I have liked these cars since I first saw them and I am taunted by the BMW dealership just across the street from my neighborhood which always has a line of them to flaunt at me.
I'm thinking about trading in my 2002 Stratus but still keep asking myself questions. Will they hold their value? (so far they seem to), How is the gas milage really? (the Stratus listed at 24 mpg but only gets 18, for the 4-cyl!), Are the 2003's purged of many of the bugs I've heard about (read several complaints about a few certain recurring problems)....etc.
Like you, I'm willing to put up with an occasional problem for a really cool car. Sure, a Camry would be almost faultless, but I'd kill myself by falling asleep at the wheel! However, I haven't driven a MINI yet (Hate dealing with salesmen unless I'm sure what I want to do).
I'm also thinking about a Beetle TDI (incredible mileage) but there's a lot of those around now and it seems that 2/3 of the owner's reports flame with reliability gripes. Also the MINI Lease/Buy financing seems to cut a much cheaper payment than the bug (in cyberspace at least).
Love to hear any stories or info from those who have been there! Thanks!
Tim

 

I had a corvette before I got my MCS, and I think that the MCS is the best car I have ever had. They say the the gas mileage is about 29, and 33, and I have seen more then that plenty of times. Some people have had many problems, and I had one of the first mini's, and have had one, a cold start problem. By now, in the 2003 mini I think it is fixed. I think that some of the problems with other people and their mini's, have to do with the way they break there car in. Hope this helps. Oh, and please dont get the beetle.

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July 2, 2002, Picked up my chilly red "S". Let's Motor

 

Tim,

First, go drive one. The test-drive experience is fine, and the salesperson won't bother you. When I went, they took a copy of my DL, had me fill out a quick form, and handed me the keys and a map of the neighborhood. These guys are not regular car salespeople.

Second, most of the issues have been worked out. First year cars will ALWAYS have issues, and the people that bought early MINIs knew that. If they didn't, they weren't paying attention.

I have not had any trouble with mine (a Dec 2002 built 2003 model), and it now had 3600 miles on it. Not longevity by any means, but most build issues will crop up early.

I average 30mpg on the highway and SLIGHTLY less in the city (S model).

Go trade in your Stratus and koin us in motoring bliss.

 

Sounds like you have a bad case of MINI lust at first sight!
(I too am suffering from this.)
I wouldn't worry about the car holding its value...it's very hot
right now and will only continue to grow in popularity. I think
most of the problems have been worked out (except maybe for the thin
windshield problems), so the 2003 model should be in demand for a while.

When I test drove the MINI, I had the same issues as you did regarding
sales people. But at the dealership I went to, the sales team was very
friendly and hands-off...they didn't push anything on me, and even let me
take the car for a spin on my own! What I've found is that the MINI buying
experience is waaaay better than any other I've experienced.

Good luck with your decision. May there be NO BUGS in your future!

 

>>Good luck with your decision. May there be NO BUGS in your future!

 

Thanks for the replies. I didn't want to scare anyone, the more I read about the bug the less I want one. Besides, when I look at them one after the other, the MINI just plain looks sexier, like a 60's rally car
I'll definately go drive one later this week (if they'll let a Dodge owner on a BMW lot), and I'll let you know how it went.
I've only seen three on the road here in OKC since last year so it's still likely to be a one car parade! Thanks again.
Tim


P.S. The member that named his MINI "Frau Bluecar" (for those of you who have seen the movie Young Frankenstein).....Hilarious! I just wish I'd thought of that first!
Take care!

 

Just to warn you, once you drive it, you will want to take it home.

 

>>Will they hold their value? (so far they seem to)

Compared to a Stratus?! Oh yes, they will hold their value.

>>How is the gas milage really? (the Stratus listed at 24 mpg but only gets 18, for the 4-cyl!)

My experience is that the fuel economy rating is inflated. I am a stickler for fuel economy, and this has been my biggest disappointment with the MINI. I get only around 18/34 with the base Cooper and VERY moderate driving style. That said, I love this car and wouldn't think of trading it in, at least until the warranty is up.

>>Are the 2003's purged of many of the bugs I've heard about (read several complaints about a few certain recurring problems)....etc.

In short, yes. You''ll read about a lot of problems on this site, but remember that many people don't post until they're having a problem. There many problem-free cars for every one that people are having trouble with.

>>Like you, I'm willing to put up with an occasional problem for a really cool car.

Exactly!

>>Also the MINI Lease/Buy financing seems to cut a much cheaper payment than the bug (in cyberspace at least).

Couldn't comment here, except to say that the size of your monthly payment isn't at all indicative of whether or not you're getting a good deal. Calculate it out.

>>These guys are not regular car salespeople.

Whooooa, huge generalization. I bought my MINI from a racketeering bunch of unscrupulous scumbags. (That said, I still love this car!)

Test drive. Buy. You will not be sorry!

 

Had a Silver 2002, now a Pepper White 2003. Yes, the problems are worked out. Love the car. My wife is ready to trade her Accord in for her own CVT equiped MINI. Go drive one. You think you got the hots now!

And saftey issue - I was rear ended by a Ford Van two weeks ago in my Cooper and pushed into the cars in front of me. The MINI is a tank! While the front end collapsed (as it should) the rear end took the impact and distributed the energy around the cabin to the front! Now the van was doing 30mph and didn't hit the brakes until a nanosecond before impact. About $5,500 damage. I'm stuck driving a POS Malibu for a couple weeks, but I can't wait til my Cooper is put back on the road.

