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12-04-2007, 06:55 PM
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#1 | | Even when im right, revscene.net is still right!
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|  Mini Cooper reliability
I'm thinking about purchasing a used mini cooper, not sure on the year or model yet (base or S), but from 2000-2003 most likely. Just wondering how the reliability is for these cars? any known issues? Thanks in advance!
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12-04-2007, 07:09 PM
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#2 | | RS controls my life!
Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Vancouver
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had a used 02 cooper w/ sports package
hmm lets put it this way...i got to know the richmond mini service center people very well cuz i went there 3-4 times a month for small things here and there (eg. steering column clicks, 3rd gear vibrates, rattles coming from every corner, seats creak like a mofo, center toggle switch console shattered...like literally to pieces)
last but not least my warranty at the time expired sept 9th 2006 and the car could not start on Sept 10th 2006 12:06am
but yea other than that it was a great lil car! oh and cooper S have cold start issues (can't start when it gets cold), hmm let see...the windshield is prone to cracking cuz the glass was thin and sits too upright...
and they started production in Canada from 2002
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12-04-2007, 07:29 PM
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#3 | | 14 dolla balla aint got nothing on me!
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i own a 06 cooper w/ soho package for almost a year, none of the stuff happening so far, the car runs great... but i heard theres few transmission issue for early 02-03 models...
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12-04-2007, 09:37 PM
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#4 | | Where's my RS Christmas Lobster?!
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From what I have been told by a few friends is not to purchase anything 2003 year and lower. I would look for something at least 2004 and up.
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12-05-2007, 01:38 PM
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#5 | | I bringith the lowerballerith
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My '03 has been dead reliable. The first month however, an a/c hose popped off. But that was fixed under warranty. No problems since that.
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12-06-2007, 07:08 AM
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#6 | | Even when im right, revscene.net is still right!
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Thanks for all the info guys. the reason i would go for a used 2000-2003 was because of the cheaper price tag but i guess i have to re-think it now. did the transmission issues only apply to 02-03? therefore, 00-01 are okay? thanks again
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12-06-2007, 11:55 AM
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#7 | | RS controls my life!
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they changed the whole transmission part starting on the 05 and up MINI (I think).. the earliest is 2002
So.. 2002-2004 have different transmission and crank wheel then 2005 and up.. oh the gear ratio also changed on the 2005 and up MINI...
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Last edited by JackAss; 12-06-2007 at 11:56 AM.
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12-06-2007, 01:13 PM
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#8 | | MoD
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my buddy has a 02 mini. his tranny literally blew up on him. according to the dealership the gears blew up. dont ask me how but thats what the technician said. luckily my friend was still covered by the warrenty. the replace the tranny with a new one
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12-06-2007, 08:42 PM
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#9 | | Captain Happy Bubble is my Homeboy
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try and get the 07' cooper S if possible
build quality improved and shifts are silky smooth
also it uses a peugeot engine instead of the chrysler engine
it used in the 06 and below
the only thing 06 and below cooper S has going for them is
the engine backfire noise when you lift off throttle
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12-06-2007, 09:33 PM
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#10 | | Captain Happy Bubble is my Homeboy
Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Van
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the new ones are definately smoother than the previous models... the AT tranny on the old models shift hard and are ridiculously loud.
i drive these things at work, so i would know.
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12-11-2007, 07:49 PM
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#11 | | Even when im right, revscene.net is still right!
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thanks guys, i guess i have a lot to think about now
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12-16-2007, 11:14 PM
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#12 | | Where's my RS Christmas Lobster?!
Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Richmond
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one more thing...
I have a 06 MINI Cooper and so far I have lots of small problems.
Nothing major, just lights showing up on dashboard. You need to go to dealership to reset it (which will cost you if you don't have warranty)!
Few problems I had so far:
Rear wiper was too noisy
Excess engine noise
Interior rattle noise
Leaking cooling fluid
MINI Richmond does provide good service but you need one week advance booking for courtesy car (I guessed tons of MINIs have problems as well).
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12-17-2007, 12:00 PM
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#13 | | Even when im right, revscene.net is still right!
Join Date: May 2004 Location: Vancouver
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how much is insurance costing for you guys?
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12-17-2007, 04:00 PM
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#14 | | I bringith the lowerballerith
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When I was under 25/26 yrs old it was about 200 a month. Since Ive moved to Ontario and brought the car with, its now 150.
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12-19-2007, 08:37 PM
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#15 | | Where's my RS Christmas Lobster?!
Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Richmond
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with RoadStar discount, you are looking at the same rate as Honda Civic.. maybe just a little bit more.
I am paying the same rate as the Honda Civic. (I know since I upgraded from Civic)
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12-19-2007, 09:14 PM
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#16 | This title intentionally left blank MOD
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fahimster... do you play on Seattle APG CS Source?
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12-19-2007, 11:33 PM
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#17 | | RS controls my life!
Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Richmond
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just renew mine... 16xx a year with roadstar discount... and the 10 years driving
__________________ My rating..
[RS.net] Vancouver Westcoast Public CS. 1.6
209.247.83.192:27015
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12-24-2007, 12:08 PM
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#18 | | Even when im right, revscene.net is still right!
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| Quote: Originally posted by Alatar
fahimster... do you play on Seattle APG CS Source? | Hey, no i don't. are you talking about counter strike? good ol days haha
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12-24-2007, 04:13 PM
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#19 | This title intentionally left blank MOD
Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Above Sea Level
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There's a guy on the server I play with, goes by the name fahelium. Seemed a bit too familiar. Sorry for going off-topic on ya, btw!
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I don't have an anger problem. I have an idiot problem. | |
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04-02-2008, 09:27 AM
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#20 | | Even when im right, revscene.net is still right!
Join Date: May 2004 Location: Vancouver
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any more stories from anyone?
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04-02-2008, 07:34 PM
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#21 | | Banned (ABWS)
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| Quote:
Originally Posted by fahimster  any more stories from anyone? |
yea.. i always see really hot asian girls driving cooper at UBC!
I'm down for any of those chick.. haha. but the best one would be the chick that drives the blue cooper with white stripes..
not sure which year and model..
haha.. thats my story..
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04-02-2008, 08:06 PM
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#22 | | I Will not Admit my Addiction to RS
Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: E Van
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i was originlly debating between the 08 cooper s and an GTI, at the end, i got the GTI.
I went to test drives both cars and the cooper s just wasn't great. even with the new transmission and turbo charge..nah, it still shift crazily hard still. plus, my bf works at a mini dealership and i've heard too many bad stories about mini maintenance
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04-17-2008, 10:27 PM
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#23 | | Even when im right, revscene.net is still right!
Join Date: May 2004 Location: Vancouver
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hmmmmmmmmm
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04-17-2008, 11:33 PM
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#24 | | 【=◈︿◈=】
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My friend, Mini Cooper 2002, was at Mini in Richmond at least once a month. Engine problems, wiring problems, all that.
The new Mini's are way better, I would go with an 07 over an 02 if I were you
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04-27-2008, 06:12 PM
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#25 | | RS Lurker, I don't post!
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I have a 05 cooper and I considered trading it in for a GTI when they first came out. Decided not to in the end, the fun factor in mini is >>>>>> than GTI. It's a great driver's car, but not a very good passenger car  The only problem I had was the coolant leaking a while back, but the warranty took care of it nicely. I had a 07 courtesy car and surprisingly, I liked my 05 a lot better, in terms of noise, transmission, and overall appeal. Two friends of mine purchased used minis (02 S & 06 convertible), and they haven't had any problems. Plus, GTI drivers don't wave at each other on the streets  Mini FTW!
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