Do Mini Cooper Cost More To Repair Than Other Cars

David has had a variety of life experiences, which he loves to share with his readers.

A highly customized MINI Countryman in the showroom of a dealership.

David Livermore

What Is a MINI?

And so what is a MINI? It'southward basically a pocket-size economic system automobile that is known for its speed, extreme drifting, and unique look. At that place have been various types of MINI cars over the last several decades, but their popularity has surged considering of their availability almost all over the world, their unique look, and their race car-like quality.

MINI, which is endemic by BMW, is recognized at making some of the most popular small cars. While the Cooper is the well-nigh recognized model, in that location are other cars from MINI to choose from.

I take owned a MINI Cooper for 4 years. I thoroughly researched the brand earlier buying information technology, and I did non want to write an article until I felt experienced and knowledgeable about what the vehicle had to offering. This article will cover my experience owning this motorcar. I will go over its pros and cons besides as go over the current models offered past MINI.

This MINI has options added after it was purchased from the dealership.

David Livermore

The Pros of Buying a MINI

I'll kickoff with the positives every bit to why yous should own a MINI brand vehicle.

• Fun to drive. The main reason I wanted a MINI was because they looked so fun to drive. One time I got backside the bicycle, I knew it was a good choice. They can quickly get fast, make turns without a trouble, and can practically park anywhere. A don't really care to bulldoze, but when I do, I want it to exist in a fun machine. You lot can see how maneuverable they are in The Italian Chore. Of all of the vehicles I take endemic, the MINI has been the well-nigh fun.
• Customization. When I was first shopping around for a MINI, I went to their website to play with the various options I could accept on the machine. A cool thing about this motorcar is that you can customize it almost anyway you lot want. Not only does the MINI stand out amidst other cars, you can make your own MINI stand out among identical models.
• Relatively affordable. If you choose non to get any options, this can be a very affordable car to purchase. Granted, having some of the neater options are squeamish, they are not required.
• Surprisingly spacious motel: Despite their small size, these cars were designed to accept spacious interiors, specially in the front seats. These cars can comfortably fit tall drivers.
• Easy to park: The modest size of these vehicles make them easier to park in cramped spaces. This is something to keep in heed if you alive in a metropolis where parking is a problem.
• Less frequent maintenance. A MINI doesn't demand an oil alter or regular maintenance done every few months like other cars. Instead, you tin get two years before having the car checked out. With the standard three-yr warranty, you tin take it to a MINI dealership for its first maintenance. However, I like to get my oil changed sooner somewhere else just so it tin have clean oil.
• Great gas mileage. Even though these cars use premium gas, information technology does offering decent gas mileage. I only have to fill upwardly my tank once a calendar month, and that is driving to and from piece of work also every bit other places effectually town. I can do well-nigh 6 to seven hours of solid superhighway driving before needing a fill-upwardly.
• Loftier resale value. A MINI brand auto has a pretty good resale value, assuming the motorcar is in great shape and has no problems with information technology. If and when yous make up one's mind to become rid of your automobile, you volition earn more dorsum than what you would with other vehicles. I tend to alter cars every five years, and while I may non with my MINI, having a high trade-in value is definitely a bonus.

Example of one of the older MINI models, which isn't for sale, but is prissy to look at.

David Livermore

How Much Is a Mini Cooper?

Hither are the starting MSRPs of the 2022 models of MINI Coopers, equally well equally the prices for the various other models offered past the brand. Keep in listen that these prices will increase with the add-on of various options.

MINI Hardtop ii Door

• Cooper: $22,400
• Cooper S: $26,400
• Cooper SE: $29,900
• John Cooper Works: $32,400

MINI Hardtop four Door

• Cooper: $23,400
• Cooper S: $27,900

MINI Cooper Clubman

• Cooper S: $29,900
• Cooper Due south ALL4: $32,900
• John Cooper Works ALL4: $39,500

MINI Cooper Countryman

• Cooper: $29,100
• Cooper ALL4: $31,100
• Cooper South: $31,900
• Cooper Southward ALL4: $33,900
• Cooper Countryman SE ALL4: $41,500
• John Cooper Works ALL4: $41,500

MINI Convertible

• Cooper: $27,400
• Cooper Southward: $31,400
• John Cooper Works: $38,400

Some of the drawbacks of MINIs are that in that location isn't much leg room or trunk space.

David Livermore

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The Cons of Buying a MINI

Unfortunately, there are cons to buying and owning a MINI as well, some of which I have experienced personally.

