2003 BMW Mini Cooper 1.6 inline 4

Summary:

Worth waiting out the delivery time

Faults:

My transmission had a problem with reverse - it was very hesitant and often took up to 10 tries before it would actually shift. The transmission was repaired under warranty at about 8000km.

Other warranty repairs were minor and included a rattling in the driver's door and fit and finish details.

My local MINI dealer was always very prompt and willing to offer me a loaner car whenever warranty repairs were required.

General Comments:

Having chosen a Cooper over the more powerful Cooper S, I never regretted going with the smaller engined model. It is still very quick, perhaps not so much in a straight line, but around corners it is without rival. Apparently the MINI can run through a slalom faster than a Porsche 911 (although I've never tried that myself).

Around town it is SO much fun to drive - I can't even convey the feeling. You'll just have to go take one on a test drive.

The sales staff at my local dealer are very friendly and always accomodating.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th May, 2004

22nd Aug 2004, 23:09

My 2003 Mini has the same problems with reverse. It also would not find 2nd gear and would sometimes grind, even with clutch pressed in all the way. My car, which I love just dropped the transmission...I waiting to see what the dealer days.

29th Sep 2004, 23:30

Guess what? Same problem with my 2003 Mini Cooper. I bought the car in a different state than I now live in. When I emailed the dealership where I purchased it, they replied that a few other customers had this problem- and they had a floor model with the issue as well. The dealership where I live and am trying to have it repaired/replaced is saying they have no problems with it when they test it, so they won't do anything. This inability to put it in reverse has happened to me countless times. Any advice?

19th Oct 2004, 13:16

We have never had this problem with our mini, though reverse on the Cooper S is in a different position. I have had this problem with other cars though. Generally, if you release the clutch, then push it back in it will shift into gear. The gear box on the Mini is very tight and I could understand how it might be easy to miss the gear when shifting.

2003 BMW Mini Cooper 1.6

Summary:

High on smiles per gallon

Faults:

Only issue to date has been a battery light that blinked once, for 30 seconds on pulling off... otherwise the car has been a joy.

General Comments:

The MINI isn't a car for the shy, especially here in the home of the Hummer - the USA. We may be half the size of anything else on the road, but we're twice as cute and it shows in the reaction you get.

Everything about the car reeks of class - from dashboard plastics that put VW to shame to the stiching of the two tone Cordoba leather...

The Cooper is no pocket rocket, but work it hard and it will zing along at a fair old clip. You won't have to slow much for corners either - the car rides almost dead flat and there's plenty of grip from the 15" tyres (the 16" made the ride just a little TOO firm for my commute) so you;ll find yourself hurtling around bends with a smile on your face and the blood pumping in your veins.

It's well specced too - cruise, climate control, air conditioned glove box, wheel mounted radio controls - so you don't have to skimp.

You may have guessed - I love this car. It's fun, it's well made and it fees as though it's hewn out of granite.

Go on - try one.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th June, 2003