2012 Mini Cooper S Review - Updated MINI range builds on strengths, ignores weaknesses

Рет қаралды 456,991

Күн бұрын

It's new? Are you sure? But it doesn't look new. Then again, MINI hasn't really come up with an original design since the 'new' Cooper debuted in 2001. And even then one could argue it was just a modern interpretation of the classic shape.
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Пікірлер: 198

@SimpleManGuitars1973 7 жыл бұрын

Dude the toggle switches are awesome. I have no idea what you're talking about in having to fiddle with them a lot. You literally just push up or down on them. What part of that is inconvenient?

@renchjeep 8 жыл бұрын

THE biggest upgrade for 2011 (at least for non-JCW cars) was the N18 engine! Much more reliable than the old N14.

@mattmiller4778 6 жыл бұрын

You only fidget with the toggles for about 10 minutes. Then you know what they do. Love the toggles

@germanium1872 7 жыл бұрын

I love the interior! I bought this car because I wanted something different. I've had my car for 3 years now and I have not gotten tired of the toggle switches. I also love that the window switches are in the middle instead of at the doors like every other car.

@vibe575 8 жыл бұрын

I also own a 2011 Mini Cooper s 6-speed manual and all I can say is this car is so underrated as a sports car. This thing can straight get it! Funnest car I've ever owned and I just love showing people that it's not just cute! It's a small beast!

@MissStunshine 11 жыл бұрын

I got mine for 12k. Its my dream car. Yeah, I'm easily satisfied haha

@cpavionics 11 жыл бұрын

Dude! I've owned over 40 cars. GTO's, 5 1960's Mustang's, 1971 Superbee, RX3, RX7, C5 Corvette, Sunbeam Elpine, etc, etc. Ergonomic is a term used by everyday "car owners", not by car lovers. But, non the less the interior IS ERGONOMIC and very cool. The gated switches are similar to some found in helicopters. The sport switch is just fine where it is. SP(sport)when engaged and speedo are digitally displayed directly in front of the driver. Have you ever been in a Cooper?

@shankarbalan3813 4 жыл бұрын

This is a lovely car. I am extremely pleased with my 2012 Mini Cooper S - R56. Its simply delicious.

@tonipiamere 11 жыл бұрын

when i was 14 my mom got me a model of this car, 3 inches long! now i am 40 and i still have it!

@phantomloita 11 жыл бұрын

new N18 engine address the issue. Same as the N55 did for N54 in the 35i cars.

@TheFancypants1961 13 жыл бұрын

i LOVE my MINI- I considered a Mustang but can't imagine zipping around the inner city in such a big car!

@928Porscheman 5 жыл бұрын

The N18 engine was a big update to the MINI. No longer did you have to worry about the oil consumption of the N14 which led to timing chain failure from oil starvation. This makes it a great buy in the used MINI market. Happy Motoring!

@sunalier9398 13 жыл бұрын

Love the upgrades for 2011. And great video... love the slide at the start!

@Cooper1970 13 жыл бұрын

Best looking car on the road. Always catches my eye. Can't wait to get my dark grey 2012 S. I have never had so much fun test driving a car. This car is perfect for city driving. Here is Chicago it would be ideal!!!!! Thanks for posting this great review.

@thirtyforty1 12 жыл бұрын

I had a 20011 GTI...it is quite a nice car. Its a very good daily driver with compliant yet sporty suspension. It is probably the most easy to live with out of the choices you have mentioned.

@deftondefton 13 жыл бұрын

Great review dude, I'm waiting for mine! :D

@phantomloita 11 жыл бұрын

Change in engine is minor? Lol the whole engine is give a different engine code N14 to N18. Get your facts right.

@MrRadman11 13 жыл бұрын

I like all the toggles and switches, it gives it personality. And stiffer suspension gives a better driver experience.

@ConorHildebrandt 12 жыл бұрын

i hope they NEVER change the interior. i love the toggle switches.

@wal7070 11 жыл бұрын

i own a cooper s right hand drive manual. I agree the interior is a great place to be in and drive in but a downside is there are many buttons that are difficult to reach or see when your eyes are on the road. The sport button is not in the right place (it maybe ok in a LHD?) but I can't see it when in certain gears and have to fumble around the stick to turn it on which is dangerous when I quickly want to flip it on while moving. The same applies with the window switches.

@Aliq1312 12 жыл бұрын

parts assembly for changing oil engine or intake manifold?

@TheNonSmokingTire 11 жыл бұрын

i getting a 2012-13 mini cooper hardtop, is there a major difference from the "s" model?

@Aliq1312 12 жыл бұрын

is it.. beside changing the oil every 4800 km.. do we need to clean the intake manifold too?