• MINI knows you want i. When people shop around for a motorcar, they can bounce from dealership to dealership without actually expressing they want a particular type of car. Unfortunately, when shopping for a MINI, most dealers will know that yous desire 1 of those in item. If you express you drove a long way, loved them for years, etc., and then they tin can plough that against yous.
• Tin be expensive. If you want to get multiple options, then the price of this motorcar can skyrocket. With all of the options I wanted, the price of my vehicle jumped by over xxx%! Granted, it was worth it, only it made it the most expensive car I take ever owned. Then exist prepared to spend a lot of coin if yous desire various options to make your automobile unique.
• Dealerships aren't everywhere. In my case, the closest dealership is about an hour and a half away. It is certainly a pain to drive to. I am lucky that I accept one that close. Other people may take to travel hours to get to a MINI dealership. If you practice buy a car, then ensure that you learn about your warranty. The flatbed service they offer to pickup your MINI is only for a limited area, and even getting a rental while your automobile is existence repaired can be express in how far you tin can drive information technology.
• Repairs can be expensive. Once your car is out of warranty, all repairs volition need to be covered by you lot. There are extended warranty options, simply those are expensive likewise. Despite MINI make cars becoming more common, the repairs can be very expensive. And then if yous purchase one, be prepared for that if your car starts to have problems.
• It'south a small-scale car. I went from a sports car to a MINI, which to me was a big leap in size. A lot of people mutter that these cars take very picayune storage infinite. It'southward not meant to be a family machine, it'south meant to exist a fun car that can barely fit four people. Folks in the dorsum seat volition certainly experience cramped. I tin hold a lot in my car, it merely requires a bit of effort. Yet, the more expensive models have more infinite.
• Uses the well-nigh expensive fuel. Despite the decent fuel economy, the MINI does require premium fuel. You can use the cheaper types of gas, only it won't be slap-up for your vehicle, and it volition require more fill-ups, so it's strongly discouraged that you do that.
• Not-MINI dealerships won't do a expert job servicing your vehicle. I took my car in to a local repair shop to bargain with a couple small issues, besides equally get an oil change. They couldn't fix the issues I had with my car, and missed a very critical consequence that my dealership found months later on. And then don't rely on a non-MINI dealership/repair store to have adept car of your vehicle.

Secret Compartment in the MINI Cooper

Common MINI Cooper Problems

The MINI Cooper is a fairly reliable vehicle, merely it does accept its share of common bug. Hither are some that can be often seen.

• Clutch Failure: This was a adequately common problem with commencement and second generation MINI Coopers. The usual cause was hard driving, and it could occur as early as under 20,000 miles.
• Transmission Failure: The first generation vehicles were notorious for an automated manual that would routinely fail. A lawsuit actually forced BMW to offering a warranty specifically for the transmission. The coverage was for eight years or 150,000 miles, whichever came kickoff.
• Water Pump and Thermostat Housing Leak: The water pump leaking on the kickoff 2 generations of MINIs was a adequately common occurrence. They often had to be replaced at over 50,000 miles. The thermostat housing in the second generation models were fabricated of plastic. This would naturally break downwards over time.
• Radiator Back up Problems: The radiator back up is made of plastic and is located in a depression spot on the front of the car. It is very delicate and can be damaged by striking a low adjourn when parking.
• Electrical Power Steering Pump Problems: The electric power steering pumps were prone to failure, plenty so that BMW ordered a recall. The main cause of the event was either low power steering fluid or the malfunction of the electric cooling fan.

My Mini Cooper Southward, which I have owned for four years.

David Livermore

My Personal Experience Buying a MINI

I'd like to offering some of my own feel buying a MINI, just to requite you a taste of what I had to become through.

I had wanted this car for years. I did a lot of research before deciding to buy one. I really had to become to three dealerships before I finally purchased my car. I will cover each experience with each dealership.

• Dealership #1 - I was on vacation i week and decided to make the two-hr drive to examination drive a MINI. I arrived at the dealership and felt like I was more of a pain since I wasn't buying at that time. I was given a short examination drive and was sent on my way. That thoroughly discouraged me and I stopped looking for awhile.
• Dealership #2 - I decided I would buy a MINI, despite my negative feel, only it took months for me to go to that point. I fabricated an appointment with this dealership to test drive a vehicle. When I arrived, I was brash at that place were no automatics to examination drive, as they were all still "wrapped upward." They had a lot full of cars, but none of them were automatics. The salesman had the gall to state I could withal make a downward payment on a auto, even though I hadn't test driven the one I wanted yet. I walked out as I was very upset.
• Dealership #iii - Fifty-fifty though I was upset, I was shut to another dealership. I made the short drive to that one. The salesman was very squeamish; I was able to discover the auto I wanted, and I purchased it that twenty-four hour period. It was a great experience, it was merely a shame that information technology took three attempts to notice a good dealership.

