2003 MINI Cooper Review

Name: 2003 MINI Cooper Review
Brand: MINI
Price: 390 USD
Rating: 4.7 (340 reviews)

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Edmunds' Expert Review

by the Edmunds Experts

Pros

The thrill of owning a piece of history with modern underpinnings, BMW-engineered suspension and steering, chock full of comfort and safety features, hatchback utility, scheduled maintenance on-the-house for 3 years/36,000 miles.

Cons

Not enough horsepower in base model, questionable seat comfort, not much room for passengers and cargo, price goes up quickly with options, limited supply encourages dealer mark-up.

What’s new

For their second season in the U.S. market, the 2003 Mini Cooper and Cooper S will now come with a second remote key and pre-wiring for a dealer-installed alarm system. Anthracite (smoke gray, that is) interior trim is available as a no-cost option for both cars, and the Cooper S is eligible for the high-gloss silver interior treatment found in the base Cooper. Sound systems will be satellite radio-ready this year, and the rear cargo area now has a power point.

Edmunds says

Think of the born-again 2003 Mini Cooper as an affordable, luxurious go-kart for adults. Is this your dream car? Better get in line.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2003 MINI Cooper 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.54 per gallon for premium unleaded in Pennsylvania.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Pennsylvania

$198/mo

$192/mo

Avg. Compact Car

Calculate my fuel costs

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2003 MINI Cooper.

5 (81%)

4 (11%)

3 (4%)

2 (3%)

1 (1%)

4.7

340 reviews

Write a vehicle review See all 340 reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

I love my mini - Car lover

Amber, 10/11/2015

2003 MINI Cooper S 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl S/C 6M)

Just starting from the time I got the car- I Purchased my mini last year (in 2014). The seller did not do any maintenance to the car since he owned it (for 3 years) and no record of what was done to the car. I could tell there was something going on with the belt at the time I purchased it. (ended up being belt tensioner) We have done tons of maintenance that was overdue along with … preventative maintenance to keep it running strong.I literally drove my mini from Florida to California, then from California to Iowa, then from Iowa to Florida and had no issues. Not to mention the little car was weighted down most likely beyond its capacity as I was moving around the country a lot at the time. Here is a list of typical things that need to be replaced for higher mile minis and I highly suggest you look into these parts for replacement if you do own a mini: *Bypass valve *PC Valve *Spark plugs and wires *Coil Pack (usually rusted connection causing acceleration issues) *Map Sensors (preventative not really needed at the time) *Timing chain tensioner *ATI super charger damper crank pulley (highly suggest you go with a higher grade crank pulley- the stock ones are known to not last) *Power steering pump (always known to eventually go bad) Oil pan and seal *replaced belt *fuel filter *Suspension bump stops *Engine Mounts (mine were literally done for falling apart- i went with poly mounts however it will make the car more rigid so more vibration) I am a mother with a 3-year-old son. I have a large Recaro Car seat that fits in my car. I drive my car daily and I make road trips in my car. You have to decide personally why do you want an older R53 mini? My husband and I work on our own cars so we don't pay for a mechanic; We only pay for the parts. I highly suggest Way Motor Works or ECS Tuning they have the best deals on parts from what we have found for my mini. The car is small and rigid so the ride is not as smooth as our 335Xi BMW. If you want something that drives like a Cadillac then think about getting a different car. This is a fun little car that I enjoy modding and driving and I plan on replacing the engine when it comes to that point. I don't plan on ever getting rid of my mini. Is there some maintenance sure what car does not have maintenance especially once you hit 100k miles. Mini coopers are not your Toyota Camry or Honda Civic standard car they are for the unique few who find an interest in the silly character and the up and down pro and cons of what all involves the mini.

Need space in the garage?

Chazz, 05/30/2016

2003 MINI Cooper S 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl S/C 6M)

Here was the challenge: Find a decent performing car that would fit in my two car garage along with an electric golf cart and a Chrysler Town and Country. At the time – about three years ago - the Fiat Abarth was out of stock at the local dealers and the current Mini was about an inch and a half too long. However the earlier Mini, being a little shorter, would work just fine, so I …

Cute on the Outside, Scarey Under the Hood

ddealminana, 05/26/2012

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 …

Research the quality issues before you buy

Paul Chiang, 05/28/2016

2003 MINI Cooper 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 5M)

The Mini Cooper is the car to get if you value the unique blend of sporty handling, appearance and cargo space above all else, including reliability issues and the high cost of maintenance and repairs. I have lived with a stuck driver's side window and a windshield stress crack for many years. When I brought my Mini in for a recent power steering recall, I was informed that coolant and …

See all 340 reviews of the MINI Cooper

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2003 Cooper Highlights

Trim:

Base

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$16,425
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	28 MPG
Cost to Drive	$198/month
Seating	4 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	5.3 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Key safety features on the Cooper include:

Post-collision safety system

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Driver4 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Side Barrier Rating
OverallNot Rated
Driver4 / 5
PassengerNot Rated
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front SeatNot Rated
Back SeatNot Rated
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of RolloverNot Rated

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Not Tested
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Not Tested
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Marginal

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2003 MINI Cooper Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Edmunds says

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2003 MINI Cooper 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.54 per gallon for premium unleaded in Pennsylvania.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2003 MINI Cooper.

Trending topics in reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

I love my mini - Car lover

Need space in the garage?

Cute on the Outside, Scarey Under the Hood

Research the quality issues before you buy

2003 Cooper Highlights

Safety

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2003 MINI Cooper Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Edmunds says

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2003 MINI Cooper 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.54 per gallon for premium unleaded in Pennsylvania.

Most helpful consumer reviews

I love my mini - Car lover

Need space in the garage?

Cute on the Outside, Scarey Under the Hood

Research the quality issues before you buy

2003 Cooper Highlights

Safety

People who viewed this also viewed

Consider these recommendations

Related Used 2003 MINI Cooper info

Vehicle reviews of used models

Shop similar models

Shop used vehicles in your area

Popular new car reviews and ratings

Research other models of Mini

Research similar vehicles

Other models

Join Edmunds

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2003 MINI Cooper 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.54 per gallon for premium unleaded in Pennsylvania.}