So I finally found a beautiful used Mini I can afford, and so far my reaserch of the 2005 model has not raised red flags. Can anyone out there give me some insights into problems and benefits for this particular year? The vehicle I am considering has 43,500 miles ans seems to be in excellent condition. It has the sport package and heated seats with other perks. Any help is greatly appreciated. I am excited but at the same time a bit too cautious. This would be my first Mini and I've been lusting after one for a long time!
Thanks in advance!

 

Sounds good. Check some things out. Look at the coolant bottle under the hood and make sure it doesn't have a lot of white residue around the seam (could be an indicator the bottle might go). Check the strut towers for any sign of deformation. Make sure the steering is working good. Not saying these are going to be problems, just saying it's things to look for. Other than that, sounds like a good car.

 

Check out www.motoringfile.com. Their 05 Mini archive has a lot of info that may be helpful.

 

This in particular.

I love my '05 MCSa, fully aware that as with any aging car it will need some TLC (and $$) to keep it healthy... but it's well worth while.

That said, do your due dilligence on this particular car and try to get a Carfax report if you can.

 

Carfax and then PULL THE TRIGGER DUDE!! Love my MCS.

 

I bought a '04 in April when I finally found one at my price. I've been lusting for one since they were released in the States. Mine has some wear issues and 85000 miles but I have been happy ever since. Was very suprised that I didn't lose the fun factor from my classic that i had sold b/c of the economic downturn. In fact if I were to paint it like the Stars and Stripes I think it would be better.

 

You know you want to! it's got 5000 more miles than mine had on it when I got mine a couple months ago.
heated seats are fun to secretly "ninja activate" on your sister when she's not expecting it. (they also help to dry off your clothes when you're walking around atop mt. washington with a t-shirt - yeah, that was me.)

 

AHHH! I hate it when I do that! (turning on the heated seats that is. lol.) especially during the day you can't really see the lights lit up! buggers. lol. although it is funny to hear my girlfriend freak out when her butts on fire without her realizing i hit the button on!

 

My sister's reaction was priceless, that's all I have to say.