So now I owned a MINI. I had a couple small issues with it. It was cipher besides bad and cipher that warranted taking it back to the dealership. I did take it in to a local place afterwards a couple years to take the oil changed and to wait at a minor issue. Unfortunately, they couldn't fix it.

I recently took it in to my dealership to become full maintenance done on it, equally well as have some issues looked at. Unfortunately, information technology was going to have more a solar day, and then I was given a rental and would have to become back the next day. By the fourth dimension I arrived the next day, it still wasn't done. I basically wasted two days on getting the auto maintained, but it was worth it.

There was an oil leak, which is apparently common in MINIs, but for whatever reason they don't tell people that or do a recall. Had it been ignored, especially since the local repair shop didn't discover it, it would have crippled the vehicle. There were some recalls as well, simply for whatever reason, I was never notified.

Despite all of that, I was pleased with the service. They talked to me throughout the process, and for the first time e'er, I was taken back to my vehicle where the mechanic explained some of the repairs to me. Even the mechanic was friendly. And so despite the issues I had having to take 2 days off work to get this done, I was happy overall with the feel.

I love my MINI, it's the all-time motorcar I have owned. I am concerned nigh any hereafter repair costs, but I think if you have care of your auto and have a Mini dealership expect at it directly, and then there shouldn't be many issues. I recommend this motorcar for anyone who wants something fun and exciting to drive.

*UPDATE #ane*

I eventually traded in my MINI. Once the warranty expired, I didn't feel comfortable owning it since I did not accept a local dealership close by to service the vehicle. I practice miss the vehicle and volition probably selection one upward again if a dealership ends upwardly in the same city I live in.

*UPDATE #two*

Still no MINI dealership in my area, just I know I nonetheless desire another MINI in my lifetime. I still have concerns well-nigh reliability, so I need a dealership shut by if I ever were to consider 1 again.

Often Asked Questions About MINI Coopers

Here are some common questions that people often ask nearly these cars.

Are MINI Coopers Reliable?

The reliability of these vehicles is slightly checky. This mostly relates to the common problems that older models had. These problems were typically related to the manual and front radiator back up. The more recent models of this automobile take seen redesigns that have fixed these major problems.

Why Is the MINI so Expensive?

The high-end build and design of these cars mean that they are a chip more expensive than other small cars on the marketplace. These cars were built to perform, and y'all volition feel that in how they handle. You besides have to consider the fact that these cars are made in Europe, then these are imported vehicles. Some models are more than affordable than others, simply what will really drive the toll upward is the add-on of options.

Is MINI a Luxury Machine?

While the MINI may non exist up there with Rolls-Royce or Mercedes-Benz, it can be seen as a luxury automobile that is within a more than minor cost range. These cars have designer looks and characteristic powerful engines. Some of the nicer options bachelor for MINIs include panorama roofs, automatic climate control, and heated seats.

Are MINIs Safe to Bulldoze?

Small-scale cars have a reputation of not being sturdy in a standoff. The MINI Cooper, through testing from the Insurance Constitute of Highway Safety, has been proven to offer swell protection in front and side collisions.

Are MINIs Proficient Beginning Cars?

It would exist pretty awesome to say your first car was a MINI. These are essentially luxury cars that will get attention. The major issue to keep in mind is cost. Some people may be hesitant to requite a high-finish car to a first-time commuter. The cost of maintenance tin be pricey, and these cars require premium fuel. The chances of a young driver beingness able to afford this vehicle is pretty slim. If you are considering older models, y'all take to keep the reliability bug in mind.

Does MINI Make a Hybrid?

Yes, a model of the Countryman does come up as a hybrid. You should look into that model if you lot are looking to reduce your carbon footprint.

What year MINIs should I avoid?

Yous should probably avert models from the first and second generation of MINIs. These range from the years 2000 to 2022. Every bit noted above, these models had frequent problems with the transmission, power steering, and water pump leaking. The tertiary generation of MINIs, introduced in 2022, accept fabricated revisions that fixed these issues.