Resale value - they are only bringing in 25,000 or so cars per year. Period. Demand for them will continue and short supply should support prices. Check out the residuals for leases. It is one of the highest of all values.

 

Go for a test drive...this is a car that performs as well as it looks! It all real. You owe yourself a test drive at least.

 

All cars have some problems, even Lexus. I have had a couple of little annoying problems,slow nav system, replaced taillight lens (fogged up). I love my MINI! The dealer has been great,1 trip everything fixed no more problem. Mine is a 2002 Cooper S. More fun than a barrel of 2MINIS-I mean monkeys!

 

Well I'm anxious to try one out. I'd go tomorrow but I have a killer college test and an interveiw for a new job I've been waiting for. Hopefully I can get time to drive one by Thursday. The Stratus rides very well but handles like a 1974 Cadillac Fleetwood and I live on a lake with lots of narrow twisty roads all over. Also I was shocked to discover that the Strat had dropped about half its value in one year! Luckily I didn't pay full price, it was a demo model, but I bet I'm still losing some money. I agree, I doubt that will ever be a problem with the MINI.
Oh and the lust at first sight thing is definately the case. I haven't even been in one yet and I have Mini wallpaper on my computer and a few of the screensavers.
Another dissappointment about the Stratus, though I liked the way it looked, was the quick discovery that every rental fleet in the midwest was full of 'em!
Tim

 

P.S. Minimad,
I saw the pics, I'm really sorry that happened but it sure shows how tough the thing is. I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it. I hope you get her back soon... because, after all, a Malibu?! That's more like a prison sentence than a loaner car. Oh well It'll make you appreciate your baby more.
Tim

 

Vintage,

Remember a car is a lousy investment. (with a few rare exceptions) The MINI is about enjoying life on the road. In 1995 I spent 55,000 on a C36 AMG Mercedes that is worth around 18,000 today. Only Enron investors did worse! Buy what you feel comfortable spending for and enjoy!

 

With my lead foot I get about 23/24 when doing a lot of highway driving (and some city) and the least I think I've had was about 16.

I have a '03 model that runs great, I've had zero problems with it so far. (Let's hope it stays that way) It handles better than any car I've ever driven. If you want better gas milage go for the cooper, if you want a bigger corner grin factor go for the S.

If you go for the test drive bring your check book (or credit card) because you're going to want to put a down payment down. It's a great car and you'll love it.
-Chris

 

Vintage, I was a bit tempted early on by the look of the PT Cruiser. I quickly lost interest, especially when I began to see it on every street corner. Same w/ the VW Beetle. I had no further desire for anything special in the automotive world until I saw a MINI on a lot nearby. It grew on me like a virus, to the point that I looked into the issues of availability and affordability. The MINI will probably never be everywhere, like the VW bug and the PT Cruiser, and it looks just way cooler. It's also just as affordable. I now own a PS/B MC, took delivery in mid Feb. and I couldn't be happier. My dealership is still saying it could be up to a year to order an S, by the way. Over 2500 miles and no trouble to date. Handling-wise, it's all it's cracked up to be and much more, and the response it gets is just like everyone says- like it or not, you get noticed. I get very good gas mileage, and I have a heavy foot. Go ahead, take the test drive, and let us know what you think.

 

This is the coolest car I have ever driven! Compared to a BMW 540i, fully loaded Suburban, 325i convertible, and yes a 1984 Fiero (that was a really fun car).

 

I just can't pass on an opportunity trash my own car...

Like you, I've been Minibitten also. Drove it, great, blah blah blah.

I bought a 2002 GTI (VW GOLF) last February and have had one problem after another. I wish I had done my research first. The forums are amuck with the reports of poor VW quality.

Like you again, I've been concerned about the "problem" issue with the MC, especially now that they've worked thru some complaints.

I'm really ticked about getting rid of the GTI, but I also feel I'm going to be really happy with the MC.

No offense, I'd leave the Stratus on the street and maybe it will get stolen. Then again, it's probably been more reliable for you than the car I own at the moment.

jerij

 

I flirted with the idea of buying a mini for more than a year. Finally drove 90 miles to the closest dealer and took a new Cooper and the lot demo Cooper S for a drive. I fell in love with the S. In my past I've owned a Supra, a 280z and RX7 SE. The S reminded my why I used to love sports cars--somehow i transitioned to an SUV during the SUV craze of the 90s. I put down my deposit for an S the following week (after agonizing over options and paint).
Just go drive one, then you'll get miniitis like the rest of us on MCO.

 

Hey there,
I can understand how you feel about the Mini. I had the same urge when I finally decided to trade my 02' Sentra. The Sentra was NOT fancy, but appeared to be good, reliable transportation. The Mini is just PLAIN FUN!!! I wanted the fun aspect, and threw practicality to the wind. I also threw around 5K to the wind in negative equity on the Nissan. That was a hard fact that's still hard to get over. I love my Mini for many reasons, and I try to remember that when I think about a potential collision and the fact that I'd owe 5K more then the car is worth. Oh well, we only live once, and the car keeps me young.

Jim

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Turning head syndrome began on 09-21-02. (Indi Blue)