Starting at $26,795
6.5/10
C/D RATING
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Mini
6.5/10 C/D RATING
Photos
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- Highs Time-tested retro-modern design, a wide variety of customization options, frolicsome road manners.
- Lows Not the most commodious cabin, the ride may be too firm for some, the price can quickly escalate from the attractive starting MSRP.
- Verdict Few small cars even approach the level of fun the Mini Cooper offers, but its price puts it in tough competition with luxury-brand rivals that are more well-rounded.
Overview
While the Mini Cooper may well be the quintessential fun-to-drive small car, its diminutive footprint and snug cabin may not make sense for every buyer. Those who can make a subcompact car work in their lifestyles will find the Cooper a real creampuff, with a fun-loving nature that begs you to take it on a brisk drive on twisty roads. The standard setup is a three-door hatchback, but a five-door hatchback and a convertible are also offered, and all of them feature Mini's iconic retro-modern styling. If you're easy on options, you can get into a base-level Cooper for the price of a well-equipped Honda Civic, but as soon as you start adding desirable options—including swapping the standard 134-hp turbo three-cylinder for the punchier 189-hp turbo four—the Mini suddenly wears a price tag similar to that of an Audi A3 or a BMW 2-series. If you have even more money to spend and want to ramp up the performance and handling, check out the Cooper JCW (reviewed separately), which uses a 228-hp version of the Cooper's turbo four-cylinder engine.
Where This Vehicle Ranks
What's New for 2024?
Mini added the manual transmission back to the lineup last year, but only on the three-door hardtop models. Now, the six-speed stick is available across the entirety of the Cooper lineup, including convertible and five-door hardtop models. Last year's Resolute Edition package sticks around for the 2024 model year due to its popularity. Based on the top-spec Iconic trim, the Resolute Edition package adds Rebel Green exterior paint, bronze-colored hood stripes, and yellow and cream tweed interior upholstery. The Seaside Edition is new for 2024 and is exclusive to the Cooper S convertible models. The Seaside Edition comes in either Caribbean Aqua or Nanuq White exterior colors and wears unique body stripes, special wheels, black leather upholstery, and special decorative dashboard trim; only 500 will be offered, making the Seaside Edition cars fairly rare.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
We'd choose to go with the manual transmission and put it in the more powerful 189-hp Cooper S Hardtop to maximize the fun-to-drive factor. The five-door Hardtop costs a bit extra, but we'd stick with the three-door since neither Mini is all that spacious. Beyond that, the personal customization options are numerous and desirable, and we'll leave them up to you.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The standard engine is a 134-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder, which provides adequate pep in this small, lightweight, front-drive vehicle. We prefer the S models, which come with a 189-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. With the larger engine, the S proved to be a little more than a second faster to 60 mph than with the base 1.5-liter engine, clocking in at 6.2 seconds. We found the automatic transmission shifts well, but the manual transmission is still our favorite as it provides the most driver engagement. The firm suspension lends itself to enthusiast-oriented driving, which can make the Mini Cooper exciting, but the ride can be unforgiving on rough roads.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Hardtop and convertible models with the base three-cylinder engine are rated for 29 mpg city and 38 mpg highway with the automatic transmission and 27 mpg city and 37 mpg highway with the manual. With the three-cylinder engine and a six-speed manual, we managed 38 mpg during our 75-mph highway fuel economy test route. The more powerful 2.0-liter engine in the Cooper S is rated slightly lower by the EPA, with automatic models earning ratings as high as 28 mpg city and 38 mpg highway and manual models earning ratings of 23 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. For more information about the Cooper's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Mini's interior is charmingly quirky but at the cost of user-friendliness. Rear-seat passenger space is tight, but front-seat occupants will find little reason to complain. The Convertible model's power top will fold in 18 seconds to unlock the joy of unlimited headroom. Too bad its trunk is tiny. Hardtop models offer more practicality inside their hatchback bodies—but still not a lot given the car's small size. The Hardtop model's trunk is quite small, offering room for just three carry-on suitcases in our testing. But drop the rear seats, and there's room for 12 carry-ons. The five-door Hardtop offers more space for cargo with the rear seats folded, but the Convertible offers less. A leather-wrapped steering wheel and heated front seats come standard on the Mini Cooper, and a leather interior is optional.
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Infotainment and Connectivity
All Mini Cooper models come standard with an 8.8-inch infotainment display and a digital gauge cluster. SiriusXM satellite radio is also standard across the lineup, but buyers seeking Apple CarPlay, in-dash navigation, or wireless phone charging will need to pay extra for those features. Android Auto is not available.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The Mini Cooper comes with standard automated emergency braking and offers adaptive cruise control and park assist as options. For more information about the Cooper's crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking
- Standard lane-departure warning
- Available adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Mini offers a slightly better warranty than other small-car manufacturers, particularly with complimentary scheduled maintenance. Volvo and BMW both offer complimentary scheduled maintenance plans that match Mini's policy.
- Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles
Specifications
VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 4-passenger, 2-door convertible
PRICE AS TESTED: $34,450 (base price: $30,450)
ENGINE TYPE: turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 122 cu in, 1998 cc
Power: 189 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque: 207 lb-ft @ 1250 rpm
TRANSMISSION: 6-speed manual
DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 98.2 in
Length: 151.9 in
Width: 68.0 in Height: 55.7 in
Passenger volume: 77 cu ft
Cargo volume (top up/down): 8/6 cu ft
Curb weight: 2978 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS:
Zero to 60 mph: 6.2 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 16.0 sec
Zero to 130 mph: 36.0 sec
Rolling start, 5-60 mph: 6.8 sec
Top gear, 30-50 mph: 8.5 sec
Top gear, 50-70 mph: 6.9 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 14.7 sec @ 96 mph
Top speed (mfr's est): 143 mph
Braking, 70-0 mph: 158 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.91 g
FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA city/highway driving: 23/33 mpg
C/D observed: 24 mpg
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FAQs
What is the most desirable Mini Cooper? ›
The most reliable Minis are those that have been produced from 2015 up to 2021. However, if you go by consumer reports, the best used Mini Coopers are those made between 2018 and 2021. The price of a used Mini Cooper depends on the model, make, year, and mileage of the vehicle.
Is it worth it to buy a Mini Cooper? ›The Mini Cooper is worth a look if you're shopping for a sporty small car, but it isn't exactly a top pick next to more refined rivals like the Honda Civic and Mazda3. Both can match the Mini's fun-to-drive persona, but they offer better practicality, a lower price point and longer warranty coverage.
Is the Mini Cooper expensive to maintain? ›The car's high maintenance and repair costs are one of the considerable blows to its reliability. Mini Cooper owners pay an average of $850 per year in repair and maintenance costs. The cost is significantly higher than the average repair and maintenance cost of $652 for all models.
Who makes the engines for Mini Cooper? ›Who Makes Mini Cooper Engines? A renowned German brand, BMW owns the Mini Cooper. The brand manufactures the petrol Mini Cooper Engines at Hams Hall Plant in the UK. But, the brand manufactures diesel Mini Cooper Engines at Plant Steyr in Austria.
What type of people buy Mini Cooper? ›Bauers says Mini owners fall into four categories: brand enthusiasts, who relish the car's British racing roots; design aficionados, who like the car's simple elegance; social butterflies, who want to be part of the Mini community; and gas misers, who crave the Mini's fuel efficiency.
Do MINIs hold their value? ›MINIs are known to hold value very well, being reliable, well-made, and in demand. You should expect a very low depreciation rate — read on below for more details. There are a number of things you can do as a careful owner in order to achieve a good price when you sell your MINI.
How many miles will a Mini Cooper last? ›Mini Coopers last as long as the average car will, for the most part. They can go for as much as 250,000 miles in their lifetime. Of course, the better care you take of your Mini Cooper, then the longer it will last.
What are the disadvantages of Mini Cooper? ›You can't fit as many passengers, and there is minimal room for luggage. For those who need lots of room, this con can throw the idea of a Mini Cooper out the window. The size also makes the Mini Cooper a little more dangerous to drive. It's easier to miss a Mini Cooper, especially if you're in a large vehicle.
