Mini Cooper Review...
Thread Starter
Contributors
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,434
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From: NYC, Rego Park, Queens
My Ride: 2004 E60 530i, 2012 E70 X5 35i
Model Year: 2004
Hi Everyone,
My girlfriend is planning to get a used car and wants a 2003 Mini Cooper really badly.
I wanted to hear everyones feedback on the car and their reliability. I've read plenty of stories of the transmission going even with low miles on a Mini.
Let me know so we dont make a mistake.
If all else fails, we're just going to get an Acura RSX.
My girlfriend is planning to get a used car and wants a 2003 Mini Cooper really badly.
I wanted to hear everyones feedback on the car and their reliability. I've read plenty of stories of the transmission going even with low miles on a Mini.
Let me know so we dont make a mistake.
If all else fails, we're just going to get an Acura RSX.
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 610
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From: UK
My Ride: 2007 530d M Sport Automatic, Le Mans Edition.Le Mans Blue Individual Paint Special, Syrah Blue Individual Leather, Piano Black Individual Interior Trim, Front seat heating,M Double Spoke 172 19
Originally Posted by nigxdoof' post='1027846' date='Oct 8 2009, 01:41 PM
Hi Everyone,
My girlfriend is planning to get a used car and wants a 2003 Mini Cooper really badly.
I wanted to hear everyones feedback on the car and their reliability. I've read plenty of stories of the transmission going even with low miles on a Mini.
Let me know so we dont make a mistake.
If all else fails, we're just going to get an Acura RSX.
My girlfriend is planning to get a used car and wants a 2003 Mini Cooper really badly.
I wanted to hear everyones feedback on the car and their reliability. I've read plenty of stories of the transmission going even with low miles on a Mini.
Let me know so we dont make a mistake.
If all else fails, we're just going to get an Acura RSX.
First problem was rattles from the dash, not helped by the harsh ride due to the 17" option wheels fitted with run-flats.
Second problem was coolant loss due to a failing water pump seal.The water pump was replaced under warranty.Good job,because this is an expensive repair.
Other disadvantages (ignored before purchase) are limited boot(trunk) space and limited rear seat space (only suitable for children).
I also noticed that the alloy wheels deteriorated in appearance during the 2 years,although it was regularly valeted.
Senior Members
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 551
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From: NYC
My Ride: 2006 525
ive driven them and theyre a HOOT!
according to edmunds, 2003 is the worst year for a used mini....
http://www.edmunds.com/new/2009/mini/coope...eliability.html
according to edmunds, 2003 is the worst year for a used mini....
http://www.edmunds.com/new/2009/mini/coope...eliability.html
Contributors
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,871
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From: Atlanta Burbs
My Ride: 08 550 Carbon Sport Almost everything factory, but no sound upgrades.
Had my MINI now five months and no annoyances I didn?t buy. Fun to drive, great fuel efficiency, plenty of gadgets and uglier than a coal bucket. 
I agree with 530d?s comments on ride. Short wheel base and small wheels will rattle the bones.
I have the Clubman body and no problem with cargo space. The rear seating is comfortable for adults but probably not for extended distance.
Funny but I have had more ?nice car? comments in five months than two+ years on my 550i. Probably because it?s so pretty.
Check back with me in two years.
sixcard
I agree with 530d?s comments on ride. Short wheel base and small wheels will rattle the bones.
I have the Clubman body and no problem with cargo space. The rear seating is comfortable for adults but probably not for extended distance.
Funny but I have had more ?nice car? comments in five months than two+ years on my 550i. Probably because it?s so pretty.
Check back with me in two years.
sixcard
Contributors
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 11,432
Likes: 1
From: San Jose, CA
My Ride: E60 M5, F85 X5M
Check with member EBMCS03 (Eric) and CoolTones (Tony) as well. Eric had an Electric Blue Mini Cooper S from 2003, hence his handle. hahaha
I think Tony has the newer model from 2008, Mini Cooper S with the JCW package.
I think Tony has the newer model from 2008, Mini Cooper S with the JCW package.
Thread Starter
Contributors
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,434
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From: NYC, Rego Park, Queens
My Ride: 2004 E60 530i, 2012 E70 X5 35i
Model Year: 2004
Thanks for the tip, let me ask him. =)
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,626
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From: Socal-90601
I had a 2005 Vert and 06 Cooper S and not a issue..Yes the sport models ride firm and the sport seats arent as comfy. Uh Other than that they are fun cars..Look at the VW as a alternative really good cars those GTI's
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Joined: May 2009
Posts: 10,496
Likes: 2
From: SoCal
My Ride: 2008 550I LOADED, all options except HUD and NV
I am actually surprised FlyingPuck hasn't weighed in, he has a Mini Cooper as well. Red one. I love the Mini, drove a friend's Cooper S for a while in NY and it was a blast. Can't answer to the reliability though.
Contributors
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,895
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio, TX
My Ride: 04 525i, 04 Dinan M3
A buddy of mine at work has a 03 with 70k miles. And his transmission just died. To make a long story short the bill to fix it will be $7k and he can't afford to do that. So he is just parking it in the driveway and bought a car for $1000
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,998
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From: St. Louis Burbs, USA
My Ride: 2007 530i. Purchased 6/28/07. Titanium Silver Metallic, Black Dakota Leather, Dark Poplar Trim, Steptronic, Premium Package, Cold Weather Package, Bluetooth, Adaptive Control Xenons. 10/30/07 Added OEM 124s with 245/40/18 & 275/35/18 Michelin Pilot Sport A/S tires. Installed red Cal Covers� from BavAuto. 11/21/07 Added OEM all-weather floor mats (for winter, carpet in summer) and coat rack. 6/26/08 installed M5-style rear spoiler. 6/30/08 put on red reflectors. 8/22/08 Euro turn signal stickers applied. 3/20/09 Installed Shadowline Trim. 3/27/09 Added Matte Black Kidney Grilles from Trinity. 4/03/09 Installed Bimmian Shadow Matte Black 530i Badges. 4/04/09 Installed LED license plate lights from Trinity. 5/01/09 Installed Brabus Interior LED Kit and White Angel Eyes. 5/02/09 Put in Brabus 6K Fogs. 5/14/09 Removed charcoal filter. 5/15/09 Installed light smoke LED side marker lamps from Trinity. 5/21/09 Sprint Booster. 6/12/09 Painted exhaust tips flat black. 6/13/09 Pulled red Cal Covers and painted calipers low gloss black. 6/27/09 RPI Ram Air Scoop from Trinity. 8/15/09 Installed Brabus's silver invisibulbs front and rear. 9/24/09 Installed R-Dash license plate LEDs from Brabaus (John).
Originally Posted by pjinca' post='1028029' date='Oct 8 2009, 05:22 PM
I am actually surprised FlyingPuck hasn't weighed in, he has a Mini Cooper as well. Red one.
