MINI Cooper S 1.6 3d (02) (2003/53) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
Being BMW, you have to pay for any 'essential extras' which puts the overall price up a bit. You still get lots of car for your money though.
Costs
Only had the car six months so hard to comment. Five years servicing for £100 should keep the running costs down. 17" run-flat tyres are about £140 a shot so watch out for nails!
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On the road
Driving
Keep finding excuses to drive somewhere in it. Perfect handling and excellent driving position.
Performance
The supercharger really makes the car fly, expecially from 40mph. Just keeps accellerating at same pace all the way up to 130. 6th gear is good from 30mph upwards and pulls well.
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Living with it
Reliability
Only had a couple of niggling problems. Boot release erratic at times, but apparently easily rectified.
Image
You notice children and adults alike watching as you pass. Other Mini owners flash/wave as you pass. Not the most practical car, but sheer enjoyment of owning it outweigh any problems it has.
Comfort
The Ssports Suspension Plus that comes with the 'S' makes the ride a bit hard and the 17" wheels do tramline a bit, but that's all part of the fun. A/C and vents work well. All controls easy to see and operate.
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Security and Service
Security
Desirability makes me think it's more likely to be stolen than a Ford for example. Frameless windows seem the weak point.
Service
Fairfields in Essex provided excellent pre and after-sales service. They seem as enthusiastic about the car as the owners.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Other
Boot release.
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
New
Would you buy the same model again?
Yes
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes