MINI Cooper S (2002 - 2006) 1.6 3d (02) (2003/53) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

To be honest i don't know, prob that im driving the missus car or that im maybe a bit girly. I don't care really.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

They love it. Everyone wants the keys!

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes, apart from the powersteering pump. not had too many issues (touch wood). Not sure if i'd buy a newer 'S' as i've heard the Turbo isn't as responsive - regardless of what the stats on paper say.

What are you likely to buy next?

Unfortunately with the rising costs of running cars like this, prob a crappy little tin diesel with no heart or soul. Government wont stop until were all driving small engine'd diesels that make us want to kill ourselves!

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£5,500

When did you buy the car?

April 2011

Did you get a good deal and why?

I thought i did when i bought it. With trade in came to about £4k. The worst bit on the deal was with the Warranty, dealer wouldn't honour anything when it went wrong - Catalina Cars of Stanningley, named and shamed!

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Liked the cheeky, funky looks and sporty aggressive image.

What was the dealer like?

Really friendly jack of all trade types with a gruff working class attitude - kind of bloke you see down the pub and share a pint with. Well was until i took it back with a fault, then couldn't give a toss!

What's it like to drive?

Fun, fun, fun! This is a cracking car for going out on the b-roads in, handles superbly with little roll & pinpoint steering. The supercharger makes this thing unbelievably quick in low revs. Boot it for an overtake and watch other peoples jaws drop!

What's it like to park?

Easy enough, its a mini. Don't get a name like that if it was massive and obtrusive.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Power steering pump sounds like a vacuum cleaner. Looked on various sites and found is a common problem with the earlier mini's. Dealer i bought it from doesn't give a toss, and neither does BMW/Mini.

What's most practical about your car?

Erm.... not the boot, or the lack of glovebox. Suppose the door pockets are quite wide and deep. To be honest didnt buy this for the practicality. If i did i would have bought a Zafira!

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Where to star, love the panoramic sunroof, the CD autochanger is a godsend for long trips, love the alloys and its front splitter gives it a meaner look.