What is the longevity of a Mini Cooper? ›A typical Mini Cooper will probably last about 10-18 years on average, for most drivers. That's a long time compared with older vehicles, but not as long as some of the most durable brands, like Toyota or Honda can offer on some of their vehicles.
How much is a oil change on a Mini Cooper? ›MINI Cooper Oil Change Cost
While the cost may vary, the average price of a MINI Cooper oil change is between $150 and $190. Labor costs are estimated to fall between $75 and $96, while the cost of parts is estimated between $78 and $93.
Does Mini Cooper require premium gas? ›
What kind of gas does a MINI Cooper take? You can actually use either, but premium gasoline is recommended for MINI Cooper models.
What should I pay for a Mini Cooper? ›2022 MINI Cooper Electric: Starting at $29,900* MSRP. 2022 MINI Cooper S Convertible Sidewalk Edition: Starting at $38,900. 2022 MINI Hardtop 2 Door Oxford Edition: Starting at $19,750* MSRP. 2022 MINI Hardtop 4 Door Oxford Edition: Starting at $20,750* MSRP.
Which MINI has a BMW engine? ›MINI R56 hatchback. The most common of the second generation shapes – the 3 door hatchback; the iconic MINI shape. This model ran from 2007 to 2013 and as of August 2010 onwards had a 'mid-life' facelift with a number of under-the-skin changes – mainly they started using BMW sourced engines for the diesel cars.
Do all Mini Coopers have BMW engines? ›The use of the term 'BMW Mini' or 'Bini' for the current Mini hatchback is understandable. The car sits on a BMW platform shared with the likes of the 1-series and 2-series Gran Coupe, is powered by BMW engines, and is stuffed full of BMW technology. For the original R50, R52 and R53, though, this isn't really correct.
Do Mini Coopers have good motors? ›The base turbocharged three-cylinder is surprisingly powerful, and the turbo four-cylinder in the S is strong. We got 31 mpg with the base car, and 30 in the S. While the automatic works well, the manual transmission better fits the Mini's nature. If you want a fun little car, go for the base Mini.
Who is Mini Cooper target market? ›Mini cars belong to the premium small luxury car segment. These cars are mainly targeted at the higher end customer segment. Since always, Mini cars have remained the favourite of royalty, celebrities, musicians and film stars.
What celebrities drive Mini Coopers? ›- Gerald Harper's “Adamant” 1966 Mini Cooper S.
- George Harrison's “Magical Mystery Tour” 1965 Mini Cooper S.
- Steve McQueen's 1967 Mini Cooper S.
- Enzo Ferrari's Mini Cooper.
- Mick Jagger's Wood & Pickett Mini Cooper S.
- Rowan Atkinson (Mr. Bean)'s 1976 Mini 1000.
If MINIs are affordable to many everyday folks, and look so different from the rest, is it safe to consider MINI a luxury car? The answer is yes. From the MINI John Cooper Works to MINI Hardtops, MINI is indeed a luxury brand. This is because it isn't about money when it comes to luxury cars.
Do Minis break down a lot? ›ReliabilityIndex puts the brand in 19th place out of 36, with a reliability index of 110. This isn't bad, though it is average more than it is above average. The Telegraph rank Mini 19th in their 20 most reliable car brands, with 140 problems per 100 vehicles.
Are Minis more expensive to insure? ›In comparison to other car models and average costs of insurance, MINI Cooper's insurance costs are inexpensive. The average cost of insurance for a MINI Cooper is $1,292 per year, which is $135 less than the national average across all car models.
Which year is the most reliable mini? ›
- 2021 Mini Cooper. Reliability data for the Mini Cooper is widespread and varied from one source to another. ...
- 2016 Mini Cooper. ...
- 2011 Mini Cooper. ...
- 2006 Mini Cooper.
The most fuel-efficient MINI models are the automatic versions of the 2022 MINI Hardtop 2 Door, MINI Hardtop 4 Door and MINI Cooper Convertible, which all clock in with great efficiency at 38 highway MPG.
Are Mini Coopers good in the snow? ›When you think of MINI Cooper models, you don't often associate them with all-weather capability. However, there are many MINI vehicles that can handle snow and ice with ease, especially when equipped with winter tires.
