CD Article: Mini Cooper, 2002-2006

[CD_Editor]

You may discuss our cover story of the day in this thread....
Used Vehicle Review:

Introduced in 2002, the Mini Cooper and supercharged Mini Cooper S were "part of a larger trend toward retromobiles," says Chris Chase.  The new Minis shared the original Mini's "amazing handling and roadholding attributes," he says, "but sadly, it appears these new Minis have not enjoyed a consistent reliability record."  Even so, "the cars' desirability tends to keep resale values on the high side."   More...

[Bullet Blue]

I have been tempted by one or two used Cooper S models but  shakey reliability and their unwillingness to move on the price is what steered me away. A new Cooper S with a warrenty under its belt would give me more peace of mind. But man, what a fan car to drive. Just like a go-kart.

[Snowman]

A great “fun” car that is burdened with poor German component specification and assembly issues.

[Jameel]

Yah it looks like a fun little ride.  Actually I got my first ride in a Cooper S about 2 weeks ago.  It had good punch in a straight line!  I don’t know about the cornering the owner didn’t take it around corners too fast.

I’m surprised at the reliability issues, I thought BMW was known for their great build quality!

[johngenx]

I thought BMW was known for their great build quality!

BMW has had lots of quality issues and seems to be righting themselves, but certain products are very risky.  The X5 and the Mercedes ML are in a race to the basement of the quality rankings.

[Arthur Dent]

Looks like a fun car - shame about the subburn resale and being too loaded up with luxo crap.

[Demosthenes X]

I'm surprised to read that the base Mini requires Premium fuel...  everyone else out there making normally aspirated four bangers with this level of output can do it with regular, what's BMW's story?

Otherwise, definately a lust-worthy car.  I wouldn't mind have a Cooper S for weekends and city duty. 

[84im]

I started off looking for a 2003/4 Cooper S, but I was put off by the reports of poor quality and high resale price (good if you're selling, but bad if you're buying).  I ended up buying a new 2006.  The key to buying a new MINI Cooper S is to keep the options to a bare minimum.  It's easy to get carried away with the options and end up with a VERY expensive car.
The acceleration is adequate (maybe I'm expecting too much-my other 'fun' car is a V8 Miata).  The handling and braking are outstanding, and in six months of ownership I've had an 'occasional' buzz in the dash....problem wise, that's it.  The first servicing is at 15,000 km  .  I couldn't wait.  I changed the oil at 5,000 km.  Finally words;  I love the zenon (Xenon?) headlights, and dislike the front seats (sticky leatherette (we used to call it vinyl), and uncomfortable.

[Wolfe]

I loved the driving position. I found it very natural and easy to keep both hands properly positioned on the steering wheel even when stopped, looking around, and generally not paying attention to where my hands were.

The reliability concerns plus high residuals would probably lead me towards leasing a
Mini. It is on the short list of cars that I want.

The new Mini Cooper S with the turbo (more power, less fuel consumption) should be a hoot.

I wonder why BMW chose to partner with Chrysler on the Tritec engine?

[auto_enthusiast]

^^

Probably cheaper production costs -  BMW doesn't really have much expertise/development in transverse FWD drivetrains.  Judging by the power some of modified Coopers are putting out, it seems to be pretty stout unit.

[Mitlov]

Those who want a superb-handling small FWD car but are concerned about the Mini reliability should seriously consider the Civic Si.  Sure, it's not as "cute," but it's not loaded up with all sorts of pseudo-luxury stuff and the price can't be beat.

[Bullet Blue]

Those who want a superb-handling small FWD car but are concerned about the Mini reliability should seriously consider the Civic Si.  Sure, it's not as "cute," but it's not loaded up with all sorts of pseudo-luxury stuff and the price can't be beat.

Good point, but there aren't too many used Si's around yet, at least around here.

[jww]

Bad reputation aside, the "Old-New" Mini still counts as a cult car.

[84im]

I tried to get my wife to look at the Civic Si, but after she drove the MINI she had her mind made up, and when your wife has her mind made up...........    In the end we bought a car that both of us enjoy driving (for different reasons  )

[Big_Rob]

 
Currently an owner of a nice 2003 Mini Cooper, just Cooper not the S.  Great little car to drive, good on gas, maintained at the original dealer religiously but....
6 Months off manufacturers warranty and at 83,000 km (warranty limit 80,000) my transmission just went.  I hope Mini will help me out here.  I've been informed that a new tranny is about 7-$8000.

[mmret]

Would be a wonderful lease car if not for the 5.9% lease rate and (imo) high MSRP.

[initial_D]

Currently an owner of a nice 2003 Mini Cooper, just Cooper not the S.  Great little car to drive, good on gas, maintained at the original dealer religiously but....
6 Months off manufacturers warranty and at 83,000 km (warranty limit 80,000) my transmission just went.  I hope Mini will help me out here.  I've been informed that a new tranny is about 7-$8000.

Ouch. Take it it was an automatic transmission?

[2hondas]

Currently an owner of a nice 2003 Mini Cooper, just Cooper not the S.  Great little car to drive, good on gas, maintained at the original dealer religiously but....
6 Months off manufacturers warranty and at 83,000 km (warranty limit 80,000) my transmission just went.  I hope Mini will help me out here.  I've been informed that a new tranny is about 7-$8000.

Ouch. Take it it was an automatic transmission?

I believe the Coopers were equipped with a CVT? That might explain the cost.

[Zoo]

I would orginarily shy away from owning one of these due to possible reliability issues. There is a nice one with an auto on leasebusters that maybe my wife might consider. She is just dead set against learning to drive stick even though I taught her to drive the cars we drove in Italy and Costa Rica that were standards.

Oh well...

I will be curious to see what she thinks of the Mini I saved on my leasebusters saved searches. This would be a fun car to have for a couple of years.