2004 MINI Cooper Review
Fuel Economy
25 - 28 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
Replete with British charm and German engineering, think of the 2004 Mini Cooper as an affordable, luxurious go-kart for adults.
Pros
It's a piece of history with modern underpinnings, BMW-engineered suspension and steering, chock full of comfort and safety features, hatchback utility, free scheduled maintenance for 3 years/36,000 miles.
Cons
Not enough horsepower in base model, questionable seat comfort, not much room for passengers and cargo, some low-grade interior materials.
What's New for 2004
Both 2004 Mini Cooper trims offer a new three-spoke leather sport steering wheel. A rear power socket returns as a standard item, and beige leather sport seats are now available. A digital speedometer readout has been added to the electronic display, and an instantaneous fuel-consumption function has been added to its on-board computer.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Midlife Crisis Car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 MINI Cooper 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I fell in love with the 09 MINIs the first time my wife and I drove a brand new 08 in the Spring of 09. But I was reluctant to spend the 28K on the sticker. Then I found an 04 with 50K miles for half that and thought it would be a good way to see if we really wanted one. This car has exceeded every expectation we had for fun, economy and attention-getting. We occasionally read about CVT issues for this year, but after 6 months of daily commutes of 70 miles we still love this reliable, trouble-free sports car. Just put snow tires on for our winter commuting. My wife thinks it is a sensible choice for a mid-life crisis vehicle, and nothing we have ever owned is this much fun to drive!
Favorite Features
Fit and finish, even under the hood, Head room, front leg room, acceleration, braking, very reasonable cargo capacity for a car of this size and performance, head-turning good looks. (I cannot tell you how many times people stop to tell us this car is awesome, but it is a near daily event.)
Suggested Improvements
Closest dealer 2+ hours, cup holders are awkward, Brake pad replacement was a surprise. MINI will not replace them without without replacing rotors--rears were $400, but I didn't buy this vehicle to be practical
Back to the Shop Again
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 1 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 2 |
| Comfort: | 5 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 4 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2004 MINI Cooper 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
Review
The transmission died on this car with only 54K miles on it. Had a rebuilt installed (these do not come cheap) and less than a year later, having problems again. I'm so incredibly disappointed; I'll never buy another one.
Favorite Features
I can pick it out of a line-up.
Suggested Improvements
The transmission!
The Best of Times & Worst of Times
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 4 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 4 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2004 MINI Cooper S 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl S/C 6M)
Review
I was a Mini Cooper Fan-Fantastic. every time, I saw another Mini Cooper driver I would wave emphatically or nod knowingly. Not so ecstatic now. After only 15,000 miles my 04 Certified Pre-Owned Mini Cooper S w/extended warranty fell-to-pieces. Here is the quick math (approx. miles): 38,700 miles Bought a Certified Pre-Owned Mini w/ extended warranty-April 08 38,708 miles Returned car because the rear bumper was two-toned-April 08 46,629 miles The crankshaft pulley, bolt, tensioner were repaired-Jan. 09 53,000 miles The Clutch, tire arms, tire bolts, tiresÂ…all need repairs-Oct. 09 The "True Cost of owning this Mini is just starting @ $6,600. Read the forums & know before you buy.
Favorite Features
I have a 6 speed manual transmission that is great to drive and handles well when cornering. Driving a Mini gives you a sense of esprit de corp and euphoria. It is pure fun and makes you laugh.
Suggested Improvements
Investigate, redesign & please fix the recurring clutch/transmission problem.
Tranny Problems?
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 MINI Cooper 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
Review
Mini cooper is very fun car to drive. Great on gas, fast, and is very easy to get around in. It is a tight ride in the seats, so it's not the funnest to drive for long periods of time. NOW! The downfall. Mini cooper has had problems with the junk transmissions they put into the coopers. Despite being built by BMW, it is not a BMW tranny in the car. My car has 67000 mile on it and the transmission is acting up in it, the cost to fix it? Try $6000, since mini does not sell parts to fix the bad trannies. Other than that, it's a very cool car to drive until you get to high miles on the car and it will cost you.
Favorite Features
Go-kart like to drive, Flashy exterior, Unique, Great on gas
Suggested Improvements
Put a reliable transmission in the car, and it would be unbeatable.
MONEY PIT! DON'T BUY!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 3 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 3 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 MINI Cooper 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I bought my 2004 mini cooper in the summer of 2008 used. I am the second owner. It is a blast to drive and gets tons of curb appeal. However, it is a complete piece of garbage. Literally over night about a month ago...the engine started to sound like a blender. After going to 2 mechanics to get opinions...I need a new transmission!...which baffles me since it is manual and i drive very carefully. Many other small problems, such as pwr windows breaking, airbag sensor light turning on, squeaky brakes, terrible to drive when A/C is on. It is SOOO expensive to maintain. I am currently looking to trade it in before problems get worse. Complete garbage. Dont waste your money.
Favorite Features
Attention getter. Great handling. Leather seats smell soooo good. Fun to drive.
Suggested Improvements
Quality. Price and availability of parts.
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