Are new Mini Coopers reliable? ›According to RepairPal, the Mini Cooper has a reliability rating of 3.0 out of 5.0 and ranks 25th out of 32 car brands. However, the Mini Cooper did rank 21st out of 21 cars in the subcompact segment. The high cost of repair and maintenance for Mini Cooper has significantly hurt its reliability.
Are Mini Coopers bumpy to ride? ›Suspension and ride comfort
Every Mini rides pretty firmly over typically undulating British roads. Thankfully, well-judged damping stops the car feeling like a pogo stick. In fact, the only time it gets uncomfortable is over a particularly vicious pothole or if you encounter mid-corner bumps at speed.
- Use an Optimum Engine Oil. ...
- Choose the Right Type of Fuel. ...
- Take Good Care of Your Transmission. ...
- Know When to Call the Pros. ...
- Pay Attention to Brakes. ...
- Establish a Winter Checklist. ...
- Get Ready for Summer.
Higher costs for services such as oil changes are thanks to Mini's luxury owner, BMW. Another factor that makes the Mini Cooper more expensive overall is its need for premium gasoline, AxleAddict explains. When a Cooper needs repairs, they tend to cost more, too.
Are Mini Coopers safe in an accident? ›According to vehiclehistory.com, Mini Coopers are safe cars. Compared to other small cars, they are much safer in the case of a collision.
Do MINI Coopers need special oil? ›What Type of Motor Oil is Recommended for MINI Vehicles? BMW Genuine Oil with a viscosity grade of SAE 0W-30 is recommended for MINI vehicles. This is a synthetic oil type, which helps ensure the best possible performance for your MINI.
Does a MINI Cooper need a special oil change? ›Oil Type – All MINI vehicles should receive synthetic SAE 0W-30 BMW Genuine Oil. Using a different type of oil could negatively impact your oil change frequency. Occasional Driving – Even if you don't drive very often, you should get a MINI Cooper oil change at least once or twice a year.
How often does a MINI need an oil change? ›
Routine oil changes help keep your MINI healthy. Most vehicles today have an oil change frequency somewhere between 7,500 and 10,000 miles. But the MINI Cooper recommended oil change is between 10,000-12,000 miles because MINI cars use synthetic oil.
Can I put 89 gas in my MINI Cooper? ›High-Octane Fuel
The minimum requirement for your Mini engine is 91 octane, but we recommend using 93 or 95 octane to sustain your vehicle for the long run.
However, remember this: when a premium fuel engine runs on regular fuel, there's a risk of combustion of the fuel mix before the spark plug even lights up. This causes a phenomenon called knocking, which is likely to damage the engine. Although Mazda recommends using premium fuel, they don't require it.
What happens if you put 89 gas in a 87 car? ›If the octane rating is less than 91, you could damage the engine and may void your vehicle warranty.
How much are 2023 Mini Coopers? ›Price: The 2023 Mini Cooper starts at $23,400 for the Hardtop 2 Door model. The 4 Door version is another $1,000. The Convertible starts at $28,400.
How often do Mini Coopers need servicing? ›Engine oil service.
We recommended booking an Engine Oil Service every two years (or 18,000 miles – whichever comes first). Changing your MINI's oil improves mileage and helps maintain a healthy engine.
- MINI Synthetic Engine Oil.
- Oil Filter replacement.
- Engine Air Filter check.
- Cabin Air Filter check.
- Tire inflation and condition check.
- Brake fluid check.
- Transmission fluid check.
- Power steering fluid check.
You might know Mini as the spunky, go-kart-like British purveyor of small hatchbacks, convertibles, and SUVs, but the brand is actually owned by BMW.
What does the S stand for in Mini Cooper S? ›But as it was produced specifically for motorsport, the Cooper 'S' proudly stands for sport. Back in 1963, Mini realised how successful its 997 Mini Cooper was on the track and figured they could take it up a notch: the then 1071 cc Cooper S was born.
How much does it cost to replace a MINI engine? ›The cost to replace a Mini Cooper engine varies depending on the model year, engine type, and where you live – as well as a variety of other factors. While each case is different, you can generally expect this job to cost you around $4,000.
