2002 BMW Mini Cooper S 1.6 Supercharged

Summary:

A bargain at Twice the price... Buy one NOW

Faults:

There was a squeaky pulley on the engine at delivery, Instant rectification by the dealer and so-far absolutely NO problems whatsoever.

General Comments:

Torque and performance are in another league to the cooper. the supercharger makes a wonderful noise and the whole package pulls like a train. On track it embarrasses much faster cars through the twistier sections and given a wet road really dances rings round some serious high performance vehicles.

Fit and finish are great and build quality up there with all BMW cars.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th January, 2003

8th Jan 2003, 07:39

Until the MINI comes down in price and the waiting list shortens, many people will refuse to pay over the odds for such a small vehicle.

Having said that, there are many stories in the motoring press about MINI owners making their money back on these cars after a year of driving. Well done BMW on your marketing ploy, it seems to be working, stifle supply and demand will be higher than ever. You've just got to have faith in the product in the first place, and follow it up with clever finance, servicing packages and easy finance.

24th Aug 2003, 10:22

The most basic Cooper S is what, fifteen grand? Add in air-conditioning or climate control -- neither of which are standard fit, shame on BMW -- and you're staring at sixteen grand bill for a car that's no more than three paces long.

Don't get many lbs to the pound any more, do you...

And if you look at all the miserable faces and build quality issues from the myriad reviews on this site, the MINI cannot be worth even half its cost.

Worth it at "twice the price"? You gotta be double joking!

31st Oct 2004, 11:39

On track yes quick. Most big roads my £12000 fabia vrs will leave you in my soot! Chipped you wouldn't be close enough behind to even choke. Bargain at twice price your having a laugh! £13000 max!

31st May 2007, 00:51

Yes, but when will you get it that people who buy a Mini would not buy a diesel Fabia VRS or not. Driving pleasure is not just about pulling away from people on the straights! If you came to a twisty section and stayed at the same pace, the VRS would end up in a hedge and the Mini would sail through. Chalk and cheese, chalk and cheese.

In reply to 31st May 2007, 00:51

1st Jun 2007, 11:27

True, but add a Jabba rear ARB, Eibach springs & dampers, then the VRS would beat the Mini on any roads. And yes, it would still be cheaper than the BMW... sorry I mean Mini.

2002 BMW Mini Cooper 1.6

Summary:

A over-priced poorly made heap

Faults:

Broken Driver Seat

Broken Steering Column

Hole in Fuel Tank

Broken Driver Seat Belt

Loose Panel on driver door

Creaking / Rattling from Dash.

All within 500 miles!

General Comments:

Really poorly made vehicle. Endless problems and design faults and no acknowledgment from dealer. Had to take it directly to BMW GB to deal with matter. Very hush hush on their part.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 13th November, 2002

2002 BMW Mini One 1.6 petrol

Summary:

Excellent value BMW super'Mini'

Faults:

Rear light units fogged with condensation within one week of delivery. The replacement unit took three weeks to arrive.

No other faults to date.

General Comments:

This car handles extremely well. It is very quiet at cruising speeds on the motorway compared to other cars in this class.

The performance from the 90bhp unit is adequate, but will not blow you away. If you want more performance try the Cooper at 115bhp.

The general build quality seems high despite other comments on this site.

It is guaranteed to turn heads on every street, which is not the case for many cars in this price bracket.

The power steering has a distinctive whine which is common to all new Minis.

The residual values are extremely good at the moment and that promises to continue. The Mini pricing is extremely keen unless you like a long options list. A low insurance group, low tax and five years free servicing make the entire package excellent value for money.

The cabin/ seats are a pleasant place to be even on long journeys. Boot space is extremely small compared to other cars in this sector. Not a problem if you don't mind putting the back seats down.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 1st November, 2002

7th Nov 2007, 16:52

Just an update on my review. We still own the mini after five years of ownership.

Mini dealership seems to give excellent service sometimes and awful others. We have needed two new windscreens in five years, two airbag repairs, new set of disk and pads (40,000 miles), new set of front tyres (25,000 miles) plus the free servicing provided by the TLC package.

The paintwork (pepper white) and interior trim seems to be holding up fairly well. Everything is holding up well.