2005 BMW Mini Cooper review from UK and Ireland

Only problem I have had with the MINI was after the first oil change (11900miles) when the oil filter seal was fitted incorrectly and the oil leaked out under pressure, dealer came out within 2 hours, replaced the filter, topped up the oil and gave us a full valet and undercar degrease.

My 05 Electric Blue Body and Black Roofed MINI Cooper was specced up with £4500 of options as new, and has had the John Cooper Works Sound Kit fitted recently. It has given me more smiles per mile than any other vehicle I have ever driven!

Original spec includes chilli pack, panoramic sunroof, full leather seats, chrono pack, harmmon kardon 400 watt hifi, 6 disc boot changer, bonnet stripes, sports suspension plus, folding heated mirrors, chrome line interior and exterior and factory fitted alarm.

As stock the Cooper is pretty quick, with excellent handling characteuristics, the Sports Suspension Plus is harsh at low speeds, but excellent when you get above 40mph. Acceleration was good, but the real torque didn't cut in until 4000revs, now with the JCW Sound kit the car is much more responsive throughout the whole rev range!

Looks wise the car is stunning, and build quality is excellent, really gives you a feel of a much bigger and more expensive vehicle!

I have nothing bad to say about my MINI, sure the boot space is limited, but I didn't buy her for carrying things in, I bought her to have fun and as a reasonably economical means of rather quick transport!