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
Fun Fun Fun !
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 MINI Cooper S 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl S/C 6M)
Review
I have owned 22 cars over the years, many with performance in mind, including Mustang, Camaro, HSV V8'8, BMW coupe etc, but nothing beats the Mini Cooper S for the sheer fun factor of driving! Have a go!
Favorite Features
Handling; cornering speed; 6 speed 'box is tops; supercharger rush as revs get up.
Suggested Improvements
Front bumper bar / spoiler sits a little too low, tending to bottom out & scrape often.
Don't buy a mini with a CVT!!!!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 1 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 3 |
| Comfort: | 5 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 4 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 MINI Cooper 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I had my heart set on a mini, and I wanted an automatic, so I purchased a used 04 mini CVT 38k,mile. The day after purchase , it would red line at 15 mph. I took it to the local mini dealership, and they told me that it was normal, that I probably was not driving it aggressively enough. So then it stalled on me at a red light, and they said this was normal, still not driving it aggressively enough. After this happening probably 9-11 times in the 6 weeks I had it, I sold it. I would have to drive it around the parking lot for about 20 min. to get it to get back to its normal self. Some people say that theirs goes out completely. I am lucky I got rid of mine while I could! DON'T BUY MINI
Favorite Features
The look and style.
Suggested Improvements
Make it a reliable car.
Super Car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2004 MINI Cooper S 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl S/C 6M)
Review
Bought it off ebay in 1/08. I really like the feel the car it is solid. I have had 4 people in it back seats are ok. It is a gocart I driver a nice curving road to work OH MY what fun. Fuel MPG I get 31.6/32.3 most of the time. I hope I never have to sell it to pay the place off.
Favorite Features
Looks, the way it takes turns, gas MPG. Very safe car has 6 airbags
Suggested Improvements
wings that pop out for speeds over 110
Automatic Transmission Trouble!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 1 | Fun-to-Drive: | 5 | Build Quality: | 5 |
| Comfort: | 5 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 3 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2004 MINI Cooper 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
Review
Wish I had known this vehicle has a history of severe transmission problems! In all the years I've been a car owner, I've never had a transmission just die on me! I have now! Come to find out, this is not unusual with the entire fleet of automatic transmission MINI's!!!! What a bummer!
Favorite Features
None anymore
Suggested Improvements
Be honest with your clients. Don't let them drive away without knowing the history of rotten automatic transmissions!
Automatic Transmission Problems
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 1 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 3 |
| Comfort: | 3 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 3 | Exterior Design: | 5 | ||
Vehicle
2004 MINI Cooper 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I purchased the car at 44000 miles so have no idea if this happened before but at 60000 miles the transmission died on me! Whole new transmission installed and now I've learned this is an ongoing problem. When will the next failure occur? Not a cheap fix, believe me, to say nothing of the inherent danger in losing all power without warning.
Favorite Features
Responsiveness, being able to park it anywhere.
Suggested Improvements
Figure out what is wrong with the automatic transmissions on all Minis and fix the problem. Or, at least, admit it is a problem before selling it!
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2009 MINI Cooper
- 2008 MINI Cooper
- 2007 MINI Cooper
- 2006 MINI Cooper
- 2005 MINI Cooper
- 2004 MINI Cooper
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