Hi all.

I am new here in the forum and I want to buy a Mini Cooper S 2003.

I would like to ask for your comments or feedback about mini cooper S 2003. Also if it is a good or bad car, possible failures or usual issues, performance, etc.

I wil apreciate your help and your knowledge regarding Mini Cooper S and your time for share it.

Best Regards.

Gabriel

 

I have an '02 MINI S that I've owned for a year and a half, and have had absolutely ZERO issues or complaints. You do need to bear in mind that these cars can be quirky (I call it personality), and if you're looking for a car that requires no involvement on your part, buy a Camry.
I hate to do it, but I'm gonna sell Emily (Chili Red with a Black hat), and buy a Benz, but only because I want a big German car.
My advice; buy the '03, and hang on! They're great fun, and modding them is a hoot. You get good mileage, terrific handling, and if they're set-up right, they go great in the snow.
I'm gonna miss the ol' girl.....

 

How much are you looking to spend? Many cases if its a commuter car that you only want basic stuff on go to mini usa and build a few to get a feel for what options are important to you. good luck with your search

 

Depends on how you define "bad car."

Expect the following:
-Electro-hydraulic power steering pump will eventually fail.
-Window motors will fail and will work intermittently prior to failing. This impedes the doors closing properly.
-Oil may leak around CV boot on left axle shaft.
-Rear caliper piston may stick when ebrake is disengaged.
-Interior lights might fail to turn off once the car is locked.
-Bargain basement "leatherette" upholstery might tear at seam at driver's side shoulder.
-Strut tower mounts will mushroom.
-Cheap plastic A-pillar covers fly off on highways.
-Windshield might stress-crack.

Also, you might want LSD, and getting over 200 bhp out of the engine is a chore.

 

This is still the best reference out there for anyone considering the purchase of a R53 (first-generation MCS):

http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/

 

While I agree with the conclusion about pre 2004 cars being slightly more problem prone I also say that I have had 0 problems in my 03 MC

 

For those of us from the early "boomer" years, you might want to further define this term, as it has an entirely different meaning to some!

 

I have an '02 MCS. Other than some minor problems, fixed ages ago, I've not had a lick of trouble mechanically.
Go for the buy, especially if the mileage is low on the car you're looking at.

 

C20H25N3O or lysergic acid diethylamide for the boomers.

Limited Slip Differential for the gearheads.

 

far out, man..

 

Thank you guys for your help.

The Mini cooper S 2003 that I am planning to buy has around 35000 km (22000 miles), it is blue with white hat. I expect to buy it this weekend, as far I get it I will post some pictures.

 

I'd recommend saving a little more and buying an 05. I did lots of research and picked that year due to the many improvements.

I'm very glad I did!

 

Hey galerona,

I highly recommend getting a low mileage '03. Yes, the earlier models had their issues (just as most early production of a new design often does), but expect that most (if not all) of those issues were immediately corrected while the car was under factory warranty. If the one you're considering has only 22000 miles on it, then chances are it had a thoughtful first owner. If you're in the US, get a Carfax report (or some service/repair history if you're in another country). Also consider that just about anything that could arise with your Mini can be addressed quickly by owners from all around the world right here on NAM.

Good luck!

 

Purchased my MCS 02 with 6300 miles on it last july It now has 17,500. 1st week the windshield cracked (stress crack). Replaced with aftermarket windshield about 1K miles ago with no issues.

1st month the engine overheated due to the powersteering fan froze and blew the fuse (had fixed under CPO warranty by the dealership to separate the cooling fan and ps fan circuit so this should not happen going forward)

Nov-Dec Nav unit didn't come on below 37 degress F. Dealer loaded new software for nav unit and it seems to have corrected issue.


Yes the 2005's are more reliable now and do come with additional options but I like what I bought and will deal with the issues as they arise. Hopefully there won't be many but as with any vehicle there will be something.

Best 11k miles of driving i've done in many years! And I Love the seat warmers LOL

 

+1 There seemed to be a lot of differences for what amounted to not a huge difference in $. I did exactly the same thing after a month of research.

 

Go with the 03, with those low miles if anything does go wrong you're still under warrenty.

My 03 has been basically problem free. Sure its had some minor things, but w/ 167,000+ miles I would expect some problems.


Nik

 

+1

 

I put 34K miles on my '03 MCS before the lease was up. I had a few problems but they were corrected under warranty. It was a great car. I replaced it with something better, though, an '06 MCS JCW. I, too, am in the '05 or '06 camp, as there are improvements made that suit me better than the 03, such as different gearing and no 1st gear stumble on launches. Either way, I'd highly recommend a 1st gen MCS.

 

I have a 2005 S and prefer it to the regular mini. The sport is a bit sturdier in terms of handling and FASTER.