MINI Cooper S (2002 - 2006) 1.6 3d (02) (2003/03) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
Perhaps that I don't take life too seriously?
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
I got all the usual "hair-dresser's car" jibes from friends and family. Secretly though, I think they were jealous. Everyone who went for a ride in it loved it.
Would you buy this car again and why?
I have the updated version of the MINI Cooper S now and it's a very different animal. In an ideal world I'd have kept both.
What are you likely to buy next?
MINI Clubman D or BMW 1 Series.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Franchise
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£10,000
When did you buy the car?
March 2008
Did you get a good deal and why?
Reasonable. Thought the trade-in offered on my Megane was a bit mean but I haggled and got a competitive APR and a few extras for the MINI (floormats, etc).
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
A completely spur-of-the-moment purchase when looking to replace my abysmally unreliable 2005 Renault Megane.
What was the dealer like?
A bit too smooth and laid back. Didn't have much respect for my time and would often keep me waiting while he chatted on the phone about unrelated matters.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Absolutely amazing! I would look forward to every journey - even if I was only nipping to the supermarket. The sound of the engine and exhaust was glorious (how I miss that supercharger whine!), the steering was pin-sharp and it cornered completely flat. The car was just FUN at all speeds.
What's it like to park?
Really easy even though rear visibility wasn't fantastic and my car didn't have parking sensors.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Quite a lot unfortunately. Car required new steering rack, clutch, window motor, suspension mountings and the exhaust heat shield worked itself loose.
What's most practical about your car?
Nothing! Okay, service intervals were quite long. To be fair it was never bought for practicality. I was shocked to learn MINI roof bars required the roof of the car to have holes drilled in it. Fortunately, Thule sell a system that required no drilling.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
My car had a panoramic sunroof, which was an absolute joy.