@jsf51953 12 жыл бұрын

I have to chime in on the interior design and controls.......once you get used to them...they're fine! One of the sharpest,. quickest, MOST FUN cars I've owned in my 43 years of driving! I drive a 2010 Mini Cooper S with the six speed manual stick, cold weather package (New England guy here) and Bluetooth/graded sound system....AMAZING AND TOTALLY ENTERTAINING!

@sigmoidx 12 жыл бұрын

For changing engine oil, just visit some mechanic shop. They can do it for you. But for manifold, even if they also offer cleaning, you could do it yourself if you know parts assembly.

@RobDamnImFine 12 жыл бұрын

@niksteol You shouldn't have a problem at all in the snow. I am on my second MINI and I loved it in the snow! Never had that much fun actually driving in snow! Good luck on your buy!

@ThePugShinobi 11 жыл бұрын

I'm planning on buying a Mini Cooper S and am stuck trying to figure out if the sports suspension is worth it, any advice?

@GiggleStomps 3 жыл бұрын

I had the valve cover replaced on my 2012 Mini Cooper and it’s still either leaking oil or burning through oil like crazy. That was two weeks ago. Three days ago my oil light came on and it was bone dry. I had to put three quarts of oil in it just to keep it happy. I check it daily now. Even though I have a warranty on the work they did, I don’t trust them with my vehicle. My car is my lifeline and I am desperate to figure out the issue. It purrs like a kitten as long as I keep it happy but I hate the idea of it dying before my eyes. If anyone has a suggestion please help me..

@Aliq1312 12 жыл бұрын

btw... my friend,is it only the engine oil to be change? is there any part to be maintenance or change? how many kilometer is 3 thousand miles?

@KyleSVT 12 жыл бұрын

what camera do you guys use?

@RobDamnImFine 11 жыл бұрын

white silver(I got one) looks great. In the sun it shines and looks white. In the dark it looks silver. I love it!

@Crushercurtis702 13 жыл бұрын

Great review

@Kev50027 11 жыл бұрын

Yes, but it works for carrying people. The most people I've had in my Cooper S is 3, with the other rear seat folded down for luggage, and the rear passenger was comfortable. You would be surprised how much space is wasted in bigger cars. You learn to use every nook and cranny in a MINI. It's worth it for the fun and gas savings.

@davstin 13 жыл бұрын

@jch009tia My sentiments exactly. Any new thing takes a little while to get accustomed to, but the controls are pretty awesome once you know them. And as for them being small or hard to use, that could not be more wrong. Great car-great controls!

@SliestDelta 11 жыл бұрын

Which color is it? Because it's kinda white whith some gray

@RobDamnImFine 12 жыл бұрын

well that was very well put together and all but you just made a big point because you then said "...my 2003 jcw mini is...", people will see that and understand why you are against the R56. But in my opinion, I only liked the supercharger noise. I love both the R53 and R56 and other MINI models they brought into the market. I am so happy they are expanding and growing as a company and growing onto people as well.

@jsiszero 11 жыл бұрын

does this still have the hpfp problem...?

@cpavionics 11 жыл бұрын

I just got a 2013 Cooper S with JCW Body Pkg. "Change the interior", what! you want it to look like every junky Japanese 4 banger. The interior is very cool and yes, its ergonomic. Its a sports car knuckle head, its suppose to have stiff suspension.

@awies98 12 жыл бұрын

cool, going to get one in 2012...

@timscott513 11 жыл бұрын

What a great fun car.Mine is standard 2012 non turbo. I love this car so fun. thanks from la luz new mexico

@oceanicsun6 3 жыл бұрын

Looking into getting a used 2012 for my first car, any issues to look out for or recommendations?

@LtFluffelz 12 жыл бұрын

would a 6Ft 1inch guy fit comfortably in this?

@JaylenFast 11 жыл бұрын

what color is that!!!??

@asmo1313 12 жыл бұрын

have a mini cooper S from 2007, absolutely no meachanical problems whatsoever

@estampadossietesesentaysei3255 11 жыл бұрын

ojala nunca dejen de fabricar este modelo !!!!!!!

@minibus1351 13 жыл бұрын

if you own the car, you won't have problem with where stuff are in the car. I hate it when reviewers say that!

@TheEGGtech 12 жыл бұрын

Citroen DS3 thanks! :D If there weren't so many coopers around then I wouldn't mind having one but I like to have a car that you don't see everyday.

@BurningHotDeskLight 11 жыл бұрын

I want this car so bad.

@troyminer7 11 жыл бұрын

If you are using it for city use, or don't plan on driving it hard, then it's not worth it. However, if you want to have a lot of fun, then sport suspension + JCW engine package is a whole lot of fun.

@Aliq1312 12 жыл бұрын

is that a common problem for all type of car? what part we ll need to repair?

