2004 MINI Cooper Review
Price Estimate: $1,012 - $1,582





+26
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
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
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.
Edmunds says
Replete with British charm and German engineering, think of the 2004 Mini Cooper as an affordable, luxurious go-kart for adults.
For sale near Columbus, OH
24 listings
- 126,919 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use only
- 25 City / 33 Hwy MPG, Manual
- Paramount Motors (151 mi away)
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- Rear Bench Seats
- Fold Flat Rear Seats
- Post-collision safet...
Close
Located in Taylor, MI
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
28 Combined MPG (25 City/33 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WMWRC33434TJ55027
Stock: J55027
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 06-14-2024- 127,480 miles
- 1 accident, 2 owners, personal use only
- 22 City / 31 Hwy MPG, Manual
- Catoctin Auto Group (293 mi away)
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- Rear Bench Seats
- Fold Flat Rear Seats
- Post-collision safet...
Close
Located in Frederick, MD
MC40 Edition. 1 of 1,000 worldwide. Extremely rare and sought after. 1 owner. Clean carfax. Stack of ALL service records taller than 5 inches. All ser...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
25 Combined MPG (22 City/31 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WMWRE33424TD87518
Stock: D87518
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 05-22-2024
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$191/mo for Cooper Base
Cooper Base
vs
$172/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Reliability
The 2004 MINI Cooper has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and 4 recalls. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Recalls
4 recalls found- Recall Number:
- 15V660000
- Manufactured from:
- 2001-09-19 to 2005-02-09
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 86018
- Defect Description:
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2002-2005 MINI Cooper and Cooper S vehicles and 2005 Cooper and Cooper S Convertible vehicles. The affected vehicles may experience temporary or permanent loss of the electro-hydraulic steering assistance.
- Defect Consequence:
- If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required at lower speeds, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- Corrective Action:
- MINI will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the electro-hydraulic power steering system, replacing the components and wiring, as necessary, free of charge. Interim notices were mailed to owners on December 10, 2015. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525.
- Recall Number:
- 09E025000
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 42540
- Defect Description:
- DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
- Defect Consequence:
- DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Corrective Action:
- DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
- Recall Number:
- 08E050000
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 1921
- Defect Description:
- K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
- Defect Consequence:
- WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Corrective Action:
- K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.
- Recall Number:
- 04V348000
- Manufactured from:
- 2004-03-23 to 2004-04-15
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 1193
- Defect Description:
- ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FLAT TIRE MONITORING SYSTEM HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTLY PROGRAMMED. IN THE EVENT OF A FLAT TIRE, AN AUDIBLE SIGNAL WILL NOT SOUND TO ALERT THE DRIVER TO A FLAT TIRE.
- Defect Consequence:
- DUE TO THE LACK OF AN AUDIBLE SIGNAL, THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE AWARE OF A FLAT TIRE, WHICH COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Corrective Action:
- DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE VEHICLE'S SOFTWARE IN ORDER TO ACTUATE THE FLAT TIRE MONITORING SYSTEM'S AUDIBLE SIGNAL. THE RECALL BEGAN OCTOBER 13, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MINI CUSTOMER RELATIONS AT 1-866-275-6464.
Warranty
4 years / 50,000 miles Basic Warranty- Basic Warranty
- 4 years / 50,000 miles
- Drivetrain Warranty
- 4 years / 50,000 miles
- Rust Warranty
- 12 years / unlimited miles
- Roadside assistance Warranty
- 4 years / 50,000 miles
- Free maintenance Warranty
- 3 years / 36,000 miles
MINI Cooper Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
'04 Mini Cooper S, The Best!
4.88 out of 5 starssoldier73, 03/03/2013
2004 MINI Cooper S 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl S/C 6M)
I bought it with 128K miles 5 months ago as a comuter car, I drive 100 miles round trip daily to and from work in Germany.
I beat this car up, over 100 mph on the autobahn all of the time and it hasn't missed a beat yet and I've put over 11K miles on it. Ok, I've had to add oil here and there, but that's true with many turbo/super charged car.I'm a little bigger than the average guy, … 6'2" but to my surprise the car is just right. I've even made trips with my family, wife and two boys 10 and 11 y/o in it and haven't had any issues with space.
I've owned multiple BMWs, to include the E46 M3 and this car is on par with the best of them with better fuel economy.
Best car ever!
5 out of 5 starsksunshine11, 04/12/2012
2004 MINI Cooper 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
I bought a 2004 base cooper with 90,000 miles on it and I couldn't be happier! Getting 36-38 mpg average, and I don't drive like a grandma! I did my research beforehand, learned cvt transmissions and standard automatic transmissions have major problems, but standard manual is fine. Also the supercharged have water pump and cooling system issues, they do have 60 more horsepower (but only … .2 sec faster than base, wth?) Repair cost are about the same as any other car, just dont take it to the dealer! But DO stay on top of maintenence. Go for the base manual, you won't be disappointed!
My "Lil Blue"
5 out of 5 starsKramer, 01/08/2016
2004 MINI Cooper 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
I wanted a Mini for three years, and after much research and patience I finally bought one! I cannot say enough amazing things about this car, but first what I learned from reviews was DON'T BUY AN AUTOMATIC. They have major problems. (I only buy stick anyways) And the "S" model may be faster but seems to have more issues. So I bought the good ol' regular Coop. I just bought it with … 99,000 miles and it drives and rides like it's brand new! It's it so fun to drive, ever night after I get off work I find myself aimlessly driving around because it's so fun to drive. The big mph gauge in the middle is awesome, and everything has a round and sophisticated feel to it. The clutch is so smooth. It handles like a dream. The seats HUG my back, even my dad was really impressed with the car. (And he's owned over 50 cars) He owns a Mercedes convertible which is fun to drive, but I have to say I enjoy driving this more! The second I test drove it I knew that was it. The car just feels like one with you. I will keep this car going for as long as possible unless I get a newer one. You are missing out if you don't have one! Just do the maintenance yourself and you'll be fine.
MIN-E
4.38 out of 5 starsJohn S, 08/28/2006
2004 MINI Cooper S 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl S/C 6M)
I bought my Mini Cooper S used with 17,000 on it for a fair price. It is one of the best cars ever driven. People stare, smile, and ask questions wherever you stop. This car is fun, fun, fun. That's all you can really say. Downside - this is not a family car, but it is perfect for two and the occasional three or four. At 20,000 miles, I had to have the slave cylinder replaced … (leaking). This was all taken care of under warrenty.
2004 Cooper Highlights
Base
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $16,449 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 28 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $191/month |
Seating | 4 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 5.3 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Cooper include:
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Post-collision safety system
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintMarginal
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