MINI Hatchback (2001 - 2006) 1.6 Cooper 3d (01) (2002/52) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
Have now concluded that it is naff. Completely loses the individuality of the old model. Clearly marketed to the aspirant who buy them like clones in their droves.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
Most who have not driven it love them.
Would you buy this car again and why?
No. Definitely not. Poor build quality and even worse after sales service. Very arrogant "service consultants" who clearly think that BMWs never go wrong and it is always the owner at fault. Fair enough attitude if they were at the top of all the reliability surveys!
What are you likely to buy next?
Anything but a BMW.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Didn't buy from a dealer
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£8,000
When did you buy the car?
May 2006
Did you get a good deal and why?
Yes. Was my mother's car.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Was my mother's car from new and had heard nothing but praise for them.
What was the dealer like?
N/A
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Poor. Even when it was working, it was jerky at low speeds. Definitely did not perform well in traffic jams. Not bad at high speed - good grip.
What's it like to park?
Not bad.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Yes lots! Very dangerous engine cut out when I braked suddenly. Occured at least 4 times but notably also at high speed on the motorway which was very dangerous as the electronic system limited my speed to 10-20mph. BMW could not find a fault with it and required 4 trips to the dealer before they acknowledged there was a problem. Separately, two dealers refused to honour the TLC servicing package despite the car being 4 years old, because it had only done limited mileage and the computer was saying no - the drive quality was definitely saying it needed one!
What's most practical about your car?
Noting. Cramped, small and poor plastic quality. Use of the interior door handle had scratched away top layer of plastic.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
Cant think of any.