Even so Want a MINI?

Cracking MINI Video

The Vehicle Models Offered by MINI

These are the models that have been offered by MINI.

• Cooper - This is the hardtop MINI, and it's the most recognized model. It'south considered the basic, and cheapest, model. This is the model that started the craze for the brand.
• Clubman - This is basically a longer version of the Cooper, allowing for more legroom. It has a unlike method to open up the torso. If you want more space, this is the way to go.
• Convertible - If y'all live in a prissy place, then the convertible version is the way to get. The height goes down nicely, and information technology seems to be a popular model among celebrities.
• Countryman - This could exist considered an SUV. This is the first model to have doors for the front end and backseat passengers. It tin also accept four-bike drive.
• Coupe - This is the fastest of the models. Dissimilar the other models, this i has quite a distinct look. Expect this one to be a tight fit. This model was discontinued in 2022.
• Roadster - This is basically the convertible version of the Coupe. This model was discontinued alongside the Coupe.
• Paceman - Some other cross-model, this is the two-door version of the Countryman. Production for this model ended in 2022.
• John Cooper Works - Y'all can cull to upgrade to the John Coopers Works edition of nearly of the MINI models, simply it comes with a high price tag. If yous desire the best engine, you can go with this.

Alternatives to the MINI Cooper

If the MINI isn't quite what y'all are looking for, yous should consider these cars for your next purchase.

• Honda Civic: This meaty automobile is a fleck more on the affordable side, although you can add together some nice options if you have actress spending money. There are also performance models that offer more horsepower.
• Kia Soul: This car has a similar size and appearance to the MINI. It has a spacious interior and carries a budget toll. Information technology's not as fast as a MINI, but its performance is groovy because the cost.
• Mazda MX-5 Miata: This sports car makes upwardly for its lack of infinite with a stylish look. It doesn't really offer anything special, but it drives very well for its affordable price.
• Volkwagen Golf game: This is a compact hatchback that offers stellar treatment with its turbocharged engine. There is a pricier operation model that offers more horsepower.
• Honda Fit: This subcompact car offers a roomy interior that is like to the MINI. It is also very easy to park this vehicle in a crowded urban center. While information technology may non wait as sophisticated as the MINI, information technology is hard to beat the low price on this one.
• BMW X1: This subcompact SUV is pricier than a MINI, just you volition get a spacier interior for passengers and cargo. It features sharp treatment and should be considered if you lot have a bit more to spend.

Who Owns MINI?

The MINI brand is currently owned by BMW; they take owned the make since 2000. MINI was originally introduced past the British Motor Corporation in 1959. They were initially marketed nether the Austin and Morris line of cars before they eventually became their ain make in 1969.

What Model MINI do You lot Want?

MINI Cooper S

This content is authentic and true to the best of the author's knowledge and is non meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

Questions & Answers

Question: Is information technology worth it to buy a 2d-hand MINI rather than new?

Answer: That'due south hard to say. I know ane person who has a MINI that has lasted for a long fourth dimension, while mine was having recall issues. Information technology depends on the cost. Get a report on the vehicle as well.

Question: How does a mini handle in the snowfall?

Reply: Deep snow may crusade an issue considering of the low clearance. In that location is also a concern almost those tough up hills.

However, it will greatly depend on your selection of tires. If yous alive or plan to go someplace snowy, finding tires good for that volition exist your best bet.

Since they are groovy at turning, yous'll want to exist conscientious you don't plough yourself into a spin either.

Question: Could I bring a Mini to a BMW dealership for maintenance and repairs?

Answer: Call a BMW dealership up and check if they volition service a MINI. My local BMW dealership could not service my MINI. Fifty-fifty if they say they volition verify that they volition have your warranty just in example it's a warranty issue. Simply because they tin can service it, doesn't hateful they will accept the warranty.

Question: And so what kind of automobile did you get after you lot were done with your Mini?

Answer: A Nissan Juke, which was a complete mistake. It broke down inside 2 years, the dealership treated me poorly, and the automobile lacked the ability I wanted. Then I switched to a Chevy Camaro afterwards that, which I have to practice this day. It'due south a 2022, and is a great car. Dealership has treated me well, the machine runs like a dream, etc. I love it.

Question: I recently thought most getting a new auto and started looking. I care about how pretty it is, gas mileage, repair costs, and prefer two doors. I roughshod in love with a 2022 Mayfair MINI being sold past a private seller. Does information technology sound like the car for me?

