2005 Mini Hardtop Pros and Cons at TrueDelta: Owner Pros and Cons by obusd203mm

Handling

Very responsive. This car reacts like a true sports car. You literally feel as if you are glued to the road as you round corners.

Materials & workmanship

The car appears solidly built. I bought it used with 5 years and almost 48000 miles on it. Despite this, I have noticed very few rattles and little wind noise. All doors and body panes are well aligned. Paint job is first rate.

Powertrain performance

Although it is a 1.6 liter engine, with the supercharger, you have more than enough power. The 6 speed manual transmission is great-very smooth engragement of gears.

Exterior styling

In one word-UNIQUE. I ended up with a "liquid yellow" model since I was buying a used car. This would not have been my first choice of colors by any means but I have to admit that it grows on you. The car looks and acts like a bulldog.

Cargo capacity

Little cargo capacity with the back seats up. It is basically a two seat sports car with a residual trunk.

Rear seat room & comfort

The rear seats are okay for choildren or small adults. Since all in my family are smaller than average, we can handle short rides in the back. More normal sized people may feel somewhat cramped, especially if someone with long legs sits in front. gae

Ride smoothness

The MINI is a sports car. If you are expecting smoothness of a large luxury car, then buy a large luxury car.

Reliability & durability

Reliability and durability , especially during the first couple of years was spotty. A number of transmission and motor problems were experienced. 2005 models and later appear to have the vast majority of these bugs worked out.