By far the most stylish and fun sub-20K sports car today
Written: Jul 09 '04 (Updated Aug 26 '04)
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Pros: Quick and precise steering and incredible go-kart handling
Cons: Power seats not offered as options and styling not for everyone
The Bottom Line: If you want a sub-$20,000 street-legal go-kart to autocross or do some open-track day runs, this car is it! But watch out: styling is not for everyone.
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| mysecretavatar's Full Review: 2004 MINI Cooper |
*** I UPDATED THE REVIEW BASED ON RECENT DRIVING EXPERIENCE ***
I sold my 2002 Audi A4 1.8T (see my review in http://www.epinions.com/content_63843503748) to a relative who needed a car and I bought a 2004 black (with body colored roof and black leatherette interior) Mini Cooper S with the following options: Premium Package, Sport Package, Auxiliary Audio Input (for MP3 players, etc.) and LoJack theft recovery system. I was glad to pay the full MSRP at $23,089 (including delivery charges) plus the cost of LoJack and sales tax. I would highly recommend both the Premium Package and Sport Package because they will give you features found only in very high-end cars for a relatively small added price, such as vehicle stability control and panorama sunroof.
My other car is a Mercedes-Benz C230 sports sedan (see my review in http://www.epinions.com/content_121556078212). The main reason why I chose a Mini Cooper S is that I wanted a sporty, great-handling small car with manual transmission that I could use in autocross and open-track events. Also, because I am in the market for a house, I wanted to limit the budget to under $25,000. The amazing thing is that you can get a Mini Cooper S for under $20,000 if you skip the options.
Other Cars Considered: Mazda 3, Mazda 6, Subaru WRX, VW Golf, VW GTI and VW Jetta. All of these cars offered most of the safety features and performance that I required. I was especially impressed with the Mazda 3 (both hatchback and sedan) and Subaru WRX. I would probably have been happy with all of the above cars, some of which are less expensive than my Mini Cooper S. If Scion Tc coupe had been available, I would have seriously considered that car as well. In the end, however, I chose the Mini Cooper S because of its unique styling and its incredible go-kart handling.
Safety: Safety was a big factor in my decision. I know that at least one reviewer has raised Mini’s size as a reason for safety concerns. The main argument of the reviewer seems to be that the Mini won’t fare well if it crashes against an SUV. However, most cars (small and medium sized cars) won’t fare well against large SUVs (see, for instance, the report on side crashes from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety at http://www.hwysafety.org/news_releases/2004/pr041804.htm) and the only logical conclusion to accepting this argument is that we must all drive large SUVs because we all need tanks to be protected from tanks. Of course, this is a silly proposition, especially if you consider that about a third of all motor vehicle deaths result from single-vehicle crashes and SUVs are far more likely to rollover or lose control and hit a post or a tree than cars. Furthermore, if you look at hard test data (rather than relying just on someone’s personal opinion), the Mini is no less safe in crashes against SUVs or any other vehicle or object than any other compact or midsized vehicle, such as Mazda 3, Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic, three of the most popular cars on the road today. In fact, it is safer than most. What sold me on the Mini’s safety credential is its “best pick” designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (see the results in http://www.hwysafety.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/0222.htm), four stars from Euro NCAP (same as Audi A4 – see http://www.euroncap.com/content/safety_ratings/details.php?id1=1&id2=112) and BMW’s tradition of designing and building safe cars. Moreover, the Mini has more standard safety features than most compact and midsized cars on the road today: front and side airbags for front passengers, head protection airbags for front and rear passengers, traction control, ABS, electronic brake-force distribution, corner brake control, all-season run flat tires, daytime running lights and tire pressure monitor system (if any wheel gets out of balance the system warns you to check for a flat). With the Sport Package, you also get vehicle stability control. Let’s put it another way, the Mini has six airbags that offer more airbag protection than a 3-Series (which does not provide head protection to rear passengers) and its structure is 50% stiffer than a 3-Series, which is widely considered to be a safe car to drive. Finally, the Mini has one safety feature that most cars in its class can’t match: awesome handling ability that can help a skilled, attentive and safety-conscious driver to avoid most dangerous accidents.
