BAD BOY V

iTrader: (1)

Has anyone from here had a Mini Cooper 1.6 between 2003-2006 year model, not for me, but my sister wants to get one? Just wondering what they're like? She's driving a 2004 vw polo at the moment but really wants a mini!

Beastie

iTrader: (2)

I have a 2008 cooper convertible. This is the same as the 2006 hard top. Its not as easy to drive as a polo, and the ride is firmer. They also tramline a lot on the runflat tyres when they are getting worn. Steering can be a bit heavy at low speeds too.

Power wise it seems plenty - 115bhp - and its quite frugal - 39mpg. I had a VW polo 1.4 16V (100bhp) before which was thirstier.

Mini can cruise all day at a decent pace, its torquesy enough you dont need to change down for hills.

Mini dealers are expensive, we use local garage now after mini frightened us after warranty expired.

Faults? - ours has had a new gearbox,(warranty) think this is quite common.Having said that so did the polo. Exhausts rot through by 3 years.

The car is very roomy in front but not so much in back. Boot is small.

If you go for convertible make sure you get one with heated seats, we did and it made all the difference.

We plan to keep ours and already had it for 3 years. Great for town!

Frosticles

iTrader: (1)

My wife has a 2004 Cooper. Lovely car & I prefer to drive it over my BMW! Get the best equipped one you can. The wife's has chili pack, tlc pack, better stereo pack! 17" cooper S wheels, air con.
Over the two years she's owned it the only problems have been 2 x rear run flats, rear exhaust silencer, rear wiper blade. Routine servicing.

jpor

iTrader: (1)

Wasnt there an issue with the power steering pump on the earlier Minis? I know a neighbour of mine has a 2003 Mini and you can here the PowerSteering pump whine when the wheel is turned.

Cannon Fodder

iTrader: (100)

I've recently bought a 2008 Cooper D and I have to say it's a really nice car to drive, some might say the ride is a little harsh but compared to my Impreza it's like a magic carpet ride.

I would echo what has been said above go for a well specified model with at least the Chili pack plus if you can find one with the better ICE setup.

I would go for a post 2006 car as I would advised by several Mini specialists, plus if anyone goes for a post 2006 Cooper S make sure the timing chain tensioner has been changed as they are prone to failure and cost quite a lot to remedy when they fail.

lozgti1

Looking at a basic mini one (about 5 years old) for my wife.Possibly cooper.Not an S though

Petrols are all 1.6 aren't they? Was wondering about what other issues to look for.Presumeably generally a sound car????

Dave Thornton

Definitely go for the later shape car (2006-on) - mechanically they are far superior and this shows through in much improved mpg.

Also, as no 2 are alike in terms of spec, think very carefully about what you must have and what you would like but could do without. Also think about how someone else might view the spec when you come to sell it e.g. a roof with the Scottish flag is less likely to sell south of the border. There are plenty to choose from.

robby

I've had a pre facelift (2003my) and a facelift (2007my) Cooper

Pre facelift - midlands gearboxes are known for problems
mine had exterior trims replaced due to wear (vents between windscreen and bonnet, windscreen pillars, wheel arch fixing, etc)
Moving front seats too far forward (to let someone in the back for example) can pull the wiring loom under the seat which puts on the airbag warning on the dash - dealer fix
High level brake light and rear lights can let in water
basic spec - even had to pay extra for a glovebox (ebay)

Facelift
smoother drive
seemed to be better build quality
rear anti roll bar bushes need changing around 40-50k (£9 a pair + 1/2 hour fitting) - causing knocking over bumps
push button start

BAD BOY V

iTrader: (1)

Ok cool all points taken on board I told her to leave it and go for a newer polo!

Badger sti

My daughter has an 03 cooper s and has had loads of problems.
Cylinder head gasket
Power steering pump
Track control arms, a real pain to change
Electric windows not working, told to bang inner door card, common fix
Rear wiper motor
Exhaust rotting, only £65 for complete system though
Sunroof intermittent working
And Mini in Solihull broke off oil temp gauge and told her it was not original and had cross threaded so replaced with a normal plug. The gauge was fitted as an option by previous owner bought from Mini.
She now uses a local garage for servicing.
Despite all the problems she still loves the car

BAD BOY V

iTrader: (1)

The mini's seem to have alot of issues, the polo she's had for 5years has only had a gear linkage problem, and wheel bearing had to be replaced but still going strong and has had minor issues, however after reading up on the mini's and seeing your replies, I've told her to forget it and go for a newer polo instead! I do like the look of the mini, but doesn't sound worth it changing from a vw polo to a mini!

Frosticles

iTrader: (1)

Not all Mini's are bad. As said, My wife's has been excellent

lozgti1

Damn.In two minds now!

Mind you,flipping loads of second hand ones to choose from.Never seen so many!

Brun

Don't bunk a BMW for a VW

Cannon Fodder

iTrader: (100)

I'm really impressed with mine, quality BMW build in a smaller package.

Definitely a better car than a VW, the build quality of most VW small cars is rather pants in comparison.

Definitely go for a post 2006 car though.

BAD BOY V

iTrader: (1)

Having seconds thoughts on it will be looking into the 2006 models onwards as people say its a better car all round!

jpor

iTrader: (1)

Why!?

VWs have indicator stalk and lights as standard

On BMWs they seem to be a £400 optional extra

Brun

They are not much good sat on the hard shoulder though