2003 BMW Mini Cooper S 1.6

Summary:

A smile with every mile

Faults:

The boot release is intermittent and will need to be repaired. Apparently this is a common fault and is easily rectified.

General Comments:

This is a lovely car to drive. The handling and performance are excellent, but the engine is still very smooth and easy to drive around town. The supercharger provides the performance without having a highly-tuned engine.

The Chili package was a bargain, although you still don't get essentials like the glove box.

The Sports Suspension Plus and 17" wheels on the Chili package make for a hard ride, so watch out for pot-holes.

17" run-flat tires are pretty rare and expensive, and can't easily be repaired. Expect to pay £140 for each one. That thought keeps you from throwing it around corners as much as you'd like to.

Rear space is limited, for passengers and luggage. However you can fit a 28" television and packaging in the boot with the seats down so it has some practicality.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th February, 2004

2003 BMW Mini Cooper S 1.6 supercharged

Summary:

When you're in the mood it's a real hoot..

Faults:

Excessively stiff gear change (6-speed)

Annoying and dangerous dip in revs soon after pulling away.

Far too many squeaks and rattles.

General Comments:

I plumped for the Mini Cooper S after a test drive in a Cooper convinced me it handled superbly.

In the right gear the Cooper S can really fly!

Mine had 17" wheels and Sports Plus suspension - this is really far to hard for poor UK roads, and the constant reminder of this made me decide to sell the car.

I loved the interior, even though the centrally positioned odometer was something I never got used to.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th September, 2003

2003 BMW Mini One 1.6

Summary:

A disappointment

Faults:

There is a rattle in the passenger side door.

The airbag in the steering wheel has had to be replaced, and the replacement was dented.

The exhaust 'blows' when I accelerate.

The drives door is not flush with the car. I've been back to the dealership twice since March and both times the door has been re-hung. Its now out of alignment again!

The dashboard seems to be off centre - the gap between the dash and drivers doors is 3 times bigger than the gap between the dash and passenger door.

The dealearship have always been reluctant to solve the problems - They tell me everything is within the spec of the car. When I said I wanted to complain they just gave a phone number to ring.

General Comments:

The car is fun to drive, and has good acceleration.

The interior is always commented on by passengers - they all love the big speedometer!

However, the problems I've had outweigh the positives, and I'm now wondering why I bothered buying it!

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

Review Date: 30th July, 2003

2003 BMW Mini Cooper 1.6

Summary:

Good, but not perfect

Faults:

Misting rear light clusters.

General Comments:

After reading all the favourable car magazine reviews I had to try the Mini Cooper.

Its good, but not as great as the reviews would have you believe.

It creaks & rattles from the dashboard & the seat belt mechanisms. (never a problem in my previous Honda).

The handling is good & winding country roads are a blast.

Also, it has good levels of equipment & the brakes are great.

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

Review Date: 26th June, 2003

2003 BMW Mini Cooper 1.6

Summary:

Just the best fun possible

Faults:

Nothing, first impressions are this is going to be a great relationship.

General Comments:

The Cooper is just a Rocket on wheels.

Very early to come up with any bad comments, but will keep you informed.

Could you please post any good accessory sites that you may know of.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st April, 2003

9th May 2003, 15:32

This is just a update on my wee wean!! She is still my pride and joy, still getting washed twice a week. She has now done 2000 miles and had her 1st visit to the garage, the drivers seat was sticking when tilted forward to allow access into the rear seat, it was put right by my local mini agent, New seat back frame fitted.

That's all for now, will keep you updated.

P.s.

Still looking for mini accessory sites and any ideas where I might locate a tartan roof decal?

19th Dec 2003, 05:35

To the last commenter. If you put after market wheels on with low profile tyres you obviously will find a harder ride whereas with the original wheels the ride is quite comfortable.

30th Mar 2004, 12:04

Here is a link to a pretty good performance site to upgrade your Mini.

http://www.mini-madness.com

2003 BMW Mini One 1.6

Summary:

Beautifully designed car at a good price

Faults:

One of the rear light-clusters had condensation inside when I came back from two weeks' holiday.

Steering wheel very slightly off-centre on delivery.

Steering pulls very slightly to the left.

General Comments:

The MINI is everything I hoped it would be.

Very refined and quiet on the motorway.

Suspension is a little firm at lower speeds, but this does have its advantages when it comes to handling.

Styling is superb.

Although the base MINI One is a little short on extras (no CD player, air-con or alloy wheels as standard, for example), the little thoughtful design touches are great.

For example, when you open the car, the interior lights come on. When you start the engine, after a short delay they go off. When you turn the engine off at the end of your journey, they come back on again.

The car's aerodynamics means that it does tend to get dirty very quickly, especially at the back, which is unfortunate considering that the screen-wash reservoir is rather small.

The MINI is surprisingly spacious. Front passengers need have no worries, while rear passengers should be OK for short journeys.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th February, 2003

25th Oct 2005, 12:33

I have just sold my mini one as for the past 2 years I have had nothing, but trouble. 2 new gearboxes 2 new clutches all new electrics and faulty brakes.I've bought a honda hoping it will be reliable. good ridence I say.