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2005 MINI Cooper S consumer reviews

$20,400 starting MSRP
side view of 2005 Cooper S MINI
(44 reviews)
93% of drivers recommend this car
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.1
  • Interior 4.4
  • Performance 4.8
  • Value 4.3
  • Exterior 4.8
  • Reliability 4.2
Explore the 2005 MINI Cooper S

Bought for my wife as a birthday present

She loves it. Fast, low. Drives like a go-cart. Pretty stiff suspension, so you feel the road. We can even fit two car seats in the back for the kids, but there is not much leg room for them. Pretty nice in the front, though. Maybe, someday, she'll let me drive it.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
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JCW Cooper S Convertible - quick, fun, and cheeky.

I use cheeky because, well even though it is 75% BMW, that 25% is so British.. Car is fast, fun, and well appointed. Looks great, always turns heads. People are amazed that my 6'2" self even fits. It is 0-62 in 6 seconds. That is pretty quick for an econobox. Mileage is over estimated. It is truly about 29 highway. I say about, but it is because I can't keep my foot off the accelerator. RUN FLAT tires - stink... brutal ride... sound horrible on the road. No spare. Battery in the boot (yep too much top gear for me). Otherwise a really fun car though, the 1 button top down is neat (even the 1 button on the remote). The sunroof option is also neat. Too many options and buttons to remember, but that is fun!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 2.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 2.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Most Fun Car I've Ever Driven

This car is a blast! It zips through traffic with ease. The convertible top, cruise control, and premium sound system make it an absolute pleasure to spend time in. At 6'3" I have trouble fitting into many mid-size vehicles but have all the room I need in this little car. With the John Cooper Works package the suspension is stiff and I like it that way. If you want to drive a car that will put a smile on your face, try a MINI.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Totally love my mini

The Mini S convertible is the best. It handles so tight, it's like taking curves on rails. This is my first manual transmission car, and although I also loved my VW, there's something undeniably fun about driving the stick shift turbo! This was a very easy car for learning manual as well, it shifts easily and catches quick. Overall, the car is awesome. I would recommend it to anyone, as long as they're not trying to bring more than 2 friends along who are over 6'2"...

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does recommend this car
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enigma

bought new 05 BRG S convertible. Dealer installed JCW. In first 5,ooo miles had replaced under warranty top and mechanism, headlamps, power steering pump, wheel sensors and bearings. Now at 26,000 driver's seat (heated leather) stitching gone, rear window mis-aligned, top frayed slightly. Plusses: confidence inspiring fun handling and decent acceleration. Doesn't get dated stylewise. The car is washed clay-barred, quality polished regularly. Maintenance is done ahead of schedule because it is a low milage car. I am 67 years old, and drive but do not abuse. You can drive this car anywhere in any weather and have fun. I get 28 +/- mpg. There's lots of torque steer and cowl shake. Rattles are everywhere since day one. I think there are some better rides for the $$, but the fun factor is strong, and the drivetrain is solid.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 2.0
  • Interior 1.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 3.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 2.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Does recommend this car
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Best performance and fun below 35 grand

Rock solid reliability, Excellent handling. This is my daily driver, always brings a smile to my face everytime I drive it. Great conversation piece, people are naturally drawn to it. Great gas mileage too! Only thing is the ride can be harsh at times, especially with the run-flats. Maintenance can be pricey, as the parts are BMW. Overall, a great car to own.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Fun driver's car

I've had this car a while..going on 5 years and 100K miles. I still like it as much today, as the first day I owned it. No, it is not the most plush ride on the road. But who wants to drive something like that anyway? This car hugs the road, gives great feedback to the driver and is an absolute blast to drive.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 3.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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2nd most fun I've had in a car

This car is a joy to drive and completely addictive, can't stop driving it. I love the looks I get from other drivers on the road and in parking lots people stop and want to know if it's as much fun to drive as it looks, the answer is a resounding YES!!!!!!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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2005 Mini Cooper S..great

I purchased a 2005 mini cooper S and it is great. I love both the exterior and interior styling and the harman kardon sound system is excellent. i love my mini S

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
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Outstanding performance and handling

The 2005 Mini Cooper S model is a superior vehicle to anything else in its class. It is unique and extremely fun to drive. It is the union of a go-cart and a roller coaster on the road. Nothing comes close to it. I would recommend this model to anyone seeking the thrill of having heads turn as you pass them by.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
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