@RobDamnImFine 11 жыл бұрын

They have some good used one with LOW miles on NAM(MINI's main forum) and look on other websites.

@reekashade 12 жыл бұрын

YOU BUY A MINI, YOU GET A CAR THAT HANDLES AND PREFORMS WELL .IT ALLOWS YOU TO TAKE CHARGE, IF YOU HAVE THE BALLS. IF YOUR A WHIMP AND EXPECT A CAR TO CONTROL YOU, THIS IS NOT THE CAR FOR YOU!!!.Tame the little beast and you got a friend for LIFE.

@JaylenFast 12 жыл бұрын

how many of you are guys and drive a cooper?

@Aliq1312 12 жыл бұрын

u mean u have mini cooper s 2007? btw i had read a lot of complaints and mostly severe problem regarding the transmission,clutch,power steering... and i cant believed it... i had much doubt to buy mini cooper.. but i love this car so much!

@TheNirmalp93x 11 жыл бұрын

how tall are you?

@t3b660 12 жыл бұрын

Amazing car .. Amazing video!!

@magicchef 13 жыл бұрын

What color is the Mini in your vid? Peppered white, ice blue, white silver, or maybe something else? Sorry, I can't really tell, but I like the color combo. So simple and clean.

@KarmaAndCouture 10 жыл бұрын

The metallic paint is called White Silver

@SSC3034 11 жыл бұрын

no, just the fact there is no turbocharger fitted to the engine and the suspension iis softer

@o00zing 12 жыл бұрын

i wonder what color is that...

@LivingLifeAbove6kRPM 13 жыл бұрын

@BigCivic yeah i agree they shud make them more sporty looking they look like a bettle almost

@aubraym.3707 11 жыл бұрын

I LOVE MII COOPERS!!!! Iwant one sooo bad!

@RyguyCC 13 жыл бұрын

@kimchibcha amen, I just drove a rented mini cooper through Europe and I can say now wouldn't have wanted anything else, looking to get an S now back home. Cheers!

@JBFXTS2K 12 жыл бұрын

It seems the GTI and Mini S are the two most fun cars in their class . The interior of the GTI is a little better and the ride is a little better . The bad thing about the GTI is the shifter and clutch seem to have a long throw that is unusual . The Mini has a choppier ride and controls have weird placements until you get used to it . I can't see where you would go wrong with either one except for the fact that they probably do not have the legendary Honda/Toyota reliability.

@RobDamnImFine 12 жыл бұрын

I love my 2011 MINI Cooper S. I have everything I wanted in it FULLY LOADED!!! SUNROOF, BLACK TINTS(I bought after I bought the car), 6K xenon headlights, SILVER WHITE, Seat warmers, and so on:-) plus now I'm thinking of adding on a DDM intake system:-D. I love my MINI, and it's my second one. If all these Honda and Toyota, and other losers would go comment on their crappy cars and get off MINI's jock then I wouldn't have said all that but oh well, too late!!! Motor On!!

@gaz0044 11 жыл бұрын

Clearly not worried about MPG but the improvements in the engine using a turbo means better performance and better economy - makes sense. Also, the R53 steering makes an annoying noise as well, so give the new version any day. I'm glad they got rid of the supercharged engine.

@Questomatic 12 жыл бұрын

Mini is a great car and decent on gas. I love the style of the inside of the car hope they never change that. The car looks great and has its own original style. thumbs up mini

@lovedisshitrazzer 4 жыл бұрын

You mean BMW

@DonaldOnCapeCod 12 жыл бұрын

@o00zing that Cooper is WHITE SILVER with the WHITE top.

@BOeRNsupremacy 11 жыл бұрын

My next car...Love at first sight ;)

@Aliq1312 12 жыл бұрын

I wanna ask all of u who have mini cooper,does mini cooper have quality? and do mini users have mechanical problem? cause i wanna buy this car in future time

@JustinSimm90 12 жыл бұрын

It's tough, I love the practicality of the GTI, the styling is great but it doesn't really standout, the Fiat has an amazing exhaust not but it is a little small, and I'm not sure about the reliability. Either way I'll be paying cash (Settlement from a car accident) and keeping whatever I buy for a long time. I've been looking into the Scion FRS as well. I guess I'll just have to go drive all three, but I have a feeling it will still be hard to decide lol

@RobDamnImFine 12 жыл бұрын

best color on the market for the MINI! I have it on mine, and I will never ever get a different color:-).

@gaz0044 11 жыл бұрын

163bhp v 184bhp. 162lbs/ft v 192lbs/ft on overboost. There is a fair increase in power and torque. I've never driven the R53 but it was quite a bit slower than my Clio Cup. As for supercharger noise and enthusiasts, not quite sure I agree with that but in terms of looks, well that's just opinion. There's not that much between them to me.

