MINI Hatchback (2001 - 2006) 1.6 Cooper 3d (01) (2002/02) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

It was my dream car, and as such I loved it, but got fed up with throwing money at the vehicle to keep it serviceable, so sold it on... From my point of view it was very expensive to run for what it is

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

Liked the looks, and often asking about our thoughts on the vehicle

Would you buy this car again and why?

most defineately not... not only do the manufacturers accept any responsibillity for the quality of the build or the faults we experienced, or those reported on watchdog, they have never recalled any vehicles for the known issues, and being supported by VOSA by their not insisting that the vehicle being recalled for the serious faults encountered.

What are you likely to buy next?

Definately not a mini or by association a BMW

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?

September 2005

Did you get a good deal and why?

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

A treat for achieving a career milestone... a car I'd always wanted

What was the dealer like?

Dealership was absolutely fantastic when it came to all the faults/failures the vehicle came in with

What's it like to drive?

Quite heavy to drive at low speeds in town, stop-start environment. Pulls away well from standing and cruises quite happily on the flat, but dgoing up an incline of any note, requires lower than expected gear

What's it like to park?

turning circle not particulary good, and it's quite broad with big doors, making it cramped for exiting standard parking spaces... and the doors have to be opened full to allow rear seat passengers the space to extricate themselves

Have you had any problems with the car?

First failure was steering box/column, followed by clutch/gearbox, followed by coolant system and power steering motor (reported on BBC TV Watchdog consumer program). No support from either the manufacturer in costs for repairs, and no vehicle recalls. VOSA seemed to think that power steering failing and locking wasn't a safety issue. The fault occurred whilst driving along a quiet country road with many dips and sharp bends... when it happened to me, I damaged my shoulder in trying to negociate a sharp bend. When it was on the road, fuel consumption was poor, even on long journeys. After issue with power steering pump, confidence in the car went completely, as the replacemnt pump also has a reported issue of overheating and in extreme cases catching fire (again see watchdog review).

What's most practical about your car?

The gar is only practical for two people, the inside of the car is tacky with plastic trims.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

fun car to drive on open road, when it's functional