Faults:

Nothing major has gone wrong. There were a few minor niggles.

Windscreen cracked for no apparent reason at 2000 miles.

Dash board rattles started about 4000 miles and continue.

When you put down the windows, they get dirty on the inside.

If wet, the water runs down of the inside of the window when you open the door.

General Comments:

Car has fantastic handling, but lacks the overall power to make it a truely great all round car.

I opted for the sports suspension plus with the 16" Wheels, the best combination.

Interior looks good, and is fully functional and comfortable.

Faults:

Power steering failed at a roundabout (this could have been nasty)

Airbag warning lights (twice)

Boot refused to open (intermittent problem, not resolved by replacement of boot mechanism). This usually happened when the boot was full of shopping etc..

General Comments:

The Mini is a lovely, fun car to drive, and in fact we've just bought another one on moving to Italy.

Build quality is generally high, although there seem to be some electrical problems that need ironing out.

One thing that has happened on both cars we've owned is that the windscreen seems to be a magnet for stone chips. The first car needed the windscreen repaired, and the new one a replacement screen following stone damage on the motorway. I get the feeling that it's upright position means the screen takes the full force of the stone rather than deflecting it.

I'd say that if someone of average or above height is driving then the car is a 3-seater, as there's not much room in the back unless the front seats are moved forward.

We bought a high spec model in 2002 for around 15000 pounds and sold it with 30K miles for 12000 pounds after almost 2 years. Not bad!

The fact we've just got another one says it all though, a great car.

Faults:

Various rattles and squeaks from the cabin.

General Comments:

Great handling.

Performance OK, but not spine tingling.

Fuel consumption not the best in the world, especially for a small car.

Very hard suspension makes for very tiring journeys.

Faults:

- Squeaking alternator belt - fixed under warranty.

- Disconnected gearshift cable. This is easy to fix yourself: just look under the battery and press the linkage back on firmly in the gear it disconnected in. Fixed under warranty.

- Squeaking from sunroof. Also easy to fix yourself. Take the metal hook from the toolkit, and use it to apply waterproof grease to all the runners (NB there are 4, not 2!)

- Lurching/hesitation related to traction control - never fixed despite attempts.

- Broken CD player - replaced under warranty.

- Leaking radiator - replaced under warranty.

- Clicking steering column - replaced under warranty.

- Steering out of alignment and constant left pulling - currently being fixed under warranty.

- Buzzing exhaust - replaced under warranty.

General Comments:

Firstly, thank god for the warranty!!! But amazingly, these problems have not bothered me too much. The car is amazing to drive and handles beautifully. The engine is underpowered and a little coarse: when the warranty runs out, I'll get it chipped (+10bhp). Also, it looks stunning, and feels like a much bigger car to drive. I love the direct steering. The Mini is a modern-day Alfa Romeo - hastily thrown together, but with huge character and charm. I love it!!!

Faults:

My clutch replaced at:- 8000 miles

16000 miles

24200 miles.

Faulty electrics - dipped headlights not always working, fan unreliable, windows opening by themselves, indicator unreliable, tyre pressure warning light stays on.

Air-bag light stays on.

Passenger window not always aligned so have to open window then close again.

Fuel consumption gone haywire since last clutch replacement.

General Comments:

Car was not purchased from main dealer, but have used their services for each problem. Main dealer insists clutch wear is because I am a driving instructor. Car is due back in garage now because of clutch judder and possible gearbox problems. Have negotiated with original supplier for replacement vehicle, but have also sought legal advice under the Sale of Goods Act to force the finance company to take back the car.

I love the mini as do my pupils, but not this one!!!