MINI Hatchback (2001 - 2006) 1.6 Cooper 3d (04) (2004/04) 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?
To the enthusiast it says "An affordable drivers car" To the uninitiated it says "I'm a big girl". The latter is not helped by the white roof and mirrors with matching white alloys.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
Whoever sits in the front loves it, but those that have had to sit in the rear don't seem to have such an affinity for it.
Would you buy this car again and why?
Yes, purely on handling it just has so much steering feel. I lover feeling every bump through the road it reminds me of the spirit of the original
What are you likely to buy next?
06/56 R53 MINI Cooper S (possibly works), supercharger wine included. Bring on the test drive.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Didn't buy from a dealer
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£7,150
When did you buy the car?
November 2008
Did you get a good deal and why?
Yes credit crunch meant lower prices, it had lots of chrome extras sports steering wheel and half leather seats. The vendor didn't really want to get rid of it but her tiny baby had other ideas
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
I was in the market for a Vauxhall Corsa of all things but the test drive really sold it to me.
What was the dealer like?
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
The 1.6 is peppy and has a great engine note as standard even at low speed. It does have to be worked for any real performance but once up to 4000rpm it comes into its own with enough grunt for safe overtaking. Its not breathtaking but it feels quicker than most cars in the same class and is fairly quiet even at motorway speeds. Handling is simply brilliant, it goes round corners better than J-lows underwear and consistently puts a smile on my face.
What's it like to park?
Its tiny so fits into very small spaces. The rear is near enough flat so its easy to see how close you are to any potential hazards that might damage your pride and joy.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
A puncture in the rear tyre on the way to work on the M1, But the run flats got me there in one piece and to the tyre place without worry. Very strange when the dashboard warning light says there is a puncture but you really cant feel it like you can with normal tyres.
What's most practical about your car?
The rear seats are great for all your girlfriends luggage for that weekend in the country.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
Half leather semi-bucket seats, you get sucked right in when chucking the cooper round the twisties.
