How would you rate the 2003 MINI Cooper?

How would you rate the 2003 MINI Cooper? What are the watch-outs if buying one? What fuel comsumption can one expect from this car? Do they hold their value?

Brian Holmes (Dublin)

Aug 2013 Filed under: choosing used car

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Expert answer

Hi Brian,

Generally I'm a bit of a MINI fan, and have actually bought one. Love it. A 2003 though is the first generation car, with the Chrysler-built engine, and you have to watch those for electrical issues and early MINI models had problems with leaking fuel tanks. They're pretty robust cars though, as long as you avoid ones that have been obviously abused. Don't forget that they may be small, but they are still made by BMW so make sure the service record and history is on the button. They do hold their value very well, but any 10 -year old car isn't going to have much value left to hold. Fuel consumption won't be great though. That 1.6 engine wasn't the most sophisticated thing, so expect high 30s, low 40s mpg on average.

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Adviser
@neilmbriscoe