Engine and power: The Mini Cooper S has a 1.6L displacement single overhead cam (SOHC) inline 4 cylinder gasoline engine that, with the assistance of a 16-valve supercharger, can generate 163 hp at 6000 rpm and 155 ft-lbs. of torque at 4000 rpm. While this engine (which is produced in Brazil by Daimler Chrysler and not by BMW) requires premium fuel and is not as smooth or refined as the VW 1.8T turbocharged engine in my old A4 or the 1.8 liter supercharged engine in my C230, as I break in the car, it is getting more smooth and sounding better. However, it does move this sub-3,000 pound car quickly and helps the Mini Cooper S reach 60 mph in 6.9 seconds, which is faster than the stock Jetta 1.8T, Audi 1.8T and MB C230. The engine certainly provides more than enough power for everyday driving and passing maneuvers. This is a flexible engine that has plenty of torque for its size but prefers to be revved high and works best at above 4,000 RPMs. A cool feature is the large steering-column-mounted tachometer because it makes it so easy to monitor your engine speed. The downside to the position of the tachometer is that some types of steering wheel mounted anti-theft devices may not fit (the regular Club will but it is difficult to fit those devices that mount behind the steering wheel).
Transmission: The Mini Cooper S has a six-speed Getrag-sourced BMW manual transmission (compared to the base Cooper’s ZF five-speed). While I understand that shifter choice is somewhat personal, I am puzzled about some of the negative comments about the shifter in Cooper S. Folks, although the shifter is not Mazda/Honda-style short-throw shifter, this is basically a Getrag BMW manual and I have never heard anyone complain too loudly about the 3-Series shifters. While not as precise-feeling and mechanical as the fantastic Honda S2000 shifter, the Mini Cooper S transmission is substantial and plenty precise and the clutch is progressive and does not require too much effort. One complaint that I have is that the pedals are too-closely spaced and, unless you happen to be a jockey with tinny feet, you will initially not find the spacing to your liking even though it does make it easier to accomplish tricks like heel-toe braking. But trust me, you will get used to this very quickly. Also, I do concede that for those that want a very light clutch and short-throw transmission combination (a la Honda S2000 and Mazda 3), this transmission may not be 100% satisfactory but given enough time, I believe that anyone can learn to love shifting this car.
Ride: The ride is firm but smoother than one might think, given the car’s run-flat tires and sports-tuned suspension. The suspension absorbs road imperfections very competently and was no more harsh than the suspension of a BMW 3-Series with sports package or a BMW Z3 roadster. However, there is no question that this car has a sports-tuned suspension and if you like the smooth and numb ride of most Toyota and Honda compacts, you probably will not like this car.
