2006 MINI Cooper Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$18,000 to $31,150

Original MSRP

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expert review

4.7

avg user rating

(34 reviews)
2006 MINI Cooper Preview summaryImage

Part of the appeal of the two-door, front-wheel-drive MINI Cooper is its fun factor, according to many drivers. And for 2006, that fun factor was kicked up a notch with the introduction of a MINI Cooper with the factory-outfitted John Cooper Works performance package, which provided a power boost to the standard engines while still delivering acceptable gas mileage.

Named for John Cooper, an aftermarket tuner who applied his skills to the original Minis in the 1960s and whose shop is still in existence, the package included an upgraded transmission, exhaust system, and brakes, as well as an engine performance upgrade that kicked horsepower up to 207, and pushed the MINI from 0 to 60 in about six and a half seconds. Lighter wheels, a limited-slip differential, and a tighter sport suspension are also part of the package.

Inside, the John Cooper Works edition received carbon-fiber trim on the dashboard and special badging.

Of course, the MINI Cooper was also available in four other versions, including a hardtop in either the Standard or S (supercharged) trim packages, as well as a convertible, also available as either a Standard or S model.

Power for the Standard hardtop and convertible models was provided by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 115 horsepower, while the S models were equipped with a supercharged version of the same engine, producing 168 horsepower.

The Standard models came with a five-speed manual transmission, while the S versions were equipped with a six-speed Getrag manual transmission. A continuously variable automatic transmission (also known as a CVT) was optional in the Standard models, while a six-speed automatic was optional in the S models.

The MINI Cooper was well-equipped with such standard features as air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, dual front and side airbags, an AM/FM stereo system with a CD player, remote keyless entry, and anti-lock brakes. The S versions received larger 16-inch tires (as opposed to 15-inch tires in the Standard model), as well as a hood scoop, traction control, and a sport suspension. Leather seats and a navigation system were among the options.

Drivers felt that even without the supercharged engine or the special performance package, the MINI Cooper provided a quick, sporty ride with pinpoint handling, all in a package you could easily park just about anywhere. Most drivers noted that the back seat was a tight fit for anyone older than a teenager, and that the ride could be a little too stiff at times, but overall drivers gave the MINI Cooper high marks.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 2006 MINI Cooper

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User rating:
by Neil M
Oct 17, 2022
Port to plug in a charger is missing. Love the drive, feel, handling, gas mileage, etc...Oct 17, 2022
by Holly H
Oct 01, 2021
Fun to drive, great on gas, looks so good and is surprisingly fast. Just be careful of potholes and steep driveways, with 4 inches of ground clearance, its sensitive. Too, reliable but if you do need repairs, they are so expensive. Still LOVE Mini Coopers!Oct 01, 2021
by Anonymous
Aug 11, 2021
Super fun to drive! And very fast, go with the S model, not the regular base!Aug 11, 2021

2006 MINI Cooper Pricing

Original MSRP
$18,000 to $31,150
Price range
$5,817 to $5,835
Average price on CG
$5,835
YoY price change
$5,817 to $5,835

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 8

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: Auto on/off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Roof

Sunroof: power glass

Safety

Parking sensors: rear

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Suspension

Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: remote operation · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Multi-function remote: trunk release · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 8

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: Xenon

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Roof

Sunroof: power glass

Safety

Parking sensors: rear

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Suspension

Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: remote operation · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 8

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: self-leveling

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Roof

Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: power

Safety

Parking sensors: rear

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Suspension

Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: remote operation

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Multi-function remote: trunk release · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: transmission controls · Storage: door pockets

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 8

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: self-leveling

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Roof

Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: power

Safety

Parking sensors: rear

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather/cloth

Suspension

Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: remote operation

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Multi-function remote: trunk release · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Limited slip differential: front

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: auto delay off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Upholstery: leather · Upholstery accents: cloth

Suspension

Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Tires

Type: performance

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: remote operation · Rear wiper: intermittent

See all trims (5)