I'm looking to buy my first Mini and am looking at either an '02 or an '03. I'm wondering if there is any differences between the two or is there a reason to buy one over the other like the '03 addressed any initial start up problems that the '02 had, etc.
Any feedback?

 

I think the '03 model year was more sorted out than the '02 in terms of reliability. My '03 has been quite solid overall. Some differences- '03 models have a jack, and later ones have aluminum pedals. I think many also have an emergency cable trunk release under the back seat. The '02 has an electrical plug in the boot that didn't make it into the '03. Can't think of anything else right now...

 

'03s do NOT have a boot area electric outlet - the only year that doesn't.

I can't speak for '02s, but the '03s seem to be notorious for steering components going bad, particularly the column and rack. They'll give you warning signs, and if you're under warranty it's a free fix. I'm on my fourth steering rack. I've heard/know of a lot of folks with '03s having steering racks and steering columns replaced.

I love my '03. :impatient

 

Mine too, actually, despite the steering issues.

 

Besides the obvious, what are some signs of steering components going bad? Is there a way to distinguish between the steering going bad and wearing front suspension components?

 

I've had three steering racks replaced, and the big bushings to the rear on the lower front control arms.

With the steering, twice I had it checked just because I was hearing a faint creaking when I turned the wheel. That's the main telltale sign of either the column bearing(s) or rack going bad. ONE of those times I thought the steering also felt a little loose as well. Nothing "floppy" or dangerous feeling, just not sharp. The last one I just had a small drip from the front end. It was noted on a service visit, and when I took the car back recently, after several months, they checked it and ended up replacing the rack. It's never been a case where suddenly I lost steering control or anything that drastic. Just something to be aware of, and if you hear creaking when turning the wheel (I noticed it at very low speeds, like turning in and out of driveways or parking spaces), have it checked out.

Oh, the creaking when steering hard at low speeds could also be the upper strut mounts. Mine were getting bad recently, but the fixed camber plates include new upper mounts and bearings, so it's all good now. The creaking from the strut mounts was a lot louder than from the steering - kind of like an old wooden ship.

The bushings, on the other hand, I noticed when braking. I started noticing, rather suddenly, that if I braked hard, I was having to "steer" the car just to keep it straight until it stopped. The front end at the time also was feeling a little clunky when going over curbs.