Who makes the MINI engines? ›
Who Makes Mini Cooper Engines? A renowned German brand, BMW owns the Mini Cooper. The brand manufactures the petrol Mini Cooper Engines at Hams Hall Plant in the UK. But, the brand manufactures diesel Mini Cooper Engines at Plant Steyr in Austria.
Is the 3 cylinder MINI engine good? ›The three-cylinder doesn't hinder the driving pleasure too much, which remains superior to most compact cars on the market. In addition, its average consumption is lower than 8.0 L/100 km. If you're interested in performance, the real fun begins with the Cooper S.
Are MINI Cooper S German made? ›The MINI Lineup
Is MINI Cooper a BMW lineup manufactured in Germany? No, it is still predominantly manufactured in England, even though the majority of the vehicles are created by a Netherlands contract plant.
The car's high maintenance and repair costs are one of the considerable blows to its reliability. Mini Cooper owners pay an average of $850 per year in repair and maintenance costs. The cost is significantly higher than the average repair and maintenance cost of $652 for all models.
Why are Mini Coopers noisy? ›BMW Mini Coopers can develop a rattling noise, though many people may initially be unaware of the cause. The rattling noise coming from the engine known as the “Death Rattle Noise” is caused by the timing chain.
What is the best selling mini? ›Best-Selling Mini Models in 2021
The MINI 3-door led the brand's internal sales statistics again in 2021 with 105,511 new registrations a 10.1% increase. The MINI Countryman increased its sales figures by 6.0 percent to 82 362 units. Demand for open-air driving fun also developed positively.
It's a '1970 Radford Mini Cooper 1275 S Mk3' and was featured in numerous Newspaper and Magazine Adverts and Articles of the time. Radford Mini's were rare and expensive when new and actually cost more than a Rolls Royce Shadow and only £250 less than a Lamborghini Miura.
What is the luxury brand of Mini Cooper? ›You might know Mini as the spunky, go-kart-like British purveyor of small hatchbacks, convertibles, and SUVs, but the brand is actually owned by BMW.
Which MINI gets the best gas mileage? ›The most fuel-efficient MINI models are the automatic versions of the 2022 MINI Hardtop 2 Door, MINI Hardtop 4 Door and MINI Cooper Convertible, which all clock in with great efficiency at 38 highway MPG.
What is the best engine in a Mini Cooper? ›We prefer the S models, which come with a turbocharged 189-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder. With the larger engine, the S proved to be a little more than a second faster to 60 mph than with the base 1.5-liter engine, clocking in at 6.2 seconds.
Which year is the most reliable MINI? ›
- 2021 Mini Cooper. Reliability data for the Mini Cooper is widespread and varied from one source to another. ...
- 2016 Mini Cooper. ...
- 2011 Mini Cooper. ...
- 2006 Mini Cooper.
THE SPIRIT OF THE STREETS. Soon enough, people began to recognize that the Mini was not merely a car. The unique combination of classic British style in a low-cost, small size, fun and nimble package came to symbolize independence and spontaneity.
What year Mini Cooper is the fastest? ›...
More from MINI of Warwick
- 2023 MINI Cooper Countryman Trim Levels. ...
- 2023 MINI Cooper Interior. ...
- 2022 MINI Cooper 2-Door Interior.
The transition to BMW engines didn't happen until the third-generation 'F56' Mini came along in 2013. It was given B38 inline-threes, B48 four-pots, and B37/B47 diesels.
Do Mini Coopers drive well in snow? ›With enough momentum, the Cooper tackles mild snow drifts with ease and without getting bogged down, though ground clearance can be an issue in unpredictable snow situations. For that, there is the Mini Countryman All4 with steel wheels on high-profile winter tires, known colloquially as the Canadian package.
How often do you change the oil in a Mini Cooper? ›Routine oil changes help keep your MINI healthy. Most vehicles today have an oil change frequency somewhere between 7,500 and 10,000 miles. But the MINI Cooper recommended oil change is between 10,000-12,000 miles because MINI cars use synthetic oil.