I'm thinking about getting a 2004 Mini Cooper, but I'm worried about the reliability and build quality issues (windshield, transmission, rattles etc.) people have been having in previous year models.

Anyone with a new 2004 Cooper model, please give a quick testimony if you had any problems or if you have had a trouble free experience with your new car so far? If would be good to hear from everyone good or bad. I'm hoping they fixed the bugs in the 2004 model.

taekim.com

 

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I have a 2004 MCS with 3000 miles on it, 3 weeks old or so. No problems what so ever, except I had a stress cracked windshield, I only know of one other 2004 having this problem, but my dealer said it was a rock chip (which is BS because the crack started under the molding and I've lived in that area for 4 years and havent had one rock chip on a windshield, heavy construction area too). So rest assured your car will be perfect as all other 2004 owners have said.

 

Hope you don't mind a post from and owner of one of the last 03 production MCs. Even with my seemingly very troubled previous year (remember, people who experience problems tend to be the ones posting so it is not representative) I have had no problems at all in the two months I've had her. I thought of waiting for an 04 since they probably worked out some of the problems. No car is perfect, there is always the risk of the need for fixes, but my bet is that the "vast silent majority"* are completely happy with their 04s (and 03s and 02s).

*waiver: this is not to compare most Mini owners to Nixon supporters or to infer
that those who have had problems are "carping liberals" complaing about
things that don't really matter; for those of you too young to understand
these references, enjoy your youth!

 

I have had my 2004 MCS for about 3.5 weeks now with 1175 miles. So close to the break in period being done. There have been no mechanical problems, but there have been a few rattles. A first there was a slight rattle in the sunroof. The rattle fixed itself a few hundred miles ago, and I have not heard any traces of it yet. I have a small rattle in the passenger door. I am not sure where in the door, but it is driving me nuts. I live in SLC, and I have noticed that when I drive the car early in the morning, about 30 degrees out, the rattle is exaggerated. Once the engine is warm enough to use the heater, the rattle goes away quite a but. I have the patina dash, so I don't know if that has to do with anything.

The one main thing that I have noticed that I do not like about the MINI is how much water is accumulated on the rear windshield. It has been raining and snowing for about 3 weeks here, and my rear wiper is always on. Maybe I need some mud flaps.

Also, at first my gearbox was clunky. It has loosened up a lot over the miles, so I figure that is normal. I can tell the engine has a lot more pep as the miles go by. I can't wait for the break-in period to be over so I can have some fun.

 

Save your money and give the company a few more years till they work alot more BUGS.... That was my mistake till I got rid of the mistake... :evil:

 

I have 1100 miles on Koopah (my '04 MCS). The only thing that causes me to grumble is the frickin' yo-yo. Other than that, it has been terrific!

That being said, I came to the MINI after owning three BMWs. I did not expect the MINI to be a BMW, I expected it to be what it is: an incredibly well-handling car with respectable power and unique appeal for less than $25k. I know of several folks who expected a "BMW experience" (whatever that is!) and were disappointed by the MCS.

I sure that MINI have been improving the car over the last 2.5 years. I would expect further improvements for 2005. But I wanted one now and figured most of the niggly items had been corrected. I have not been disappointed!

My two pence,

Theo

 

I have had my mini for 4 weeks now and 2,300 miles and can't find anything wrong with it yet!!! Time will tell. i am averaging 26 mpg with mixed driving, got 31.5 on my first short trip, mostly interstate. I have used no noticable amount of oil. dipstick still reads at the top, just as it did when i picked it up. Tim

 

You're worried about an '04 based on the negative posts on the '03s and '02s. My April built '03 MCS has 7500 miles in 6 months. The only trips to the dealer were to see the Italian Job and to have the rear fog lights programed. There are a couple of quirks but I don't expect to go back until the scheduled service (est ~11000 miles) or for another social event. I worried about the reliablity too. In 35 years of owning cars I haven't had one that I enjoy so much.

 

Hey.. I got 1300 miles on mine and not one thing bothersome.. it does however yo-yo slightly in 2nd..other than that the car is great. Averaging 25 miles/ gal city-hwy and over 36 on the hwy... it is tight with no rattles noticed. The H/K stereo upgrade was well worth it as was the sunroof...

 

I bought my 03 MCS three months ago (last of the 03's) and have about 3,000 miles on it and have driven it hard (after the break in period) and I have no problems whatsoever, no rattles, nothing.

If my 03 is fine, your 04 will be fine.

Order your Mini, you won't regret it.

RaceCarDriver

 

Only 250 miles on this one so hard to say.
The past few I have had have been sweet.
I would say quality is up to BMW standards,
which I don't think is saying much. But, I do
love driving these cars.
I'd stay away from BMWs though. Get
a MINI COOPER S. You'll be happy.

 

04 mcs 2280 miles, No problaems except Yo Yo.

 

I got my MCS in April. 17,000 trouble free miles later and still loving every minute of it. What has gone wrong? The shade on the roof is loose and the tire pressure monitor has come on twice while I was parked. Reset with no problems. This car is as reliable as any one I have owned. If there is one problem with the car, it is that I can't stop driving it.

 

1,500 troublefree miles since Oct 3rd, 2003. Absolutely ZERO problems!.

 

Almost 800 miles on my baby. And the only problem I have is that my coworkers are sick of hearing about my great car. I am extremely satisfied.

 

I have an 03 MCS. Two months old, 3000 miles. Not a single problem. Just lots of fun to drive.

 

48 hours and 300 miles, so far, so good!

 

I've had an '04 MCS for 5 weeks, 2300 Miles. The hatch would not close and MINI adjusted the rubber bumpers, but the hatch still does not close properly 100% of the time. Also, the hatch is rattling (though not as bad) as my '03 did. They replaced the latch on the '03 so I'm going to the dealer this thursday to see what they can do.

otherwise, the car has been stupendous, and I've noticed that the car seems faster as the outside temps drop :smile:

 

04 MCS, only problem is the yo-yo at about 3.2k RPM in 2nd and 3rd. Other than that the car is perfect. More fun to drive than any other car I have owned, and it is not too hard on the eyes either.





_________________
Modi5
Design Crusaders

 

>>04 MCS, only problem is the yo-yo at about 32k RPM in 2nd and 3rd. Other than that the car is perfect. More fun to drive than any other car I have owned, and it is not too hard on the eyes either.
>>
>>
>>
Shouldn't rev that high!!!

 

My '04 is 99% perfect.....the only problem is that my 12V outlets aren't working. It may just be the fuse but I really never use it so I haven't messed with it yet. Other then that.....it is 100% fun and the greatest toy I have EVER had. Oh.....and I also already have 7,000 miles on my MINI....yes it is an '04 model!!!! It is holding up very well even with LOTS of driving.

 

Sorry,

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