12, 2023

The 2008 Mini Cooper is arguably inferior to the Toyota Yaris and the Honda Fit, at least on paper. While the Yaris and Fit may be more cost-effective, more comfortable, and ultimately more reliable, the Cooper is a clear winner on fun factor, with pricing in the low to mid $6,000 range.

Front angle medium view.
likeFilled The Good
Fun to drive, and even fun to look at, the 2008 Mini Cooper is nimble, stylish, and easy to maintain.
dislikeFilled The Bad
The Toyota Yaris and Honda Fit from this year both offer superior longevity and performance at a lower price point.

Is the 2008 Mini Cooper a Good Used Car?

  • Overall Rating 8/10 – Sporty, lightweight, and lots of fun, the Mini Cooper is proof that a subcompact doesn’t have to be boring.
  • Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – The Cooper looks tiny, and it is. You’ve got enough space for commutes and grocery trips, but you’ll want something bigger for long road trips.
  • Reliability 8/10 – Toyota and Honda both have the Cooper beat on longevity and reliability, but not by as wide a margin as you might expect.
  • Safety 7/10 – Good crash test scores and adequate safety equipment make the Cooper perfectly acceptable in the safety department.
  • Gas Mileage 8/10 – It requires premium fuel, but it gets 23/32 miles to the gallon, so it’s hard to complain.
  • Value 8/10 – There are better subcompact cars for the price, but the 2008 Mini Cooper has a unique charm that justifies its low-mid $6,000 price range.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Elizabeth S
Always take it to a mini repair shop or one that has a mini mechanic.
The only problem that I did not know about is sometimes if the gas cap is not put on securely a icon appears. It looks like a potato with an antenna on top. My local repair shop pretended to have fixed it. But when I took it to the mini place they said it goes away after a while.
accountCircle Sandra F
Mini Cooper city car review.
The mini is a very awesome car! It is small enough that you always find parking, it does not need a lot of fuel and is great for around cities. It has been very reliable. An issue that I see is that repair costs are high due to mini belonging to BMW and all BMW parts are quite pricey. I love the car's sunroof and it is leather seats and seat heater.
accountCircle Caleb F
Save gas feel good drive smart.
I love how simple and compact the interface is on the driving. Bumps on the road do affect handling and do not expect to be in for a smooth ride.
accountCircle William H
Despite the size of the car it is comfortable and feels like you are in a full size car.
Great car and fun to drive. Very few issues although I currently have an engine code showing. Excellent gas mileage.
accountCircle Sandra S
Love my convertible and it fits anywhere.
I bought my car 4 years ago and it's the best deal I made. It runs super for me it has the space I need and in the summer I always have the top down. Gas tank fills up with 25 dollars even though I don't use it too much it lasts a long time. If I have to buy a new car I would choose to buy a mini. Music sounds great..
accountCircle Stephanie H
The Mini Cooper is a very fun and sporty vehicle. Stylish and comfortable.
Mini Coopers are known to have problems with timing chains. I haven't had to replace mine yet but I do feel that will be the next repair. These are by far my favorite vehicle and I hope to never own anything else. I have had good luck with reliability.
accountCircle Virginia M
Great Car! Fast and reliable
It has been really reliable. It gets pretty good gas mileage. The only thing I've had to replace is the fuel pump. I got a great deal on it and it only cost $500 to replace. It has a lot of get up and go. Living in Los Angeles I need a car with great pick up and my mini has that. It's a great, cool buzz around town car. As long as you change the oil when it needs to be changed and use high quality gas it will last you a long time.
accountCircle Brenda A
That for being a small car, they are built relatively well and are quite safe.
I own a 2008 ForTwo Smart car. Not the Mini I selected as you did not have mine listed. I absolutely love my Smart car. I am able to zip in and out of parking spaces. I wanted one since they first came on the market. I only wish that it were electric, not gasoline. When you are inside, the car does not feel small at all. There is plenty of space inside.

