Topic: '02 or '03 Mini?

[eddie_82]

I'm starting to do some research on my next car and am considering an '02 or '03 Mini (S or non-S). I was hoping I could get some good resources/insight from you knowledgeable folk. Are there some good forums or sites I could check out?

I'm going to read up in the Lemon-Aid guide, read the long-term tests from the big magazines etc as well, but any help you can add would be greatly appreciated!

[barrie1]

I would think the 03 would be the better of the 2 cars as it has an extra year of refinement. The 1st ones had a few Bugs that have been worked out so it will be a better car.

[davidm]

Do some quick google searches, IIRC there are 2 excellent new-Mini forums.  I would agree with Barrie, get as new as you can afford as early cars seemed to have lots of issues.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

The later the better!

Earlier Minis were plagued with problems. They were THE WORST nameplate in the initial quality study along with the Hummer H2 back in 2002.  

I've heard they've really worked to iron the bugs out and newer ones are much better.

Get service history.

But what a fun ride! Damn, they hold their value almost too well for a used car tho.

[safristi]

MmmmmmmmMINI...NOW there is a SMART CAR....!!!!!even looks like a CAR....Not a Biology experiment!!!!"Prof what will I get if I cross a Lady Bug wif Chameleon???".....A Smart CAR that likes flies and can change it colours or an annoying bug like creature that attracts women with it's 1 foot tongue???