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?
That I'm trying to be too trendy?
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
They love the look of it - not so keen when they sit in the back or try to put anything in the tiny boot.
Would you buy this car again and why?
Never! See previous comments about unreliability. I really did not expect it from such an expensive BMW.
What are you likely to buy next?
VW Polo GTI
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Franchise
Did you buy this car new?
Yes
What price did you pay?
£14,000
When did you buy the car?
June 2004
Did you get a good deal and why?
I did not get a good deal as there was a long waiting list for the car. The dealer basically said you pay full list price or go get a different car! They also reneged on the promised price for my part exchange, so I ended up selling it privately at the last minute.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
I love the look of the Mini and BMW have a good reputation (unfounded as I soon discovered) for quality build and good service.
What was the dealer like?
Rubbish! For the above reasons and too many to mention since purchase. Oh I will mention another actually - the dealer scratched my car badly and had to have it repaired (fortunatrely I had proof that it was not scratched before it went to them or I'm sure they would have denied responsibility).
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
It does handle well round corners, but I also think it drives like a bus. When I get into it after driving other cars it just feels way too heavy for its size. I don't think the acceleration is particularly good either considering it is a 1.6 and small.
What's it like to park?
Much easier since I got my rear parking sensors!
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Loads! I do regret buying it. The fuel vent valve has now gone 4 times, it failed its first MOT with leaking power steering (after only 15,000 miles), the passenger door doesn't work well, the central locking went, it had an original paint fault and it judders when cold (despite being in the dealer 5 times to fix it).
What's most practical about your car?
Nothing comes to mind - small boot, unreliable and drive like a bus!
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
Air con and rear parking sensors
