2004 MINI Cooper S Ratings
Getting firsthand information from an actual car owner is one sure way to get an idea of car performance once it leaves the lot. Autobytel features real consumer reviews that give the unbiased experience of a car.
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2004 MINI Cooper S
Baby
Pros: The overall gestalt of the thing.
Cons: Run flat tires are very expensive and don't wear too well - but certainly grip and go.
The MINI S is both way hot and way cool, a banger and a pleasure car, my truck for hauling (on the sturdy and cute roof rack and in the back (seats down). Good sound system, often playing very loud. Would be a chick magnet if I were 40 years younger, I think. Even so it's a head turner, and really impresses my grandkids. Seems very well made, solid and sturdy after six years with no problems. Handles as well as any car I've driven, including some fairly big guys. But hate the run flats. I'd trade some handling for high end conventional tires and a 'canned air' flat fixer.- Recommend this vehicle to a friend? Yes
- How long have you owned this vehicle? 5 years
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2004 MINI Cooper S - Base
Pros: Speed and Handling
Cons: Cost of Repairs
Advice: Unless you can afford to repair a BMW or Mercedes stay away.
Quick and peppy just hope you don't have an alignment problem cause each tire costs almost $350.00 a piece and run flats wear alot quicker than normal tires. Stay away from Prestige MINI in Mahwah, NJ. Had to pay and extra month of payments after the lease return date even though the sales manager said it would be no problem. I will never buy or lease another foreign car. -
2004 MINI Cooper S - Base
Pros: Too many to name, Supercharger, Navigation, Handling, Quality, The looks you get driving down the road!
Cons: How far away the dealerships are, Tampa or Fort Lauderdale 2.5 hours both ways.
Advice: Dont think of this as a cheap little hatchback, its a full blown BMW from perfomance to features!
I bought this car in July of 2004. My dad bought an identical one as well. We both had them custom ordered with ever feature availible, Harmon Kardon Sound system is awesome, I couldnt live without the DVD Navigation, Blue and black leather, this car car has it all. Since its made by BMW, youll find that it is very comparable to a 5 Series in features. Auto dimming rear view mirror, self adjusting Zenon headlamps, rain sensing windshield wipers and so much more. You will not find a better handling car in production right now! Ive taken my MINI to the Great Smokies in North Carolina and killed All Wheel drive cars in handling. Dont believe it? Test drive it for yourself! Just make sure you go somewhere that you can do some cornering! The styling of the car is great, better quality than the 2005 models. They cut quality in 2005 to save money. Thats why I opted for the 2004. Great for long or short drives, Lots of room inside, and great control placement. You cannot go wrong with this car! There is nothing like hearing that supercharger whine! Get one before they change them for 2007, they look horrible! -
2004 MINI Cooper S - Base
Pros: All around air bag protection.
Cons: Windows cannot be opened or closed without taking your eyes off the road. They also cannot be operated together. Wiper control is too close to ignition lock. On starting, I often find the wipers running because I have brushed my hand against control.
Advice: Don't buy any dealer add-ons. They are tremendously over-priced!!
I have driven my 2005 Mini for six months now and I still love it! My fuel economy averages just less than 32 mpg. The small size and turning radius are excellent, making parking and cornering a pleasure. Acceleration is good in all gears and especially good in second. If I had it to do over again, I would buy the S model for the extra power. So far, I have only had minor problems like lights remaining on when they shouldn't. For example; the left side front and rear running lights stayed on when I walked away from the car once. I went back and tried to turn them off but couldn't. Next time they turned off normally. I have also seen the taillights on by themselves when the car is parked. When the engine is cold, I need to carry too many rpms to get the car moving without bucking and snorting. This clears up when the engine gets warmer. I hope this is an adjustment problem that will be fixed at my first service. Control placement is a problem as noted elsewhere, especially the window controls. -
2004 MINI Cooper S - Base
Pros: Performance
Cons: Stiff ride
Advice: This isn't a touring car. It is only okay for long distance. But for quick jaunts, YAHOOO
This is the most fun you can have in a car legally. Granted is small outside, but it isn't inside. And it is always an eyecatcher. If you don't want attention, look at a Toyota or Ford mini car. The perfomance is impressive. It accelerates (once past idle) past other cars and you don't even realize how quickly you are going. Its a terrific second car! -
2004 MINI Cooper S - Base
Pros: View from the front of the car (especially headlights/rally lights)
Cons: getting used to the keyless entry (passenger side)
Advice: Buy it-you wont ever regret it
Ever been on a roller coaster and wonder how it stays on the tracks on those tight turns?-Well that's what you'll ask yourself in the MINI. I bought the 2005, with cold weather package (not winter yet-so i'll save that review) the panoramic sunroof (a must) and let me tell you, every day you will become more connected with yout MINI. It will be the highlight of your day and especially your night, when the glow of the dash illuminates your MINI. Great gas mileage. and if you build it online you really feel it's all YOURS, from the paint to the parking lights-you design it. Buy it-the MINI is the future! -
2004 MINI Cooper S - Base
Pros: The handling of the car -- excellent steering and suspension
Cons: comfort -- you do feel the bumps, especially at slow speeds
Advice: if you like small cars and like cars that handle well in any weather condition, buy a Mini
I purchased a Mini in January, 2004. I am very happy with the handling, gas mileage, and the overall performance. It is an excellent car driving in bad weather -- snow, ice, or rain. It is a fun car to drive, and the design is excellent. All of the controls are easy to access.