Overview & Reviews

The big news for the 2005 Mini Cooper is the arrival of the convertible in both regular and S flavors. Stylish as ever, the drop-top Mini seats four and still has a trunk big enough for a few bags. Other changes include slightly revised front and rear fascias and some reworked option choices. The vanity mirrors are no longer illuminated, a universal remote transmitter is now available and a leather-wrapped steering wheel is now standard. The S version gains 5 horsepower and 7 pound-feet of torque, as well as an external temperature display. Both the five- and six-speed manual transmissions feature shorter gearing this year to improve acceleration. A six-speed automatic transmission will become available on the S versions later in the model year.

• Not enough horsepower in base model, questionable seat comfort, not much room for passengers and cargo, some low-grade interior materials.

User Reviews:

Showing 31 through 40 of 256.00

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  Fun to drive when I can - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By JaeC - December 4 - 10:00 am

  First off, this is a very fun car to drive. The wheels always sticks to the road and the supercharger helps with instant push on road. BMW has done a great job putting the car together but also failed horribly on some parts. German engineering is seen and felt every where, for better or for worse. (See Suggested Improvements)

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  Mini Car Maxi Fun - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By SPT - August 1 - 7:43 pm

  One of the best cars I have owned. Perfect for a city ... easy to park. Three issues: 1) Needs decent back bumper 2) poor visibility with top up and down 3) rough ride. This IS a sportscar not a sedan.

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  Red Mini - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By Jack Nesbitt - July 14 - 8:36 pm

  Coming up on 10,000 miles. No major problems of any type. Rides hard as one would expect. Small noise in dashboard when on bad LA freeways. Gets great mileage. Averaging 31.7 mpg in LA combined highway and city.

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  Love hate relationship - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By Loosenut - May 31 - 9:36 am

  The car is so much fun to drive its addictive. It corners smoothly and accelerates well. The front seats arent the most comfortable but are very adjustable. The biggest problem I have had is with the new gas containing ethanol. Seems the gas companies add more than the 10% they say they do and the Mini runs lousy because of it. At least that is what the dealer says. Oh yeah, and now the CD player died.

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  Fun Car to Drive When You Can - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By tbong - December 25 - 12:50 am

  Owned for three months and it has been in the shop three times. With problems ranging from the car not starting to the GPS not working. Customer service is the worst I have ever experienced.

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  Fun, Fast, And Darn good looking - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By 2008GLI - December 12 - 3:33 am

  I love the s-model, ive owned it a year and have never had any problems, it is good on gas, quick in traffic, i always get compliments on it, but the interior design stinks, seating is not to comftorable, but overall this car is very quick from point a-b, and it has been very reliable, services are pricey though, If your looking for a small hatchback thats quick and good looking get the Mini cooper, another Good one is a 2006+ Gti, looks better, alot smoother and interior design is way better, not to mention its good on gas and very comfy, but overall mini is king.

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  Great Little Car!!!!!!! - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By Carol Wyatt - December 11 - 10:36 am

  I couldnt wait till the new Mini to come out because I had a 1973 Couper that I bought in Canada. My younger brother drove it after I was done with it then I sold it ........... Wish I had it back many times. Love my New Mini and I wont sell this one.

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  Low miles does not equal low wear. - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By Rich - December 6 - 9:13 am

  Fun to drive, sure. Surprisingly comfortable and quiet for size. Mine has 39,000 miles on it. Paint chips everywhere, scratched glass everywhere. Tires lasted only 30k miles. Just put new ball joints on it. Mechanic surprised I dont need new gaskets and seals yet. Service is expensive. Still I enjoy it so much I will probably get another one in two years.

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  Fortunate and Fun - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By Rick Bounds - November 30 - 10:00 am

  Ive really enjoyed the car. There have been a few rattles which have been fixed by the dealership. There have also been a few strange noises coming from the clutch when the car hasnt been driven in several days at start-up. At times when it is hot, it idles rough. I love the car, but Im not too convinced that maintenance will not skyrocket as the car gets older. The strange noises coming from the clutch have me worried. All in all, Im still glad I bought it.

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  I turned my condo into a castle - 2005 Mini Cooper
  By Jay Jay - May 5 - 10:00 pm

  I love this car so much (I am a sales estimator for a remodeling company) that I made a custom protective bag to carry my ladder in the back, purchased bags and gear to hold all my samples, and I have a portable navigation system. I live and breathe in my MINI. I drive the heck out of it on appointments, and on weekends I hang out and go on drives with other MINI maniacs! I went to Casino Morongo last weekend and am going to Vegas in a week and a half. I have had two Chevrolet Corvettes, and my MINI may not be as fast, but it handles far better! I am getting 28 mpg con ity roads which I think is great as Im always stopping and going. Theres no need for a gas hog like a Hummer. Minis are classically in and they hold their value.