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Kimberly W
It's a safe car to drive. It's very good on gas. Feels smooth on a bumpy highway. .
Everything is ok. I never had this type of car before. Nice and small. Easy to park in a city. I do get frightened a bit when on a highway.
accountCircle Sarah S
It requires expensive attention quite regularly.
As a passenger, it is very cramped. It has a lot of very expensive problems. Everything about it is expensive and sometimes difficult to find.
accountCircle Christopher A
Great running and fun to drive.
Surprisingly comfortable for its size, has been very reliable an the gas mileage is very good almost 30 moles to the gallon.
accountCircle Sydney B
It gets amazing gas mileage. Also, mini's are much safer then people assume.
My mini has issues with burning oil. When you need to get a mini serviced, it is not cheap. Additionally, there are no heating/cooling vents in the backseat, which makes circulating air difficult.
accountCircle Skylar M
It is too small to hold a family in. Get a bigger and better car
I hate that it is really small and not that many people can fit inside it like omg

What Do Critics Say About the 2008 Mini Cooper?

Consumer Reports praised the Mini Cooper for punching above its price point, delivering a responsive manual transmission, a fuel efficient base engine, and an agile, fun feel behind the wheel. Their only complaint: It requires premium fuel. A minor criticism in an otherwise glowing review.

Kelley Blue Book found the 2008 Mini Cooper charming, and surprisingly sporty for its quaint appearance, with excellent handling and extensive personalization options. They note that the suspension is a bit stiff, though, and the car really is as tiny as it looks, making it a bit snug for large families.

Edmunds found the 2008 Mini Cooper to be “incredibly fun to drive,” they liked the excellent fuel economy, and they liked that the car is more customizable than most, making the car as much a personal statement as it is a means of transportation. But, tight back seats and squeaky, rattly build cost it a perfect score.

What Common Problems Does the 2008 Mini Cooper Have?

The 2008 Mini Cooper has generated 273 complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 69 of these are for the airbags, with drivers reporting the warning lights popping on without explanation. There have been no airbag recalls as yet.

Engine complaints take the lead at 120 complaints, with drivers reporting the timing chain and tensioner rattling while the car is in motion. This can lead to engine stall and permanent damage should the chain come loose.

56 engine cooling complaints point to smoke coming out from under the hood. This is usually accompanied by oil, coolant, and engine warning lights, as well as loss of engine power. The issue may be connected to the car’s timing chain problems.

The 2008 Mini Cooper has been recalled 4 times in total, which is average for a vehicle this old.

How Long Will the 2008 Mini Cooper Last?

The 2008 Mini Cooper can last 250,000 miles or longer with adequate maintenance. Finding one in great condition might be easier said than done, but it’s worth holding out. The car is a real trooper as long as you’re not skipping oil changes.

Repairpal estimate an annual maintenance cost of around $794, which is a bit high for a vehicle in this size class. Minis are made by BMW, so this is to be expected. The most expensive common repair, by far, is a new clutch, starting at around $1,617.

accountCircle Amy H

It is very reliable. The o my issue I have had is on heavy rained on pavement and ice. Since it is so lightweight and close to the ground this does cause some issues however I have never had an accident while driving it in those conditions, one just needs to know to take extra precautions.

How Is the Technology?

Entertainment technology in the 2008 Mini Cooper is adequate, but basic. You’ve got your CD player with 6 speakers and an auxiliary input jack, and if you shop around you might be able to find a used model with the optional 6-disc CD changer installed.

Safety technology in the 2008 Mini Cooper is pretty good for a small car from this model year. Anti-lock brakes and traction control come standard, and you’ve got corner brake control so you don’t scuff your panels.

Is the 2008 Mini Cooper a Good Value?

The 2008 Mini Cooper is a pretty good value. The base model typically lists for around $6,306, while the supercharged S edition usually goes for around $6,345, not even forty bucks more than the entry-level hatchback (although some drivers prefer the base model, even at the same price).

Maintenance costs can be a bit high in a Mini Cooper, but basic fixes are not prohibitively expensive, and you’ll make up the difference in fuel savings over the long run. These prices are for models with a meager 110,000 on the odometer, and you’re likely to more than double that before your first major repair.

What are the Different Models of the 2008 Mini Cooper?

The 2008 Mini Cooper is offered in two models, being the base edition and the S model, which is the same car in pretty much every single way, but supercharged. Here’s what you’re getting for standard features in both cars:

  • CD player with 6 speakers
  • Leather wrapped steering wheel
  • Leatherette bucket front seats
  • Manual air conditioning
  • Remote keyless entry
  • Anti-lock brakes and traction control

This feature list may seem a bit basic. That’s because Coopers were offered with a wide range of optional features to customize the experience. Buying used, you’ll want to shop around to see if you can find one in your preferred configuration.

car

What Engines Come In the 2008 Mini Cooper?