Answer: That's a 10 year onetime car, then yous are buying a used car that could finish upward having a lot of bug, but like other used cars take. If it's in your cost range, then you could become for information technology. But do you have a place that could repair it locally? Do you know what repairs had to be washed? Does information technology have high mileage?

I'd recommend a new MINI, and only if you lot accept a local dealership that could service it.

Question: Does the Mini Countryman model come up with a sunroof/moonroof?

Answer: Yup!

Question: I love a expert hot hatch, had a GT PT, and a GTI, currently looking at AWD options lime an A3 and a 4 door clubman 2022 and newer. Curious if any of these have the major engine bug. I've heard horror stories with previous models?

Reply: My Mini never had a breakdown, only there was a recall for some outcome in the engine that would eventually have had a cleaved-down engine. It was caught and stock-still, but I was never notified of the recall until I went in for a different issue.

It's hitting or miss. Mine had issues but knew someone who had a model a few years older than mine who had no issues at all. It's a run a risk with Minis.

Question: How important is the AWD vs the FWD?

Answer: I actually don't know, sorry. I only purchased a MINI for the await and feel, I don't know much about AWD or FWD.

Question: Do you know if the 2022/19 Cooper burns oil equally fast as the older models? I've seen reports that the older models need oil every 2,000 mi. I don't see any reference to 2022 or 2022.

Reply: No idea, as I didn't get that much mileage on my vehicle due to my depression commute and other driving. That existence said, I didn't go more than vi months without an oil change.

Question: I'thousand on the contend with the MINI as well every bit the VW or any other German machine because of reliability issues and maintenance costs. Are German cars, but fabricated in Mexico for the U.Due south. market as reliable as the Asian brands overall?

Answer: I really don't know how to answer that. I've only endemic six or so cars, and they all had issues somewhen. I will say the recalls on my MINI were severe, and if I didn't accost them, the car may have cleaved downwards at ane point.

Question: What type of gas should I employ in my Mini?

Answer: Consult the owner's transmission, just I believe I used premium gas in the vehicle equally it was required. The cost difference isn't that bad and it is good for the engine.

Question: What yr was your Mini?

Answer: 2009 or 2022, I don't recall since I don't own it anymore, but it was effectually that fourth dimension-frame. I traded it in afterwards about v years due to the warranty running out and not having a local dealership to service it.

Question: Practice Mini Coopers have backup cameras?

Respond: Starting around the 2022 model, yep, they do have a backup camera. However, there are aftermarket options you can go also depending on the model y'all have.

Question: Any problems with a 2001 MINI Copper South?

Answer: All cars eventually accept problems, and considering information technology's virtually xx years old, I'm sure in that location accept been some problems reported that y'all could find about elsewhere online. If y'all are buying used, you may want to go with a newer model, unless that i has something y'all similar about it.

Question: I'one thousand on the argue virtually ownership a Mini, don't become me wrong a Mini Cooper is my dream auto but the simply affair belongings me dorsum is the fact that I'chiliad scared nigh the problems that regularly occur with them. Is it worth the risk?

Answer: I felt it was at the fourth dimension because I enjoyed the look of the car, driving it, etc. Information technology was a great motorcar. I just traded it in when the warranty expired and I had to drive an hour out of boondocks to get it serviced at a dealership. If you have a dealership in your urban center that tin can service it, then I call up it would be worth the risk. Besides, mine didn't outwardly accept issues with information technology, it just had some recalls that needed to exist resolved. Had it broken down due to those recalls though, I wouldn't have had it stock-still so easily because of the altitude to my dealership.

Question: How is the reliability of the convertible model?

Reply: Probably the aforementioned equally the other models, as I believe they all use similar parts for the engine and other systems. The only difference is the mechanism for the convertible model, and I don't know much about that. They are really pretty rare, as most MINIs I come across are not the convertible model.

Question: Would a Mini Cooper be expert for a first car?

Reply: If you lot take a solid warranty and a local dealership who can service the car, yes, I think so. Once more, it'due south the whorl of the dice. Mine had issues, but others oasis't had problems, so I can't say either way.

I do know if there was a local dealership in my metropolis, I'd be more inclined to become 1 once more so it could be serviced locally.

© 2022 David Livermore

Source: https://axleaddict.com/cars/The-Pros-and-Cons-to-Owning-a-Mini-Cooper

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