Mini Cooper 1.6i (2002 Model) - Thoughts

[Mike1]

Hey guys

Im a huge fan of the mini and although I cannot afford a Cooper S I am considering a Mini 1.6i.

Is there anything about this car I should know? Im looking at your 2002 to 2003 models with about 80 000km on the clock.

Thoughts everyone?

Mike

 

[freerider]

I like them, and the little 1.6i in that small body shouldnt be too slow. Also a fuel saver

 

[Mike1]

My thoughts exactly Don.

Its a 1600 producing more power then my 1800 Corsa is producing. The Mini makes 88kw and 160NM of torque which seems rather decent. It apparently handles like a go-kart (Very important as I use passes like Ou Kaapse Weg etc daily) and it comes with some nice extras...

Mike

 

[Superchip]

They are very quick for a 1.6

But the older have a few electrical problems
We fix like 4 minis a week

The newer ones don't have the problems yet

They are really awesome cars, great fun

 

[freerider]

well, mike... there you have a contact to sort out the electrical problems if they occur

 

[Mike1]

Thanks for the help Superchip. :wave:

What sort of electrical problems are they and are they expensive to fix?

Is there anything else that is a problem? This is my first personal car (Not company car) and I really want to make a good, well informed decision and not just rush into it.

Mike

---

:spit::spit::spit::spit: @ Don :mmm:

 

[Superchip]

No problems

We do all the motor-plan work for BMW SA if they can't fix the problems, which is always

The minis have so much electronics and wiring stuffed into that body, that many false connections happen, looses ground etc, so times causing shorts Blowing the General modules, Instrument cluster, or ECU

And theres one problem where everytime you go over a bump, the sound goes off

But we have found and fixed all the known faults on the mini:clap:

 

[Mike1]

Thats great to hear Superchip.

So these electric issues... Is it expensive to fix? How often can you expect something to go wrong?

Mike

 

[freerider]

Everyone that I have ever spoken to that has owned a new mini have only had good things to say about them oh and that they handle brilliantly.

 

[Mike1]

Hmmm... Time to start looking for good buys then....

Thanks guys. I appreciate it.

Mike

 

[Jandre]

I drove my brothers Cooper S (supercharger, not turbo)
The handling is insane.

(Having said that, he managed to park it off road, and wrecking it. The Mini, she does not go offroad so good):drama: Probably a case of too much power too soon.

I would drive a Mini any day.

 

[Mike1]

Ok... In that case I will have to get a mini.

Now to get the boss to agree with my way of thinking :mmm:

Mike

 

[Superchip]

Awesome car

```problems will probally never happen

Very good buy, and chicks dig itimp:

 

[Mike1]

Hey

Awesome car

I want one now. Just need to find a good buy.

`problems will probally never happen

But knowing my luck I will get a lemon.

Very good buy, and chicks dig itStr8pimp

Interesting. But not vital :mmm:

Thanks everyone. I appreciate the help.. Seems I may find myself in a "BMW" sooner then I thought.

Mike

 

[Twinz]

Drove a mini a few times and love it...!!!!

 

[GMS Racing]

The Cooper comes with a 5-speed gear box which has been known to give problems with gear selection. Fixing it can be expensive.

 

[zaleonardz]

My mom has a 04 Cooper with a chilli packet.

She bought it new, and now only has like 26,000km on it.

Her experiance with it has been awesome, and she refuses to sell it, never used the motor plan, and we have had no trouble with it at all.

A general view on the car is that they are really nippy, a bit uncomfortable on longer trips but perhaps I am a bit biast on that one, but its actually a very very nice car.

The interior might have a bit of a plasticy feel, but what is awesome on it is that steering, its really really direct, and that suspension is brilliant, corners are no trouble, its also not exactly slow either, and good on fuel.

If you are looking at a nice car and dont wanna spend a ton of cash, I would go for a mini, good value for money in the second hand market, and they really are kewl.

Runflats are expensive though.. try and get one without.

LZ