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.
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
Negative Owner Reviews
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.
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.
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.
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.
Do Owners Recommend the 2008 Mini Cooper?
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.