I'm wondering if the 03 cars are less prone to problems than 02, first year, cars

 

Like most cars MINI has improved with each model year. While there weren't many major problems with the '02 cars, each year has seemed to have fewer small problems, such as rattles.

 

They removed the rear power outlet for the 2003 model year ...... and brought it back in 2004.

 

I just talked to my service writer and he said that he felt the 04 has the least issues

 

They also have the least paint on them. So far the 04's i have seen have very thin paint and are missing it under the bonnet and in the door jams. Just something to think about.

 

03s have nicer leather steering wheel wrap

 

As an '03 owner, that really annoys me.

As for the original question, I think the '03s have slightly less problems (and rattles) than the '02s do.

My car is almost two years old and the only problem I've had was brown coolant.

 

Big difference IMO is separating the PS fan circuit from the radiator fan circuit. In '02 they're on the same circuit, so if the PS fan goes, you overheat. In '03 they seperated them.

 

I have an 03 that is a 10/02 build, would the circuits be separated?

 

Service Bulletin M320104 addresses separating them.

 

Not sure of any big dif. from an 02 to an 03,
just know my 03 MC runs great

 

Yeah the 03's got a nice Yo Yo feature.

 

Tontobird, My '03 is a 09/02 build. It had the common circuit. During the first year of ownership, I had the circuit blow twice. After the second time, the dealership separated the circuits under warranty. If you've not had a problem, you are probably safe, but regardless have it checked out at your next service.

 

Thanks, I'll do that!

 

To be honest, the most substantial differences in terms of build quality and reliability are between the 2002 and 2004 MINIs. The '02 and '03s are essentially the same cars.


Currently I own a '02 Cooper CVT and a '04 MCS. When I got the MCS 14 months ago, I immediately noticed and felt the improved build quality differences between the two.

Remember that the '02 Model year in the United States was a very short run, because the Cooper was launched in March '02 and the Cooper S in June '02. The last 2002's were built during August '02 (Our Cooper was built first week Aug '02)

If you are looking at used, I would not hesitate in recommending the '04s to get the absolute most solidly built MINIs around.

 

My 2003 MCS is a 2/03 build date.

A separate fuse/circuit was installed by the dealer earlier this year when the car was there to have other work performed.

Hope this helps...