[Mugami]

In truth thats going to be a hard one to say about. Most like myself will have only dealt with one Dealer for the Purchasing experence. Crown Mini for me in Richmond, VA. Then may have gone elsewhere for servicing and buying of parts (Crown, Sterling, Checkered Flag(Va beach)) and have found differences in the two areas. In purchasing a New MINI Barry and the crew at Crown will bend over backwards like most to get you into the car. For the parts i shop all three to see who has the part in stock vs having to order it. For service Crown is only 5 mins from my house so its convent(cant spell) and Havent really done anything to cause my disrespect. Being that i was in the Motorcycle repair business. Cerent delays like when a supplier drops the ball on a deliervy date even though you promise the owner you would havent it done by a cerent time. can happen. Things to keep an eye for is the Repaints and blemishes (as with any new car), closing of the rear hatch, running of the washer line on the passager (right) side of the Hood (bonnett). once closed look at the seem on the right side if work needed to be done the hose will be in the seem and popping out on this side. I've seen this on several cars at Crown, Sterling and Checkered Flag. Granted its a minor annoyance but it does bug me to see that on a NEW car.

As for 04 vs 05 depends if you like the Face lift or not. Since the changes are really exterior it doesnt make a difference to me on how the car should feel and react. It's just your opinion of what you like in looks that should make the difference. Since its you that will live with the car. Be happy with what you chose and go with the heart and not your head since it will be filled with other peoples idea of whats right and not your own.