Most liked posts in thread: Should I buy a 2005 Mini Cooper S?

  1. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    #7 Dave.0, Oct 1, 2014
    You will be really happy in an 05 MCS (R53) even if it is an auto. It is by far the best looking modern MINI built.

    If it's Chili Red it's also the fastest. :p:devil::lol:

    Just saying..... :cornut:
     
  2. BlimeyCabrio

    BlimeyCabrio Oscar Goldman of MINIs
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    #3 BlimeyCabrio, Oct 1, 2014
    Last edited: Oct 1, 2014
    That's fantastic low mileage!

    Contrary to what BMW / MINI says, the automatic needs periodic fluid refreshes. It's not super hard to do, but takes some time, and there's no "official" procedure to do it, so it's difficult to find a shop to do it in some cases. Many of us DIY it with no issues. There are procedures out there for the DIY. A partial drain/fill every 20k-30k miles is recommended.

    Some of the autos are having valve body and internal mechanical failures at higher mileage (typically 60k-150k). Many have NO problems... my valve body and an internal clutch failed at about 150k, requiring a rebuild. Root cause of this is probably a sleeve that spins internally in the transmission, blocking a fluid port and causing failure of the K2 clutch.
    K-2 Sleeve Replacement
    These are also failing in VWs and Audis with the same transmission.

    I'm not trying to turn everyone off the the auto... mine was GREAT until 150k, and I've beaten it like an old mule. But some are failing much earlier, without the abuse I've given mine.
     
  3. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    #5 MCS02, Oct 1, 2014
    Welcome to MA! The Mini is the funnest car I have ever owned, and the community is great. BlimeyCabrio knows what he is talking about. They do have some items that usually have to be taken of but all cars do. At they milage I would check the control bushings its about time for the stock ones to go bad. Everyone here replaces them with PowerFlex bushings they last a long time.

    When you buy a MINI your not getting a car, your getting a pet that eats petrol.
     
  4. mrntd

    mrntd Well-Known Member
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    #8 mrntd, Oct 2, 2014
    Welcome Aboard!

    The price and mileage are great. Get the car checked out if you can and then enjoy the ride. Ronbo got his with 3xk mi on it and I got my '05 with 24k mi years ago. Neither of us have any problems. Yes they are manuals but follow Blimey advice and you should be great to go.
     
  5. beken

    beken Well-Known Member

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    #9 beken, Oct 4, 2014
    Of course you should get a 2005 MINI Cooper S. What other year is there?

    [​IMG]

    I've had mine since new so I won't comment on the price. Best balance of fun, practicality, economy and affordability of any car out there.

    ...and you will feel right at home hanging out with great folks like those in M/A :rolleyes:
     
  6. Ronbo

    Ronbo New Member

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    #4 Ronbo, Oct 1, 2014
    It all about how well its been maintained. Run a CarFax or similiar and have it checked out by a legitimate MINI mechanic. Well worth the $$ spent.
     
  7. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    #2 Dave.0, Oct 1, 2014
    Welcome to M/A the FUN Mini site. :Thumbsup:
     
  8. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

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    #6 Crashton, Oct 1, 2014
    Welcome to M/A

    Now post pictures of your new MINI. :)
     
  9. walshe_ian

    walshe_ian Member

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    #10 walshe_ian, Oct 4, 2014
    Wouldn't bother with an auto especially if you want more power they gear boxes are hard to map with get a manual!
     
  10. rum4

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    #11 rum4, Oct 10, 2014
    welcome to m/a
     
  11. patchelect

    patchelect New Member

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    #12 patchelect, Oct 15, 2014
    I have had my issues with my Mini, but I did some research prior to purchase and concluded that the '05 S stick was the one to get for certain design reasons and mostly for the power and the transmission. Beyond my writhing and moaning about other things, the car is an absolute blast to drive and is a surprisingly good long distance runner. I took a friend on a 400 mile round trip day trip a month or so ago. He is 6'8" and was never cramped or uncomfortable. And when we returned he hasn't stopped bragging about how great the car rode, and I might add, how well I handled it. :Thumbsup:

    So going along with the others, I'd suggest passing on the automatic, although I can't comment on the '05. I know there were running changes on many of the systems, so it might be a better slush box.