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 1 through 10 of 256.00-
A Nightmare from Start to Finish - 2005 Mini Cooper
By Molly B - December 7 - 6:53 pmOne good thing about my Mini - its sexy and fun to drive. Well, thats two good things. And thats where the happy story ends. My Mini has had engine recalls, indicator lights fall out (left and right sides), 3 windshield cracks, radiator thermometers explode (twice), random signal lights signaling (i.e. flat tire, check gas cap, service engine) for years on end ("bad computer circuitry"), oil pan leaks, emissions tubes cracked, the metal decal on my steering wheel pop up (twice. who knew that the entire steering wheel has to be replaced when that happens), vanity mirror covers fly off their hinge, battery failures, and more - but Ive run out of room. In short, my Minis been a nightmare.
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Fun and Affordable - 2005 Mini Cooper
By T. Smith - March 30 - 2:50 amThis has been a great driving year. I love my MINI. One of the great things about it is the smiles that are invariably produced when you drive by. Gas mileage is acceptable (though high test gas is a slight burden). The interior is very comfortable (definitely spring for the leather sport seats). My son (a tall 9 year old) has plenty of room in the back and the three of us have taken several long trips. Having a MINI means packing lightly, but its a good exercise in downsizing the extraneous stuff that crowds our lives. Pleny of room for groceries and such and tall people fit fine. But the real sell is the enjoyment of driving. Go-kart? Maybe. But its stable and, did I mention fun?
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New Owner - 2005 Mini Cooper
By miniplatz - February 9 - 2:13 pmI drove it for two days in the West Virginia mountains using the paddel shifter. It was a blast. The only change I would make is an electric adjustable drivers seat. It is a great car, but it is not as much fun as my 1990 British Open Mini. Everyone should have one.
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05 Mini - 2005 Mini Cooper
By jrfats - July 23 - 10:26 pmIm delighted with this Mini. I call it a go cart with air conditioning. I wish that the tires would last longer, but that is a low profile run flat problem. I wish that there were more dealers as I keep the car in Montana - it is over 400 miles to the nearest one. So far, I have had no problems. The brakes are much better than in the 2003 model, which I still have in another location.
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Needs better quality control - 2005 Mini Cooper
By big john - November 7 - 2:36 pm04/20/2006 Passenger door reflector fell off, passenger seat spring loose, clock runs very fast (new speedometer assy. required to repair) 06/29/2006 Passenger seat airbag sensor not properly installed 09/17/2006 Driver window would not operate 05/17/2007 SES light. Replaced oxygen sensor 01/23/2008 Replaced heater thermostat housing. Front tires needed replacement at 26,000 miles 06/09/2008 Replaced ignition switch & control unit for electronic drive away protection 07/15/2008 Replaced power steering fan and grille
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Super Fun Car - 2005 Mini Cooper
By DRG1138 - June 20 - 7:50 amAfter leasing a loser VW Jetta 1.8 T, I wanted a European car that: A-Handled like a European Car, B-Was realativly inexpensive, and C-Wasnt a peice of junk (like my Jetta). After some research and a test drive I was set on the MINI and in my humble opinion this car has scored big in critera A and B. Talk to me in six months and I will tell you about C but I am not worried. MINI will tell you that it handles like a go-kart. I say it handles like a remote control car. The ride is ruff but if you like to feel the road and be in control of the car you can not get any better for the money. Price-wise I think you are getting more car than you pay for. My MINI is awsome.
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Flawless -- so far - 2005 Mini Cooper
By David - April 19 - 7:50 amI find it odd how some people claim to have such bad experiences with car. I think they are the ones who write reviews, and the others (the vast majority) are out driving. Im in the latter category. I have had not one single breakdown, broken anything, or even a rattle develop in 6 months/7,000 miles of driving it. In fact, I cant believe Ive already put 7,000 miles on it. I had one defect from the get-go, but its so minor, its hardly worth mentioning: the drivers-side door handles LED seems to have omitted at the factory (the passenger-side one is present). Oh the horror! I can recommend this car without qualification as one with the best build, quality, fun and value out there.
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Miles of Smiles - 2005 Mini Cooper
By Bug Squasher - February 24 - 10:13 amMy car was delivered to me on the 22nd of June, a black JCW-equipped Cooper S. In the past 6 weeks I have put nearly 5,000 km on the odometer. If there is an organization that helps Cooper addicts, please get me the number! The car is such a joy to drive I find myself inventing reasons to go great distances, at the expense of other, often pressing, duties. Not only does the car have a stance and look that makes one think bulldog, but it also has that famous breeds faithfulness, tenacity and go-go attitude. I did thorough research on the car before I bought, and from that I anticipated at least one or two issues. Though still a young car I have yet to experience any problems at all.
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For a better car, avoid high end options - 2005 Mini Cooper
By Don - November 11 - 12:40 pmThe Cooper S convertible really DOES feel like a go-kart, it is a blast to drive, and people all want to make friends with such a cute little car. But the dynamic stability control is wildly overassertive (slammming on the brakes at the slightest chirp of wheelspin), the optional automatic climate control is a disastrous triumph of cutesy (shaped like the Mini crest) over ergonomic, and the optional Harmon-Kardon stereo upgrade is only marginal at best. If you delete these options, youll not only save money, youll have a MUCH better experience of the car...simple, direct, delightful. Mini gets into trouble when they try to get too fancy..but when they just go for fun, they get it right!
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Convertible Top Problem - 2005 Mini Cooper
By jean - August 9 - 6:50 pmOnly one problem has turned up with my MINI. The convertible top got a wire rubbed and shorted out the wiring harness. They replaced the whole harness at no charge. Other than that, we love that little sweetheart!
