2005 MINI Cooper Consumer Reviews

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.

1 out 1 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.

6 out 9 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 3 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.

6 out 6 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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2005 Mini Cooper S

Written by: catseye on 07/01/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

I sold my beloved BMW M3 to get this car, so I had high expectations for this car as a daily driver and weekend track car. I have not been disappointed. The car is solid in every way, quick, and sticks like glue. I continue to be impressed as time goes on, and understand why so many people own more than one and sell theirs to buy another one. wow! What a car.

Favorite Features

Very nimble, fairly quick, great gas mileage, solid and reliable. It is also a total hoot to drive.

Suggested Improvements

Bigger rear sway bar, cold air induction, smaller supercharger pulley, coilover suspension, all which are available at reasonable prices.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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7670226

Written by: 7670226 on 06/28/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

We dumped our Jetta for a Mini, and it was a great decision. It feels so exhilirating to ride. The vroom of the 1.6-liter four makes me want to go faster. The transmission, though is a different story. But there is so little body lean, it corners perfectly, why get an S model if this is enough? The rear seat is surprisingly roomy for a car this small. Most controls are simple to use. The outside is just adorable. The white goes perfectly with the black roof. Driving lamps help at night. It's sad that there isn't enough room for us and our luggage, so we can't go to Chicago with it. But it's so much fun just to drive through the city. It's so playful.

Favorite Features

Driving lamps, awesome manual tranny, cornering, tire grip, rips through the campus with the guys's jaws open, so cute, accurate speedometer, acceleration, MPG, heated seats, easy cabin access

Suggested Improvements

An extra cupholder, trunk space, wish I got the Nav system, why exactly does it need premium fuel?

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I may be small, but I am safe and solid.

Written by: autooracle on 04/18/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

Great car. Handles better than a 911. If that corner says 30 and you are going 60. Hold on!! Very solid. Rattles can be a bit annoying. The dealer had to intall an anti rattle kit. So-far-so-good. Get rid of the run flat tires as fast as you can wear them out. Replacing them with another brand of tire will drastically improve your ride.

Favorite Features

Rain sensing wipers, xenon headlights

Suggested Improvements

Get rid of the run flat tires.

11 out 12 people found this review helpful

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