  • The base Cooper comes packed with a 1.6L inline-four engine delivering 115 horsepower and 111 lb.-ft. of torque. That might not sound like much, but it’s plenty of power for the nimble, 2,700 pound Cooper. The i4 is paired to a 1-speed CVT in front wheel drive, and it averages 23/32 miles to the gallon, city/highway, on premium fuel.
  • S model Coopers come with a supercharged version of the 1.6L i4, delivering 168 horsepower and 162 lb.-ft. of torque. This is paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission in front wheel drive, it averages 21/29 miles to the gallon, and it can do zero to sixty in 7.8 seconds, which might not make it a muscle car, exactly, but it’s about two and a half seconds faster than the base model.

What Colors Does the 2008 Mini Cooper Come In?

How Comfortable Is the 2008 Mini Cooper?

The 2008 Mini Cooper looks small, and it is. The back seat stretches just 44 inches across at the shoulder, and leg room is pretty cramped. The suspension rides a bit stiff, too. The front seats are moderately comfortable for two adults, and the back can seat a couple of kids, but don’t expect an Escalade-like ride in the Mini Cooper.

How Much Storage Space Does the 2008 Mini Cooper Have?

The 2008 Mini Cooper starts you off with a little over 5 cubic feet of trunk space in the hatchback model. This is enough for a standard grocery trip. Fold the seats down and you’ve got 24 cubic feet of cargo space, which is a little bigger than a full-size sedan trunk.

There’s plenty of reasons to recommend a Mini Cooper, but storage space isn’t on the list. And it can’t haul a trailer, either. This is a city car, and an excellent daily commuter. If you’re looking for something to take road trips in, the Cooper barely offers enough storage space for an overnight stay at a friend’s house.

Centered wide dash shot

What Are the Differences Between Years?

The 2008 Mini Cooper was the third model year in the car’s 2nd Generation. What we call a Mini Cooper in the US is actually known as a Mini Hatch in the UK, and is technically not a part of the same line as the original Mini Cooper from the 1960s.

2006: The second-gen Cooper featured a fully re-engineered platform with a Prince engine in two models, being the base and the supercharged S.

2007: The diesel-powered Cooper D debuted in 2007.

2008: Headlights are mounted to the body for 2008, having previously been mounted to the hood.

2009: New color options were added for 2009.

2010: A new split rear barn door was the biggest change for 2010.

How Does the 2008 Mini Cooper Compare to the Competition?

The Mini Cooper is one of those cars that you’re probably not comparing to any other cars. If you want a Jeep, you want a Jeep. If you want a Porsche 911, you want a Porsche 911. And if you want a Mini Cooper, you want a Mini Cooper.

Be that as it may, the Honda Fit lasts a little longer than a Mini, it sells for a little cheaper, and it’s one of the most reliable cars on the road.

A Toyota Yaris is another great alternative, starting at under $5,000 and boasting one of the longest-lasting powertrains on the market.

There’s a certain charm you only get with a Mini Cooper, but if you’re specifically looking for a subcompact and you’re not particular about the brand, both the Fit and the Yaris are more practical, more cost-effective alternatives to the iconic British city car.

Ranks #8 Small Cars by Owners

1
car
5
2
car
4.56
8
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4.27

Do Owners Recommend the 2008 Mini Cooper?

accountCircle Amy H

Yes, I have owned it for 4 years and truly enjoy driving the mini cooper. It has not had but a few mechanical issues, easy to have fixed and overall very well built.