Handling: This is where the Mini Cooper S really shines. With its pushed-to-the-corners wheel setup, this car truly handles like a go-kart on rails. I strongly disagree with reviews complaining that the Cooper does not have a light, tossable feel or razor-sharp steering and I suspect that any such experience is really the result of either poor driving conditions or limited driving skills of the driver. For those who can drive manual transmission cars even moderately well, this car simply rocks. The fact that the Mini Cooper S has front and rear stabilizers and four-wheel independent suspension, including multi-link Z-axle rear suspension derived from BMW M3 suspension technology, may have something to do with its handling capabilities. I have owned and extensively driven a BMW Z3, Audi A4, Infiniti I30 and MB C230 and I can tell you without hesitation that this is the best handling car that I have ever driven. In my opinion, there are currently only four 4-passenger cars under $35,000 that could match or beat the Mini Cooper’s handling prowess: the Subaru WRX STi, Mazda RX-8, VW R32 and the Mitsubishi Evo. And all of these cars have starting MSRPs that are at least $5,000 more than the MSRP of a well-equipped Mini Cooper S. I liked the handling of a Honda S2000 as much as the Mini's and I suspect that I might like the handling prowess of the new Lotus Elise even more but these two cars are two-passengers track cars rather than daily drivers. The steering is electrically boosted (unlike the Lotus Elise) but is very quick and precise. The turning radius is small (unlike the Evo, which has a laughably huge turning radius). The grip is tenacious and the car takes sharp turns flat even at speeds that would cause unsettling body rolls in a BMW 325i or Z3. I have dusted many unsuspecting Mustang drivers on twisty roads because in order to avoid unintentional off-road experiences, they had to brake entering corners that I was happy to take, accelerating and smiling all the way. What is incredible about this car’s magical handling abilities is that the Mini Cooper is a front-drive car. But unlike most sporty front-drive cars, the Mini Cooper has no torque steer whatsoever because it has equal-length driveshafts. This means that you will get more traction on snow than any non-AWD BMWs but as much (if not more) cornering ability than almost all BMWs, Mercedes and Audis. The Mini Cooper S has large four-wheel discs with ABS, corner brake control and electronic brake-force distribution that stop the car in a quick, linear fashion with no dive or drama, and dynamic stability control and traction control gives the car tremendous control in all driving situations.
Noise: Initially, I thought that the engine was noisy and crude. Although I still believe that the engine is not as refined as or as pleasant to hear as the VW 1.8T turbo engine, I am finding that, as I break in the car, the engine is getting more smooth and better sounding. In fact, I find this engine's sound to be 1000% better than the vacuum-cleaner sound of my C230 supercharged engine. Moreover, with the windows up, the Mini Cooper S is surprisingly quiet for a sporty compact. At cruising speeds with the windows up, you can have a quiet conversation with your passengers. The exhaust noise is sporty and pleasant.
Vibration: At idle, the Mini Cooper’s engine vibration level is slightly more noticeable than that of my C230 or my previous A4. However, it is not bothersome or intrusive. Once it starts moving, the vibration level falls off and becomes relatively low.
Exterior: My Mini Cooper S is black with body-colored roof. Immediately after I placed my order, I wondered whether I had made a mistake by not ordering a more creative color combination such as red or yellow with white roof or dark silver with black roof. However, I am now happy that I chose this color. Many of the colorful Minis that I see out there are attractive but a bit on the feminine side but a 100% black Mini Cooper S with xenon lights is attractive in a masculine, slightly menacing way. BUT HERE IS A WARNING: IF YOU ARE A MAN WHO CARES ABOUT THE IMAGE THAT YOUR CAR MAY PROJECT ABOUT YOU, THIS IS PROBABLY NOT THE CAR FOR YOU. Why? Mini Cooper S is a car that can be described as cute, no matter what color. It can never be described as a sexy sports coupe or a serious testosterone-laden sports sedan. When I drove around in my BMW Z3, most of the comments I got about the car were "That's a great-looking car. How fast is it?" With the Mini Cooper S, most of the comments I get are "that car is sooooo cute!" or "it looks like a puppy on wheels!" When I would come up fast behind an average family car in my BMW Z3, the car ahead would generally change lanes and let me pass. With my Mini, most cars stay put and when I pass them, their drivers look at me like "What the..." Also, the Mini Cooper S is, well, a mini-car. If you are a big man (180+ lbs), you don't look like you are in your element when you are driving this car. Finally, if you are 30+ years old, you and your Mini Cooper will look mismatched. This car definitely matches up better with a sub-30 year old driver at the helm. Again, if you don't care a bit about image and only care about the fun factor, this is a great car but if image is a factor for you, look elsewhere.
