2003 MINI Cooper Hatchback

Nice drivability but horrible reliability

by caroleza27 on Mar 29, 2014
Vehicle: 2003 MINI Cooper 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 5M)

Like many others, I have had nothing but problems since I purchased this car used less than a year ago. When I got it I seemed to be in ok condition even after 2 previous owners and 140k. Starting in the 2nd month o ownership I began having to replace things--each time a cost of $500-$600 mainly due to the high price of the parts. Every time I fix something, I have another problem. I am looking to get rid of the car as soon as I can because I cannot afford to keep fixing it nor can I spend all of my time at the shop. Great car in its younger years--definitely not a primary vehicle or one that will hold up over the years.

12 of 12 people found this review helpful

Cute on the outside, scarey

by ddealminana on May 26, 2012
Vehicle: 2003 MINI Cooper 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 5M)

I was given this car in 2004 as a gift from my parents. I could not have been happier. After having it for over eight years now, I am ready to drive it into the Hudson. This car has been nothing but one major problem after another. The first year I got it I was on the highway and the car just stopped switching gears above third gear. Luckily that was covered under warranty. Since, I have had the air conditioning go out twice, the power steering go out, windows stopped, door locks stopped, numerous overheating episodes, etc. My poor father has spent numerous hours and dollars repairing this thing. Thank goodness I have him though, because I would have spent several thousands by now

10 of 10 people found this review helpful

Miss it, but glad it's

by zmr359 on Aug 2, 2011
Vehicle: 2003 MINI Cooper 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 5M)

I bought my Cooper used w/ 68,000 miles. W/in 4 months this happened: First the key fob quit locking/unlocking door & would instead spontaneously open all the windows. Then the driver's side door handle quit working so I had to roll window down to get out, until window quit too, then I had to crawl out passenger side. Electrical issues caused all windows + sunroof to open when it rained which ruined the cloth seats. Then it started running out of gas before it was on E. Doors locked shut once so my bf had to crawl out window & I had go out trunk so I could roll window up. Then the tranny quit! $5k for a rebuilt! So then I had to give car back to bank 6 months after I got it.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Won't drive anything but a

by jbmsgg2010 on Jan 2, 2011
Vehicle: 2003 MINI Cooper 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 5M)

Bought my Mini new in 2003. There have been a few issues with squeeks and rattles, but the dealership has remedied them all. I rated the comfort at 4 only because the Sport Suspension is a bit stiff, with the run flat tires, but it is NOT a complaint. The design is rated at 4 only because of the cup holders. I drove my car everyday, 70 miles round-trip to work, on wet and icy roads. The front-wheel drive is amazing! I'm getting ready to sell my baby for a new one -- 2011 Mini Countryman. Can't wait!!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Cons outweigh the pros

by MIssMyVW on Oct 28, 2010
Vehicle: 2003 MINI Cooper 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 5M)

I purchased this car used in 2007 and I didn't even get 5000 miles on it before the clutch went out on it the first time. Six months after that replacement, I had to have it back in the shop because the clutch pedal had a master/slave issue and I had to have the cylinders replaced. Then, just this past week, after approximately 21 months and 9,000 more miles on the car, I had to have the clutch replaced again. Seriously, while the car looks really cool and is sometimes fun to drive, it is *not* worth all the extra money it will cost you for ownership. I can't wait to pay this thing off and go back to driving a VW again.

1 of 2 people found this review helpful

Super fun but also expensive

by Vespa2t on Aug 19, 2010
Vehicle: 2003 MINI Cooper S 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl S/C 6M)

After owning a MINI S for 2.5 years and 15,000 miles I can say this is the most fun car I have ever had. However, it has been the most troublesome car for me to date as well with $2000 in repairs, and that is parts only because I can repair it myself. Now, this is a car that was owned by the lead MINI tech at the dealership for its first 70,000 miles and maintained religiously since new. And now it has rust, yes rust on a 7 year old car. There are two big holes in the sheet metal just below the taillights. Keep in mind when buying one that you are buying a BMW product and thus comes with BMW prices for parts and service.