2005 MINI Cooper Consumer Reviews

ROAD HUGGER

Written by: HappyMINI on 08/20/2009

Vehicle

2005 MINI Cooper 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I've driven many sport cars, BMW, Porsche, Mercedez and Lexus....but this MINI is right there with them when it comes to ROAD HANDLING and CORNERING IS AWESOME!!! And not mention fuel efficiency. I get lots of smiles from my neighboor whenever I cruise. Just being lucky to have one of these. Keeping this one for long time!!!

Favorite Features

Cornering speed upto 50mph - road hugger. EVERYTHING LOOKS GOOD!

Suggested Improvements

RECARO SEATS

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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I am going to miss my MINI !!!!

Written by: Happy MiniOwner on 07/24/2009

Vehicle

2005 MINI Cooper S 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl S/C 6M)

Review

I've had my MINI since it was a pup, straight from it's mother teat! But after 4 years, it's time to get an automatic since the wife can't drive a stick. This has been one of my favorite cars I have owned, being in my forties, that's been a lot. It is a blast to drive. I agree the seats could be a little more comfortable, but they're not that bad. The cup holder situation is bad, very bad. Mechanically, I have only had an O2 sensor fail. and those ridiculously expensive tires were replaced too early with normal high performance tires (it is also a weird size had to special order them). The passenger seat has stopped reclining. I will miss waving at other MINI owners and being in the family.

Favorite Features

The Zippyness! parking anywhere, head turning, driving my "roller skate"

Suggested Improvements

get ride of the run flat's and give the S model a spare tire. Add cup holders that are accessible to a normal size drink. give a longer warranty.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Needs better quality control

Written by: big john on 07/15/2009

Vehicle

2005 MINI Cooper 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 5M)

Review

04/20/2006 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

Favorite Features

Lots of fun to drive. Attracts a lot of attention. Love the moon roof. Excellent air conditioner. Great lighting inside and outside. Full maintenance coverage for three years - no arguments.

Suggested Improvements

Needs general quality improvement. Outside trim is not well fastened. Hard ride. Very high tire wear for such a light car. Needs bigger brakes to help stop fast pad wear.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Fun, Fast, And Darn good looking

Written by: 2008GLI on 06/17/2009

Vehicle

2005 MINI Cooper S 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl S/C 6M)

Review

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.

Favorite Features

Big sunroof, soft suspension, and very nimble in the corners.

Suggested Improvements

Needs a whole new interior redisign from top to bottom, change how the hood opens, and maybe some new types of oem rims.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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It's a love/hate relationship

Written by: bebonic84 on 11/10/2008

Vehicle

2005 MINI Cooper S 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl S/C 6M)

Review

Since I bought the car in Nov I've had to make the trip to the dealer four times. They had to replace the hood latch, headlights, seatbelt and power steering pump. When the power steering pump started to go it made this tremendously loud noise. So loud I'd have to turn off my car in the bank drive thru. It's on its way into the shop this week actually to have the front end looked at. The tires were so incredibly expensive that I had to go out and buy run of the mill tires just to make it through this winter.

Favorite Features

Handling, acceleration, and being a part of the Mini community. Only some of those people don't even wave back. Styling of the Mini is the best. The fact that you feel like you're in a fish bowl there is so much glass.

Suggested Improvements

Whats up with the cupholders? I'm an avid coffee drinker and it's just not practical. No Mini dealers in my neck of the woods. I have to drive an hour to get to my dealer. More comfortable seats too please.

7 out 10 people found this review helpful

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Love hate relationship

Written by: Loosenut on 10/30/2008

Vehicle

2005 MINI Cooper S 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl S/C 6M)

Review

The car is so much fun to drive it's addictive. It corners smoothly and accelerates well. The front seats aren't 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.

Favorite Features

Awesome handling, fun power, fun, fun, fun.

Suggested Improvements

Need to do something to allow the car to run on today's fuel. Some remapping of the ecu or something to make it run properly is needed. As it is now I'm ready to get rid of it.

3 out 4 people found this review helpful

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The most fun car to drive

Written by: Peeweee on 09/16/2008

Vehicle

2005 MINI Cooper S 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl S/C 6M)

Review

Finally kids are grown - no hockey bags to haul or kids to move to college. This little car is so road hugging and is so responsive - it is just the most fun I've had in 35 years of driving. Not a day goes by that someone doesn't stop me and ask "what is that car?" or "do you like it?" This little car gets me high fives when driving down the highway and many smiles at his license plate (PeeWeee). A great brotherhood (or sisterhood) as I get waves from other mini drivers. Often I come out of the mall or grocery store and find another mini parked right next to me. Love to surprise large men who think they will be cramped inside the car. Wonderful little car I will have for years!

Favorite Features

The six speed shift so easily and after having large cars and SUV's - I was afraid it would be a little drudge - not so...matter of fact - have to watch the speedometer as when you go to pass...you can be going faster than you think in just a fraction of a second!

Suggested Improvements

The suspension is a little rough riding but the seat fit and are well cushioned. A little worrisome about the ground clearance when pulling into or out of driveways or roads.

7 out 7 people found this review helpful

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Smile!

Written by: Sophie on 08/25/2008

Vehicle

2005 MINI Cooper S 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl S/C 6M)

Review

I am so lucky to be driving a Mini Cooper S for my first car. I bought it last June and it's never going to have another owner. Everytime I drive her, I can't help but smile. The supercharger is fun, and the handling is amazing. I learned to drive on a Buick Park Avenue, so the Mini was a dream. With the back seats down, I can fit my 152cm snowboard. Good cargo space. I autocross with my mini, and it's beyond words. Acceleration is good. The auto-manual is a great option! Also, the winter package, Harmon/Kardon sound system, and sunroof are definitely worth the extra money! The runflat tires that came with her are terrible, though. I recommend replacing them as soon as possible.

Favorite Features

Harmon/Kardon sound system, folding back seats, heated front seats, sunroof, handling, compact size, the Mini community, all of the endless options, really.

Suggested Improvements

No runflat tires! I've heard of some body problems that can happen, although it hasn't happened to me. If you drive it hard, I suggest you buy a strut and/or sway bar.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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My dream car....finally comes true

Written by: ultrarider on 08/08/2008

Vehicle

2005 MINI Cooper 2dr Convertible (1.6L 4cyl 5M)

Review

While I have not owned my used Cooper convertible very long, I've been looking for 3 years. It was babied in the first 44K miles. It's a dream to drive. 5 speed shifts like new, handles better than anything I've owned (38 cars and counting).

Favorite Features

Stereo is wonderful. It has the sport package so the ride is a bit stiffer than standard MINI but not unbearable, plus it handles like a dream.

Suggested Improvements

Nothing I can think of yet.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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First of MINI

Written by: Gretta0326 on 07/25/2008

Vehicle

2005 MINI Cooper 2dr Convertible (1.6L 4cyl 5M)

Review

This is one of the most fun cars I have ever driven. I went with the automatic but really wish I had gone with the manual S version. It handles fabulously and is a must-have if you have to park in the city.

Favorite Features

Design, standard features, compact, easy to park and drive, and of course, the cuteness factor.

Suggested Improvements

Back seat is pretty much useless, noise from the roof and interior, little more oomf on pick up in the base model.

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

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