Interior: The leatherette is pretty decent-looking, although it can’t quite match the Audi/VW leatherette in terms of feel, look and perceived quality. The interior ergonomics are excellent and in some respects, unique. As I mentioned before, the tach is mounted on the steering column. The speedometer is mounted on the center stack. The thick steering wheel, easily reachable and intuitive controls and deep, comfortable and supportive buckets seats all help with fun, spirited motoring. Aluminum trim is applied liberally and the visual effect of this application is pleasant and modern. My car came with remote power door locks, power windows and one-touch power windows and power mirrors. The seats and the steering column are manually adjustable for height and lumbar support. Power seat adjustment is not offered even as an option, which is disappointing since this is a premium compact car. Most drivers and front passengers will find that they can adjust their seats to a comfortable position, although obtaining comfortable leg room for front occupants who are over 6 feet tall will significantly reduce rear legroom. Every new Mini comes with a cupholder accessory. Unless you are someone who drinks coffee and other beverages in his car frequently, I would suggest that you ask your dealer to not install this accessory. Depending on its position, it can bother you when you shift gears (especially the fifth gear) and it looks frail and ugly. The standard six-speaker AM/FM/CD system sounds pretty good and it will play home-burnt CDs in CD-R and CD-RW discs (by contrast, Audi A4 and MB C230 could only play CDs burnt in CD-Rs). The multi-function steering wheel and rain sensors are very helpful, although they are not really necessary. Central locking is standard and you can open the trunk remotely. Visibility is good in most directions but anyone who prefers to drive with the seat in a high driving position will find that, if his car is the first car stopped at a traffic light, he won’t be able to see the traffic light unless he bends down because the short distance between the windshield and the driver. I had this same problem with the BMW Z3.
Roominess: The Mini is surprisingly roomy for a car in its class. It doesn’t have the legroom or the shoulder room of some of its competitors such as the Mazda 3 but it uses its interior dimensions very efficiently and effectively. There is plenty of space for the driver and front passenger, although more shoulder room would be welcome. Two adults will fit in the backseat without complaint for short trips but long trips may be a bit tiring for them. With the rear seats upright, the cargo space is anemic: 5 cubic feet. However, rear seats are split 50/50 for flexibility and with one or both seats folded, the Mini Cooper has more useful trunk space than most compact and midsized cars.
Reliability: I have not yet had any problems with my car so far. Although I had heard of reliability issues with the earlier Minis, BMW seems to have Mini quality issues under control. The powertrain and bumper to bumper warranty is for 48 months and 50,000 miles. The rust warranty is for 72 months but unlimited miles. Like BMWs, Mini has a warranty that included emergency road side services and all scheduled maintenance.
Panorama sunroof: The panorama sunroof has two panels. The front panel opens and it is larger than a typical sunroof. The rear panel is fixed but allows the rear passengers to have a great view of the sky. I generally like the panorama sunroof but I wish that the manual shade for the two panels were made of a solid material rather than the current mesh material.
Fuel Consumption: For a four cylinder engine, the Mini Cooper S consumes more fuel than expected, probably because of the supercharger. I am getting gas mileage that is similar to my C230: 26 to 30 miles per gallon during leisurely highway driving, 20 to 26 miles per gallon during aggressive highway driving and 14 to 16 miles per gallon on average during city driving. My current overall average fuel consumption is 19.2 mpg. I am told by my dealer that this number will improve after the engine break-in period. Please note that these numbers are based on real-life usage (air conditioning and stereo were on) with a lot of stop and go in cities.
Xenon Lights: The xenon lights seem to be as strong as those in my C230. They give off a bright and natural light that significantly improves visibility at night and the ability of other cars and pedestrians to detect your car at night.
Favorite Features: Handling, handling and handling. Premium and Sports packages are bargains!
Least favorite features: power seat adjustment should be an option.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 23089
Condition: New
Model Year: 2004
Model and Options: Cooper S
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Epinions.com ID:
mysecretavatar
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Reviews written: 18
Trusted by: 1 member
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