2005 MINI Cooper Review
2005 MINI Cooper Review
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Used Cooper for sale
Appraise This CarMINI Cooper model years
MINI Cooper types
- Convertible
- Hatchback
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- It's a piece of history with modern underpinnings, BMW-engineered suspension and steering, chock-full of comfort and safety features, hatchback utility, free scheduled maintenance for three years/36,000 miles.
Cons
- Not enough horsepower in base model, questionable seat comfort, not much room for passengers and cargo, some low-grade interior materials.
What’s new
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.
Edmunds says
Replete with British charm and German engineering, the born-again 2005 Mini Cooper is a stylish, affordable go-kart for adults.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2005 MINI Cooper 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.31 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$192/mo for Cooper Base
Cooper Base
vs
$174/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
In 1959, Alec Issigonis designed a vehicle that combined minimal exterior dimensions with a surprising amount of interior space, thanks to a transverse-mounted engine and a boxy shape. Mini's decades-spanning history may be biblical, but it boils down to a car that was affordable, compact, stylish and fun to drive. Sales in the U.S. were limited to the years between 1960 and 1967, but those who have some connection to Europe always seem to harbor some tender recollection of the British icon. Then, as now, Mini had a wide appeal and reached a diverse audience, its style lending itself to artistic interpretations by pop stars, while its price allowed the middle class to own and enjoy it as well. In 1994, BMW acquired the Rover Group, which included the Land Rover, Rover, MG and Mini brands. BMW wanted entry into the lucrative high-end sport-utility market and sought Land Rover as a foothold, but the acquisition proved to be ill-fated. The company unloaded Land Rover to Ford in 2000, but kept Mini around so it could extend its reach into all segments of the marketplace, including that of the economy hatchback. BMW's goal was to retain the Mini's basic philosophies while raising the engineering bar to Bavarian standards. Enter the 2005 Mini Cooper. It merges British heritage and facade with German innards (much like the Windsor royals) in the form of technology and construction. Touted as the Next Big Thing, Mini's clever marketing campaign seems to have reached ubiquity. Although the Cooper is no great performance car and has minimal space for passengers and cargo, it has all of the things that made it so popular in the first place: an accessible price, miniature dimensions for urban convenience and fun -- in both its style and its go-kart handling. Mini is making a bold move for 2005 -- chopping the top off the Cooper. A new convertible Cooper is now available, and successfully takes the "cute" factor to yet another level. With a soft canvas top that can be lowered in just 15 seconds, the Mini convertible combines the fun of open-air driving with the one-of-a-kind style that made it famous. The Mini's soft top also not only folds completely away at the flip of a switch, it can also slide back up to 15 inches at the front for those days when you don't want to go completely topless. And even when you do decide to drop the top, there's still over four cubic feet of cargo space in back (six with the top up) -- not bad for a four-seater that's less than 12 feet long. Allow us to suggest that you option your Mini sparingly -- Coopers are eligible for most BMW-grade content, but even with just a few options, you'll end up with one enjoyable hatchback or convertible.
Performance & mpg
The base car is powered by a 1.6-liter inline four that makes 115 horsepower. This isn't much power by today's standards, but with only 2,300 pounds of car to propel, it's not dreadfully slow. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) with an automanual mode is optional. The sporty Cooper S is aided by a supercharger, allowing it to pump out 168 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard, with a six-speed automatic optional. For those who need more performance, Mini offers the dealer-installed John Cooper Works package, which increases output to 200 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque.
Safety
All Minis come with four-wheel antilock disc brakes assisted by Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Cornering Brake Control. The S model also includes traction control, and should you equip either model with the Sport Package, you'll get Dynamic Stability Control. Other standard safety features include a flat-tire monitor, side airbags for front occupants and head curtain airbags for the front and rear. The convertible version features fixed roll bars perched just behind the rear seat. In government crash tests, the 2005 Mini Cooper hatchback earned four stars (out of five) for frontal impacts and four stars for side impacts involving front occupants. In IIHS frontal offset crash testing, the Cooper was named a "Best Pick" among small cars.
Driving
You can expect lively handling from either 2005 Mini Cooper, as the cars borrow suspension bits from the current BMW 3 Series. Additionally, the more performance-oriented Cooper S gets reinforced antiroll bars and firmer springs -- its setup may be too stiff for some, but enthusiasts will love its tight reflexes around corners. Engine power is modest in both Coopers, but they get by just fine in traffic and the Cooper S loves to rev.
Interior
The Cooper's petite cabin looks stylish with its metallic trim, tubular structures and Frisbee-size speedometer in the center of the dash. Although everything looks good, some of the plastics used are low in quality. Passenger and cargo space is predictably tight -- there's just 5.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the rear seats in use for the hatchback. Amazingly, the convertible has roughly the same amount of cargo space.
2005 MINI Cooper models
The endearing little 2005 Mini Cooper is available as either a three-door hatchback or a two-door convertible, and both are available in two versions -- the Cooper and the Cooper S. The base Cooper is outfitted with 15-inch wheels, leatherette upholstery (cloth is a no-cost option), a tilt steering wheel, a centrally mounted speedometer, air conditioning with micron filtration, a six-speaker stereo with CD changer prewiring and power windows, locks and mirrors. The Cooper S adds 16-inch wheels with run-flat performance tires, seat-height adjustment and a leather-wrapped steering wheel; all of these features are available for the base car as well. The extensive options list includes a sport package, leather upholstery and a navigation system. A power-operated top is standard on all convertibles.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2005 MINI Cooper.
5 star(86%)
4 star(10%)
3 star(3%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(1%)
264 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Love after test drive
LoveMINI, 02/26/2010
2005 MINI Cooper S 2dr Convertible (1.6L 4cyl S/C 6M)
I spent extensive time researching MINI models and years, contacting dealerships, and ended up finding the perfect MINI from a private seller down the street. I spend an extensive amount of time driving due to work and a long-distance relationship, and have never been disappointed. I am a careful driver and take good care of my car, but made the mistake of using summer performance tires … throughout the Wisconsin winter...still handled fabulously! There really is nothing this little car can't do; I read through thousands of reviews before purchasing, and while the dealership inconvenience and fairly high prices for repair remain true, I have had little to no problems otherwise
4.13 out of 5 stars
Cute Car, Expensive up keep
redthirteen, 11/16/2010
2005 MINI Cooper S 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl S/C 6M)
I love the look of the Mini. I love driving the mini it actually makes driving in traffic fun. But once you have to fix something on your mini, it can be very expensive. Once your car is out of warranty, Mini USA refuses to take any responsibility for their cars. They will not fix even a manufacturers defect, and cover themselves by saying it is out of the 3 year warranty. They are cute … cars but are not made to last.
3.25 out of 5 stars
Auto transmission
Ron, 11/10/2010
2005 MINI Cooper 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
This car was a gem when we first got it however in year 4 at 30,000 km the ac went and recently the CVT has developed a clunk when cold and put into drive. Have just sold it as the transmission is poor and have no intention of putting another 7k into the dealers pocket.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Fun to drive when I can
JaeC, 10/13/2010
2005 MINI Cooper S 2dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl S/C 6M)
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')
2005 Cooper Highlights
Convertible
Base
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $21,450 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 27 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $195/month |
Seating | 4 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 5.8 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Cooper include:
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Post-collision safety system
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5PassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintMarginal
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