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Denise D on October 21, 2020
It has more room in it than you would expect. Quite a bit will fit inside the trunk area.
I love that my car is small and easy to park, navigate through town. I also like that it's so good on gas consumption. The bad thing is the warning lights come on pretty easily, especially the low tire lights.
accountCircle Virginia M on October 10, 2020
Great Car! Fast and reliable
It has been really reliable. It gets pretty good gas mileage. The only thing I've had to replace is the fuel pump. I got a great deal on it and it only cost $500 to replace. It has a lot of get up and go. Living in Los Angeles I need a car with great pick up and my mini has that. It's a great, cool buzz around town car. As long as you change the oil when it needs to be changed and use high quality gas it will last you a long time.
accountCircle Ch K on September 26, 2020
You feel safe when on the road and in the snow.
Handles well on the road and in snow. Like its small, compact size. Expensive to repair and stiff seating in the back.
accountCircle Samantha S on September 23, 2020
Style, excitement and speed with great gas mileage
I like the economy - the gas mileage. I love the handling. I like how it is easy to park. I love that it keeps It's good looks after 10 years
accountCircle Mini H on August 29, 2020
Mini Coopers are fun close to home.
Our Mini Cooper convertible is a fun little car to drive. It is a bit small for long distance trips but it makes the everyday errands enjoyable. Repairs can be costly but we have only had it in the garage once so, we don't have problems that often. The radio is good.
accountCircle Erin C on August 16, 2020
Cute and fun but not exactly reliable...
I love my mini, it was always a dream of mine to have one! It's fun to drive, easy to zip through traffic and looks cute. My issues all come from the cost and the headache of maintenance. Since buying it used two years ago, I have spent a ridiculous amount of money on repairs and just underlying problems. The car burns oil like crazy so I have to add oil every 3-4 weeks. I do love it though and would recommend a mini IF you can afford a newer model.
accountCircle Adam W on July 22, 2020
It is complicated for someone who does not know how to drive a manual transmission
I love the car itself. The power is a positive. The only negative is that it 10 years old.
accountCircle Brenda A on July 4, 2020
That for being a small car, they are built relatively well and are quite safe.
I own a 2008 ForTwo Smart car. Not the Mini I selected as you did not have mine listed. I absolutely love my Smart car. I am able to zip in and out of parking spaces. I wanted one since they first came on the market. I only wish that it were electric, not gasoline. When you are inside, the car does not feel small at all. There is plenty of space inside.
accountCircle Christopher A on May 25, 2020
Great running and fun to drive.
Surprisingly comfortable for its size, has been very reliable an the gas mileage is very good almost 30 moles to the gallon.
accountCircle Sarah S on May 24, 2020
It requires expensive attention quite regularly.
As a passenger, it is very cramped. It has a lot of very expensive problems. Everything about it is expensive and sometimes difficult to find.
accountCircle Sandra S on May 8, 2020
Love my convertible and it fits anywhere.
I bought my car 4 years ago and it's the best deal I made. It runs super for me it has the space I need and in the summer I always have the top down. Gas tank fills up with 25 dollars even though I don't use it too much it lasts a long time. If I have to buy a new car I would choose to buy a mini. Music sounds great..
accountCircle Skylar M on April 10, 2020
It is too small to hold a family in. Get a bigger and better car
I hate that it is really small and not that many people can fit inside it like omg
accountCircle Mark E on March 11, 2020
The look of the car is unique in a great way & will get you looks!
Engine has long term issues that need attention in order to prevent. Keep oil level high & add a catch can. Carbon build up is known to happen. If maintenance kept up though, car is great fun to drive! Instrument panels are quite different than most cars & may cause confusion until familiar!
accountCircle Gabrielle M on January 25, 2020
Cheap yet expensive: mini cooper.
Whenever there is a repair that needs to be completed for my car it is usually very expensive. Despite it being a small car and relatively inexpensive to purchase, it is very expensive to fix because it has a BMW engine. It is extremely reliable and it very fun to drive. I feel absolutely safe driving it and because it is so small I can fit in virtually any parking spot.
accountCircle Carole T on January 9, 2020
Very reliable: has great pickup and drives nice.
It is sporty. Great gas mileage. Fun to drive. One issue I had was the timing belt broke but was a recall. It was fixed and is fine.
accountCircle William H on September 2, 2019
Despite the size of the car it is comfortable and feels like you are in a full size car.
Great car and fun to drive. Very few issues although I currently have an engine code showing. Excellent gas mileage.
accountCircle Sunday G on August 29, 2019
