MINI

Replacing a motoring legend was never going to be easy, but there's no denying the BMW-built MINI has caught the public's imagination. The car had a difficult birth, coming so soon after the German manufacturer's acrimonious divorce from Rover, but it has sold really well through selected BMW dealerships nevertheless.

Auto Express Car Reviews

March 2003

Replacing a motoring legend was never going to be easy, but there's no denying the BMW-built MINI has caught the public's imagination. The car had a difficult birth, coming so soon after the German manufacturer's acrimonious divorce from Rover, but it has sold really well through selected BMW dealerships nevertheless.
The newcomer's all-round excellence, appealing character and clever marketing have managed to shake off the spectre of corporate politics. Part of that success is due to the MINI's driving characteristics - it offers enormous entertainment for the money and is now regarded as a legitimate successor to the original model.
Two years after the MINI's launch, buyers are still having to wait up to seven months before taking delivery. Such a long delay has kept second-hand prices artificially high, because people wanting to own the latest fashion accessory have been willing to pay through the nose for used MINIs rather than hang on for a new one.
But this situation is starting to settle down and supply is now catching up with demand. This means there's a wider choice of cars and more competitive deals than ever before.
Checklist
* Cars were recalled soon after launch to rectify fault with sealing ring around the fuel filler. Check the work has been carried out by a BMW dealer.
* Electrical problems include over-sensitive alarms, blown dash lighting and dodgy tyre pressure sensors.
* Plastic trim can work loose.
Glass's View
The MINI is rapidly becoming a sound second-hand buy. Residuals remain surprisingly strong, even two years after the car was launched, and demand is still high. Unlike the updated Volkswagen Beetle, the MINI looks certain to continue as a desirable fashion icon. The innovative five-year all-inclusive ΂£100 servicing deal means many owners are reluctant to sell - but the tlc package is transferable.
My MINI...
When Tom Day came to replace his classic MG Midget, he was adamant that his next car would have to offer as much character and driver appeal. "The problem was, I needed a vehicle that was modern, reliable and practical because of my new job," said the 24-year-old from Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex. "I would probably have kept my MG for a couple more years, but I now cover a much higher mileage than I used to and need a car that's comfortable and has more space."
In Tom's mind, the MINI's major selling points were its great looks and funky interior, but a test drive was the deciding factor. "I was so impressed by the car's handling and steering feel that I couldn't resist it," he said. "It felt like a proper sporting machine." He also likes the tlc package as it offers five years' servicing for ΂£100. "More makers should offer such schemes," he told us.
Tom bought his MINI last summer and is happy with the build quality, although the car has had to go back to the dealership to have a washer jet repaired. On the downside, he finds the boot is cramped and the position of the ignition barrel irritating, as it catches his knee while driving.