2002 BMW Mini Cooper review from UK and Ireland

- Squeaking alternator belt - fixed under warranty.

- Disconnected gearshift cable. This is easy to fix yourself: just look under the battery and press the linkage back on firmly in the gear it disconnected in. Fixed under warranty.

- Squeaking from sunroof. Also easy to fix yourself. Take the metal hook from the toolkit, and use it to apply waterproof grease to all the runners (NB there are 4, not 2!)

- Lurching/hesitation related to traction control - never fixed despite attempts.

- Broken CD player - replaced under warranty.

- Leaking radiator - replaced under warranty.

- Clicking steering column - replaced under warranty.

- Steering out of alignment and constant left pulling - currently being fixed under warranty.

- Buzzing exhaust - replaced under warranty.

Firstly, thank god for the warranty!!! But amazingly, these problems have not bothered me too much. The car is amazing to drive and handles beautifully. The engine is underpowered and a little coarse: when the warranty runs out, I'll get it chipped (+10bhp). Also, it looks stunning, and feels like a much bigger car to drive. I love the direct steering. The Mini is a modern-day Alfa Romeo - hastily thrown together, but with huge character and charm. I love it!!!