- 118,201
- 6,900 high price
- Lanham, MD
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- autoshopper.com
2005 mini cooper review this car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale. Mini goes topless. introductionbmw got the resurrection of the mini right. Being a third larger than the original, this thoroughly modern mini could hardly be a slavish copy of that issigonis-designed vehicle in which everyone from rock stars to the royal family (all behind darkened windows) darted about london in the swinging '60s of the century past. Nonetheless, designer frank stephenson caught the sassy, can-do attitude of the first mini and made the new one a striking statement in style when it was introduced in 2002 as well as an e-ticket carnival ride. Not to mention a serious vehicle that can tote more than seems likely, can dry out wet pavement with its excellent handling and can stimulate more smiles than a precocious three-year-old at a grown-up party. and that's just the mini cooper. It's a high-quality piece with bmw engineering, as solid as any german sedan. Its retro styling is as endearing as a bulldog (which inspired the design). furthermore, with its multitude of passive and active safety systems, the mini cooper has been called the safest small car on the world's highways. The reception of the new mini has exceeded expectations. The number of bmw dealers who sell the mini is being expanded, however, though slowly and meticulously to assure, bmw says, that its standards continue to be met. For the same reason, changes since 2002 have been incremental, refinements and added options more than anything. for 2005, however, mini cooper and mini cooper s are available as convertibles. All models get a few interior enhancements for 2005, including new interior lighting, storage space and new trim options. Revised headlamps and tail lamps and a new grille subtly freshen the looks of the 2005 mini. The cooper and cooper s get new manual gearboxes with revised gearing for improved acceleration, and the s gets a slight bump in power to 168 horsepower. lineupthe 2005 mini cooper comes in two model designations: the 115-horsepower mini cooper and 168-horsepower mini cooper s. Either is available as a convertible. All models come standard with a manual gearbox. the mini cooper 16,449) comes with a high level of equipment, including air conditioning, cd stereo with six speakers, power windows with auto-down, power locks, remote keyless entry, and a rear wiper all standard. A five-speed gearbox and 15-inch alloy wheels are standard. A continuously variable transmission, or cvt 1,300), is available for drivers who must have an automatic. The cooper s has exterior trim that distinguishes it from the base model. Inside, the s adds sport seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. No automatic is available. the mini cooper convertible 20,950) and cooper s convertible 24,400) are equipped similarly. like a favorite action-figure toy that needs more costumes and paraphernalia, the minis have a long list of factory options and color combinations. The 2005 convertibles are available in a new hot orange (like spiced pumpkin pie) and cool blue. Mini customers can build their car online (at miniusa. Com) with colors, options, and accessories. stand-alone options include automatic air conditioning 300), a harman kardon stereo with eight speakers 550), leather seats 1300), xenon headlamps 550), a navigation system 1700), and dynamic stability control 500). Other options are grouped into packages: the premium package 1350) includes sunroof, automatic air conditioning, on-board computer and cruise control. The cold weather package 570) includes heated seats, mirrors and windshield-washer jets, along with rain-sensing wipers and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. there's also a dealer installed works kit that significantly improves performance and increases the price as much as $10,000 depending on specifics. all minis come with a luxury-class list of safety features, including anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution, front and front side-impact airbags, curtain-style head-protection airbags for all passengers, a crash sensor that automatically unlocks the doors, seatbelt pretensioners and side-impact door beams. The cooper s adds traction control. Both cars offer dsc electronic stability control 500) as an option and new car test drive recommends getting it. walkaroundall 2005 models get a facelift, incorporating new headlights and taillights and a new three-slat radiator grill, in addition, the front and rear bumper fascias on the cooper models are revised with a cleaner look. the bulldog stance of the mini cooper is distinctive and appealing. The mini is low, wide, and short, with short overhangs. The wheelbase (the distance between the front and rear wheels) measures 97. 1 inches, longer than some small cars, yet the mini is shorter overall than any other car sold in the u. S., at 142. 8 inches (less than 12 feet). The current mini cooper shares some of its basic design tenets with the original, but with one-third greater width, length and height. the hood is wide, but short in depth, the product of unique design and manufacturing techniques. That, along with the big round doe-eyed headlights (which go up with the hood), are largely responsible for the common 'oh-h-h, isn't it cute!' reaction. Mini designers also threw in what they consider to be some voluptuous feminine curves and some masculine muscular bulges to cover all the visceral reactions. Thus the mini is neither guy wheels nor a chick car. It is an engaging automotive device with an appeal that stretches across gender, age and economic status. Its horizontal roof, giving it that toaster shape, is functional: it provides adult headroom to anyone riding in either the back or front seats, something that arch-shaped body designs (such as the beetle) do not do. the rear is trimmed with an elegant fascia, while the front fascia has body-colored bumpers. The mini cooper has one exhaust tip exiting below the sleek rear bumper on the right side. Bmw now owns and build the mini, and bmw's attention to detail is everywhere. Big oval mirrors afford a good view behind, where all those slower cars are located. those mirrors must be used diligently in the convertible because blind spots can be serious, particularly with the top up. The many advantages in having a heated solid glass back window in a convertible is complicated by the need to fit that in to the folding requirements of the top. What suffers is the outward view to the rear quarters. A rear spoiler trails off the roof, chrome brightens the fuel-filler flap, and an s logo shaped like a curvy road spices up the rear badge. Also, the rear cup holder has been enlarged, a tray has been added under the center column, partially enclosing the area and another tray has been added under the brake handle. the mini is roomy, luxurious, and convenient. Even tall drivers find it comfortable. The standard seats are firm and supportive. The sport seats are longer in seat bottom with higher bolsters. Leatherette is standard and it is superb, if vinyl can be superb. Cloth is available at no extra cost. Leather 1300) is optional for all models. the front seats slide and lift out of the way to allow rear passengers into the back of this two-door hatchback, and then they return to the original position. That makes loading rear passengers quick and easy. The seats have recliner levers on both sides for convenience. The rear seats are surprisingly roomy. There's plenty of headroom and the rear seats are scooped out to provide good support. Legroom is tight, but with a little cooperation from those in front two adults can travel short distances back there in comfort. The back seats are split and fold down for cargo versatility. the trunk in the convertible hinges at the bottom to open like a desktop, as.
6,900 Lanham, MDLanham, MD at autoshopper.com