[sprocket]

My 2003 Mini ("Sprocket") is approaching the 5-year-mark and I wanted to post a short review here about my experiences and problems.

Sprocket is a 2003 Mini Cooper, indy blue with black roof/mirrors, with H/K, the premium package, rear spoiler, chrome package.

Short review: I (still) love my Sprocket!!

Long review: What problems did I have with Sprocket during the past 65.000 miles? Nothing serious really. While still under warranty, the first thing that failed was both window motors. No big deal. Last year, the AC unit and my HK amplifier died suddenly and unexpectedly. Fortunately I was still covered by the excellent warranty and it didn't cost me a dime to get them replaced. My windshield got chipped once pretty bad from a big stone or piece of gravel and needed to be replaced. Out of warranty, just about a month ago my driver's side locking motor failed and my battery died. All in all, I am more than happy with the reliability and service.

How much fun did I have with Sprocket? Words cannot express it enough. The Mini looks great and unique, drives fantastic and is just all-around the single most fun car that I had in my life. I never forget the entire ordering and tracking experience when I bought Sprocket. It was fantastic and I was already hooked on my car before I even had it.

I have to admit that I never ever took so good care of a car before, like I did with Sprocket. I never polished, waxed or detailed a car before Sprocket, but since I got the Mini I find myself giving him the "full beauty treatment" once a month. And I love doing it.

I got the (excellent) Haynes manual, so I can do most of my repairs myself. Also something new for me. I don't mind working on the car at all.

Sometimes, the ride is a tad too hard for my taste, especially on longer trips, but it is really not that bad. In the beginning, I got a lot of weird looks with the car and even up to this day complete strangers come up to me asking "How do you like your Mini?" and I always replied: "Love it. Best car I have ever had!". I got a lot of astonished passengers in the car that were totally surprised how roomy and comfortable the car is. Looks are not everything, but the Mini has something special to it. I love the dashboard and the combination of the vintage look and feel combined with state-of-the art technology. And did I mention that it rides like charm?

Here is North America, little cars are still a little bit looked down upon, but I don't care and have grown increasingly annoyed about the huge gas guzzlers. My Mini does the job just as well and I don't need to be 4 feet above the ground to enjoy my ride. Plus, I can do it with an average of 27mpg.

I took my Mini on highways, gravel roads, road rallies, harsh terrain and never had a problem. Even on snow or ice, the Mini handled perfectly. I was initially concerned about the low ground clearance, but it's really a non-issue for me.

What modification has Sprocket received over the years? Except for the custom-made "Sprocket" sticker, not really that many. I got the AUX kit to hook up my iPod and a mount for my Blackberry. I used to have a Sirius Radio that I mounted into the cubby hole. A chrome billet antenna.

What will be the future of Sprocket: I would love to say that I could keep him forever, but I am playing with the idea of getting a Mini Clubman next year. Why? Because I am in need of a tad more space, especially for camping gear and for the dog. The Clubman will be perfect for me and will enable me to still drive a Mini. I have looked at a lot of "other" cars, but none fits me better than a Mini. And why would I change brands anyway when I have been so happy with Sprocket in the past 5 years?

That said: Thank you BMW. Thank you Mini. Thank you for the great community.

Patrick & Sprocket

[South Shore Lad]

great review

[*Vikki*]

great reveiw!