2002 BMW Mini Cooper review from North America

Intermittent stalling from the beginning.

Loss of power at 6000 KM (Car would go into "limp mode")

Rattling tail gate (from the beginning).

Passenger door trim is loose around the tweeter.

Main wire assembly harness and throttle body replaced at 8000 KM (this fixed the loss of power issue).

Constant rattle and creaking from the panoramic sun roof.

Head lamp washers stopped working at 10500 KM.

Dash board rattles and steering column creeks at 12500 KM.

Driver and passenger side doors do not close properly all the time due to window adjustments.

I would like to point out first and foremost, that Mini's level of service when handling all that has gone wrong with my car has been extraordinary. Repairs have been made in a timely fashion and promptly.

I have talked to other Mini's owners about the problems and some of them have had similar problems, but not to the extent which I have.

I still truly believe that Mini's are not a bad product. I just received a 'buggy' unit.

Aside from all the repairs that have been made, the fun factor on the Mini is superb.

The cockpit is well laid out and the controls are easy to reach.

For a vehicle that appears to be tiny, it has a large cabin. I'm over 6 feet tall and have no problems with leg room in the front. The rear seats are a different story.

Handling is exceptional, with lots of grip turning corners and in perilous weather.

The engine is a bit under powered at low speeds, but reasonable at higher speeds (50 KM/H - 120 Km/H).

Overall Mini has the right idea, but they need to work on their quality assurance, and fit and finish.