So I have a 2003 Cooper. I have had almost zero problems with it. The only issues have been a dead battery and some annoying rattles. Plus, I really don't use the Auto AC much.

I've heard that the 2005s are more solid. Are there any other issues that have been resolved in the 2004 model?

Thanks.

 

Comparing the 2002 MC with the 2005 MC you should be OK.
The cabrio might have some problems being a new model.
The 2005 models appear to be solid with no glaring problems.
Windshields are supposed to have been improved in 2004 to help reduce the cracking that has happened in some.

Many rattles can come in time with the car getting older and less stiff.
Take a 2005 for a test drive and see for yourself.
Are you considering an MCS or sticking with the MC?

 

I'd stick with the Cooper. I've always liked its simpler lines. My major concern are the rattles. It's not the case that my Cooper rattles like crazy, I just don't want it to get progressively worse and be a rattle box in a year or two.

 

are rear fog lights standard on 2005s?

 

My 03 has started to rattle a bit,driver door,some dash noise as it heats in cold weather,goes away when there is heat.
The driver door will be looked at soon by the dealer.

 

No! But I think the kit may be available from the dealer. And the wiring is already there.

Lois

 

I also heard that the ride is better in the 05 CVT model. I do dislike the lag that my 03 CVT gives.

Anyone have the 05 CVT?

 

I love the improvements between my 03 and my 05 (and I loved my 03). The leather seems to be thicker, the ride is smoother, the accelleration is better, the car seems more solid (doors, hatch and hood close with a firmer thud), etc. I just think the production fit and finish gets better as they build more cars and work out the kinks.

 

They are no longer a factory option for cars sold in the US. From what I was told at the dealer, the reasoning was twofold. First, they are now illegal in several states including California, and second, the rear fog light on the '05s a is where the back up light was on previous years. You can still get them from the dealer, but then you have to pay dealer's labor by the hour, which at my dealer is quite exorbitant.

 

Seems like with every production year MINIs have been getting better and better. The '05s are no exception from the raves I hear. Let's hope the trend continues (...and I think it will). So far I'm bent on keeping my '03 although each new toy that's introduced certainly is tempting.

 

I'm sure that the 05s are tight,fun cars.But I love my 03

 

I was just at Patrick Mini here near Chicago and I was checking out the 05 convertibles Cooper S. I noticd that the windshield was cracking near the bottom corner by the steering wheel.

Is this the normal spot for the windshields to be cracking? I told the sales guy about it and he said that a rock hit the windshield.

 

I've had my 03 MC for over a year now. It has zero rattles and the doors and rear hatch close with a "thunk" that would be hard to improve on. Fit and finish is near perfect. Maybe the 05's are even better. I hope they are, but the small changes that I've seen certainly don't make me want to run to the nearest dealer to trade for a new MINI. It's always nice to have a brand new car, but to justify the expense because the 05 MINI is significately better would take more of an imagination than I can muster..........also more money.


R.E.