Used 2003 MINI Cooper S 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl S/C 6M) Consumer Reviews
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For Risk-Takers Only
joe troise, Los Angeles, CA, 09/12/2015
updated 09/14/2018
MINI Cooper S 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl S/C 6M)
11 of 13 people found this review helpful
These little cars are very seductive, but beware--the early model Minis are quite trouble prone and as expensive to maintain and repair as a Porsche (not an exaggeration---I checked this thoroughly). Clutch? How's $2400? Engine? How's $6,500 on up? Automatic transmission? Don't even ask. Front brakes? $500. Broken AC? $1200 on up. New catalytic? How about $1800? Broken sunroof glass? Again, don't ask, you'll have a heart attack. Plusses: Fun to drive, great acceleration on the S model, plenty of leg and head room for tall drivers, decent fuel economy, great handling and braking (to a point--a Mini does like to hop around a bit). Minuses: Not a car you want after it ages. Not a car you want out of warranty. Buy the newest one you can afford. Tend to rattle. BMW cheaped out on these cars. I've only driven up to 2014 or so, and therefore cannot comment on newer than that. AC mediocre due to large glass area, punishing hard ride, jittery handling on rough roads, extremely high repair and maintenance costs. In short, if you can't throw $150 a month at a car to keep it running and safe, then don't buy an R53 or R52 Mini Cooper, or perhaps any Mini Cooper out of warranty. These cars are toys, not everyday drivers.
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NOT reliable after 125K miles
Ethan, Kenosha, WI, 05/11/2016
MINI Cooper S 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl S/C 6M)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
I take good care of my cars. But as soon as these Minis get up to 125K - 130K miles, literally EVERYTHING starts failing. And each repair runs $500-$700. In the span of 4 months, I experienced a coolant leak, corrupted crank sensor, busted water pump, and finally a busted head gasket. The last one was the final straw - the mechanic said the repair would cost more than the car's value. And I should also mention, these cars are NOT made to withstand Wisconsin winters. If you live in the Northwest, avoid these cars at all costs.
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2003 MINI Cooper for sale near you
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- S 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $5,99571 mi away
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- Base 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $4,950249 mi away
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MINI - Most Fun You Can Have Dressed!
Lee Jones, 05/05/2003
MINI Cooper S 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl S/C 6M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Whatever you do - Don't go for a drive in the MINI after watching a Formula 1 race on TV - The temtation is too great! The 2003 MINI Cooper S is an absolute ball to drive. When you experiance the oneness that you and your MINI attain even in a short drive you will never feel the same about a car again. Just THINK about turning and you are there - no lean, no tire squeel, just performance. You will find that you will look for the twisty roads instead of the freeways. When you do want to accelerate the MINI does a comendable job with a 0 to 60 under 7 seconds. A super neat little automobile for everyone!
I love Minis
coryelli23, 02/07/2008
MINI Cooper S 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl S/C 6M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
This is honestly the best car I have ever driven or ridden in. It is very fun to drive and has amazing handling. Also, the turning radius is very tight. The only bad thing about it is when you have to replace the tires. They are very expensive and hard to find. Honestly, I cannot see myself wanting another car.
A little good, a lot of bad
mini s, 02/25/2009
MINI Cooper S 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl S/C 6M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I had this car at 40k it currently has 72k. This has got to be one of the funnest cars to drive until something goes wrong. Where do I start, let's just do a list: 1. Passenger seat (can't recline) cost $600 to fix 2. Driver side door will no longer lock by itself or with key $900 to fix... yup just to make the lock go up and down. 3. power steering went out at 67k. So many people have post the same problem but Mini says no recall, cost to fix $1300 4. Pinging and clanking noise from the supercharger might be bearings. Yes I do keep up with normal maintenance cost to fix. 5. Currently at 71k car is overheating. I am hoping it is just the thermostat