Perfect for a small family.
It may not be a huge car but there's plenty of space, at least for 2 adults. The back seat is no good for adult passengers, but ok for small children. Very little trunk space but the back seats fold down. I have my daughters car seat in the back and leave the other seat down for storage space. Perfect for a small family, or single person. Biggest drawback is cost of maintenance. "Closed oil system" means you have to go to a specialist for simple things like an oil change.
accountCircle Amy H on August 20, 2019
Very reliable and fuel efficient.
I like the 5-speed, fast go-cart pace and that it is small and fits anywhere. I also love that it is a yellow convertible (gets a lot of attention) and I use the sunroof every day. I do not dislike anything but would rather have a digital area on the dash instead of the big round speedometer.
accountCircle Masha F on August 18, 2019
Reliable car, but has trouble starting sometimes.
I love how small the car is for city living, maneuvering, and parking. The car performs pretty well, but it has an issue with the starter I have heard others with my make and model struggle with. Sometimes I have to move the wheel back and forth while pushing in the clutch to get the car to start. Other than that, it is a good car! I just wish it was a little roomier and had more trunk space.
accountCircle Sydney B on June 15, 2019
It gets amazing gas mileage. Also, mini's are much safer then people assume.
My mini has issues with burning oil. When you need to get a mini serviced, it is not cheap. Additionally, there are no heating/cooling vents in the backseat, which makes circulating air difficult.
accountCircle Dian D on May 16, 2019
One of my best investment so far.
My vehicle performs very well, very good on gas, comfortable and it's very easy to handle the features are nice and is very reliable, maintenance wise parts are reasonable but labor is expensive so please do keep up with wear and tear on vehicle otherwise It's a great buy.
accountCircle Elizabeth S on May 11, 2019
Always take it to a mini repair shop or one that has a mini mechanic.
The only problem that I did not know about is sometimes if the gas cap is not put on securely a icon appears. It looks like a potato with an antenna on top. My local repair shop pretended to have fixed it. But when I took it to the mini place they said it goes away after a while.
accountCircle Kimberly W on May 4, 2019
It's a safe car to drive. It's very good on gas. Feels smooth on a bumpy highway. .
Everything is ok. I never had this type of car before. Nice and small. Easy to park in a city. I do get frightened a bit when on a highway.
accountCircle Stephanie H on April 24, 2019
The Mini Cooper is a very fun and sporty vehicle. Stylish and comfortable.
Mini Coopers are known to have problems with timing chains. I haven't had to replace mine yet but I do feel that will be the next repair. These are by far my favorite vehicle and I hope to never own anything else. I have had good luck with reliability.
accountCircle Caleb F on March 8, 2019
Save gas feel good drive smart.
I love how simple and compact the interface is on the driving. Bumps on the road do affect handling and do not expect to be in for a smooth ride.
accountCircle Shannon S on February 23, 2019
Convertible fun two seater
It's a convertible and lining in Cali I use it all the time. Easy to drive, pickup is good, more of a two seater car.
accountCircle Vanessa L on December 23, 2018
The best car I have ever owned
I love my car! It drives great, steering is easy. Very easy to drive, almost feels like you are driving a go cart. The look is sleek and always looks pretty. The leather seats are very comfy and the heated seats are just a bonus. The lights on the inside change colors and there is a secret compartment above the glove box
accountCircle Michelle S on December 18, 2018
Great gas mileage. . . Is very fun to drive with the top down in ideal weather.
Gets great gas mileage. . . Drives well. . However is very compact. . Shifting all the time gets tiring. . . The visors are useless most of the time and seat belts are a task. . . Also cup holders are ridiculous. . . No one likes riding in the backseat.
accountCircle Sandra F on November 16, 2018
Mini Cooper city car review.
The mini is a very awesome car! It is small enough that you always find parking, it does not need a lot of fuel and is great for around cities. It has been very reliable. An issue that I see is that repair costs are high due to mini belonging to BMW and all BMW parts are quite pricey. I love the car's sunroof and it is leather seats and seat heater.
accountCircle Kay N on October 28, 2018
They are fun cars and there are Mini groups that meet and travel together. Get the car for the gas mileage at least.
Mini Cooper is a BMW vehicle and typically has the same issues as BMWs. I like the fun behind owning the car. People underestimate the space inside. I get 42 miles per gallon. I spend $60 a month in gas.
avatar Gilbert Smith
Gilbert Smith is a New Mexico-based automotive journalist who enjoys writing about cars, trucks, and SUVs. He is a longtime contributor to Vehicle History and a member of the site's original content team when it launched.