@sigmoidx 12 жыл бұрын

Turbo version 'S' will have a problem on a turbine around 35000 mile. But you know, many cars include AUDI, BMW will need some repairs around 35000 mile.

@CadillacCherryBlack 5 жыл бұрын

I find your many complaints of the interior as example, its ride , is what makes it a Mini. Car guys like old school, this is why Camaro's, Mustangs, Cobra, challenger/Cuda are retro in their show rooms I hope BMW continues to produce the Mini with little or no changes.

@MrSimpleme1 12 жыл бұрын

is it 2011 or 2012???? please answer me.

@DJScrimmyD 12 жыл бұрын

The interior is nice for a car of that price, and the suspension isn't overly stiff, it's just meant for people who actually enjoy driving. If you want to fall asleep in your minivan maybe yeah its on the stiffer side. But good god does it corner like a beast on fire

@Bpuns 12 жыл бұрын

i want this as my fun car! Italian Job FTW!!

@Pcgamingfixes 13 жыл бұрын

@YardOBeef13 And to add, you'r critisizim on the very few changes. Havn't you ever heard the term "Don't fix what isn't broken"?

@johntucker23 5 жыл бұрын

now its a bit older the best bit about the 2012 Cooper s, how cheap it is to mod a d turn it into a Little road monster.

@MMAFan20 5 жыл бұрын

What are some good ones

@johntucker23 5 жыл бұрын

good mods? even just an uprated intercooler and a stage 1 map transforms how the cars feels. and that's only about 1k worth of mods.

@sigmoidx 12 жыл бұрын

Not a common if the car doesn't have a turbo. The turbine compresses the air and car runs with it. So, the direct injection intake system itself could cause excessive carbon build-up in the engine. You may need to change engine oil every 3000 mile to prevent this.

@juvesaurabh 11 жыл бұрын

I just love cooper s.... it feels even sportier than the 3 series.

@TheTallMan50 12 жыл бұрын

@kimchibcha I read on the web that, despite its relatively low price, the MINI COOPER is a bonafied chick magnet. In fact, it's on the same top 10 list with cars such as the Porsche 911 and Mercedes 300SL Gullwing. If only I could fit my tall ass in a MINI. I'd buy one and go cruising for chicks.

@Chu_Strums 12 жыл бұрын

What about leg room? I hear there's notoriously little leg room for passengers behind.

@ENG13INELT 10 жыл бұрын

For those who already own one, is the vehicle expensive to maintain? Is it reliable?

@fernandocontreras8202 9 жыл бұрын

Expensive to maintain! Premium gas, Burns Oil, Maintaince service etc.... I own a 2008 Mini Cooper S

@dynodin81 12 жыл бұрын

Agree!

@okaoka53 11 жыл бұрын

it's my dream car

@JustinSimm90 12 жыл бұрын

Can't decide between this, a GTI, a Beetle Turbo, or a Fiat 500 Abarth. I will be buying brand new and paying cash. Any advice?

@Sylvette07 12 жыл бұрын

is this the WHITE SILVER color MINI S???????????? please! :)

@sigmoidx 12 жыл бұрын

You could google with keywords 'excessive carbon build-up in engine and turbo.' It will show many cases of Audi, BMW....any cars with turbo.

@smilesaround 13 жыл бұрын

i remember back in the days when a car was just for driving.

@gaz0044 11 жыл бұрын

The supercharge whine is the reason I'd not buy one. Turbo every time and its faster with better mpg. The handling is sublime and has improved from the R53. Time for you to upgrade.

@te86a 12 жыл бұрын

@Rallybrothers I know the mini is just so damn fun to drive i love mine too

@Aliq1312 12 жыл бұрын

but.. do u feels like,mini cooper s needs more care for maintenance than standard mini cooper? so far,i think mini cooper is easier to maintain... as it no need to change the oil every 4800 km..

@lizaking25 12 жыл бұрын

I don't think they should do anything else to the mini cooper's exterior look. I think it's perfect, just as it is, but the interior does leave something to be desired (as the guy says in this vid).

@IggyPop251 12 жыл бұрын

Mini cooopers are amazing cars and in my country, they are not so expensive. You can get the Chili Mini for $19900 dollars. A sweet deal!

@JackieRobinson24 11 жыл бұрын

Congrats :) Consider yourself lucky. IT BETTER BE MANUAL!! lol

@wal7070 11 жыл бұрын

the interior is great but it's not ergonomic. like you say it's a sport car so why the hell do they have the sport button out of reach and where you can't see whether it's on or off when driving??? And I'm not sure why they still have a speedo in the centre console. It's uselsss there even on the One models.