The Mini Cooper is one of the most iconic cars ever made and its legacy spans several generations.
The modern iterations are well known for their fun-to-drive personalities, customization options and their eye-catching styling.
JD Power has provided the Mini Cooper with consistent above-average ratings. In 2022, this vehicle received a great score, securing an overall 83 out of 100 consumer rating, with great individual ratings for “dealership experience” and “quality & reliability,” at 95 and 83 (out of 100), respectively.
Take a look at our guide below to learn more about which Mini Cooper models to get and which to stay away from…
Table of Contents
Here’s The Short Answer To What The Best And Worst Years For The Mini Cooper Are:
The best Mini Cooper models ever made are from 2013 onwards simply because they have the fewest reported problems, the best reviews and the most up-to-date tech. The worst Mini Cooper models are those that were manufactured between 2002 and 2012, excluding the 2008 model year.
What Are The Best Years For The Mini Cooper?
Mini has produced a lot of great Coopers, listed below are those that deserve the highest praise.
2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 Mini Cooper
The 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 Mini Cooper models take the top seats in the hierarchy of the best models because of their updated modern styling, fuel-efficient engines, excellent handling and state-of-the-art tech features.
If you had to choose the most affordable Cooper among the bunch, then finding a used 2020 Mini Cooper would be your best bet without missing out on too much. Otherwise, go for the latest 2023 Mini Cooper, preferably brand new.
The 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 Mini Cooper models secured an identical score of 4.6 out of 5.0 according to Kelley Blue Book. This is not where the similarity ends, however, as the 2021 and 2022 Mini Cooper models have an 83 out of 100 rating at JD Power and the 2020, 2022, and 2023 Mini Cooper secured a perfect rating of 5.0 out of 5.0 over at Edmunds.
One Cooper owner had this to say on Kelley Blue Book:
“The car is a lot of fun to drive, speedy little thing, the convertible top is so easy to use, I love driving it”
Over at Edmunds, this car owner had nothing but good things to say about the Mini Cooper (and a rather harsh comment for another vehicle):
“Compared to the Mini, the Corvette felt stupid and lumpish. The Mini has many delightful design details, inside and out…”
2018 and 2019 Mini Cooper
The 2018 and 2019 Mini Cooper models are great alternatives to the model years above as they still feature the same levels of agility and reliability, albeit without the updated infotainment system and other electronic accessories.
The 2018 and 2019 model years are reasonably priced in the used car market. We would advise getting either of these if you are looking for the best balance between pricing and performance, while still having valid warranty terms.
The 2018 and 2019 Mini Cooper models are virtually identical in terms of automotive reviews and ratings. JD Power gave an 82 out of 100 for the 2018 Cooper and an 83 out of 100 for the 2019 Cooper. On Kelley Blue Book, both model years scored a 4.6 out of 5.0.
One Cooper owner shared his love for the brand on Kelley Blue Book:
“The mini has been fantastic no troubles at all, very reliable I would certainly buy another. We own two – the other is a countryman love that one too.”
Over at Edmunds, this car owner shared his wife’s contingency plan if something happens to their current Mini Cooper:
“Just a week after we took delivery of her Cooper S my wife told me, if anything happens to this car I want another one. After 50K miles she still feels the same. It’s easy to see why.”
2016 and 2017 Mini Cooper
We find the 2016 and 2017 Mini Cooper models to be the least problematic model years based on reviews and complaints found online. This is especially great since these iterations are not that outdated in terms of engine performance and interior styling.
If you are great at spotting top-quality vehicles in the used car market, then the 2016 and 2017 Mini Cooper models should be at the top of your priority list when searching for a reliable and beautifully-designed subcompact vehicle.
The 2016 and 2017 model years scored an identical 4.6 out of 5.0 on Kelley Blue Book. Edmunds gave a 4.6 out of 5.0 to the 2016 Mini Cooper. The same model year received an 84 out of 100 rating from JD Power. This makes the 2016 model year the better option between the two.
One Cooper owner shared their assessment on Kelley Blue Book:
“Darling to look at and fun to drive, everything is right at your fingertips. Interior looks like a small cockpit. Comfortable seats, sporty look”
Over at Edmunds, this Cooper owner talks about the technical side of their 2015 Cooper:
“I am very pleased so far. Build quality and design make it a great deal to own. It came with 16 inches run-flat tires so the ride is on the firm side but more compliant than the previous model I had…”
2013, 2014, and 2015 Mini Cooper
The 2013, 2014, and 2015 Mini Cooper models are great at any trim level. They all offer nimble handling and come with turbocharged engine options, and are still as dynamic as their younger counterparts.
These are rather old in terms of car age, but if you are on a really tight budget, then finding any of these three vehicles off the used market can be a great buy, just make sure they have:
- Reasonable mileage, ideally less than 150,000 miles
- Full-service history
- No signs of serious damage
The 2013, 2014, and 2015 Mini Cooper models did not fare as well as the other model years on this list, but it is still worth noting that Kelley Blue Book gave great ratings, with the 2013 Cooper receiving a 4.3 out of 5.0 and the 2014 and 2015 models garnering a 4.6 out of 5.0
One Cooper owner shared his short but sweet positive feedback on Kelley Blue Book:
“Fun to drive … responds well, and it will really go … ample “get up and go” for the smaller engine ..”
Over at Edmunds, this car owner talked about the simplicity of his Mini Cooper:
“Having owned over thirty cars this is the only one that I look forward to driving every time I get in. The absence of electrical overkill (nav, sensors, power seats, etc.) is refreshing…”
Consumer Scores For Best Mini Cooper Years
Below is a table that presents all the consumer ratings of the best Mini Cooper model years from reputable vehicle websites:
| Model Year | Edmunds’ Consumer Rating | Kelley Blue Book’s Consumer Rating | JD Power’s Consumer Rating |
| 2023 Mini Cooper | 5.0 / 5.0 | 4.6 / 5.0 | NA |
| 2022 Mini Cooper | NA | 4.6 / 5.0 | 83 / 100 |
| 2021 Mini Cooper | 5.0 / 5.0 | 4.6 / 5.0 | 83 / 100 |
| 2020 Mini Cooper | 5.0 / 5.0 | 4.6 / 5.0 | NA |
| 2019 Mini Cooper | 4.5 / 5.0 | 4.6 / 5.0 | 83 / 100 |
| 2018 Mini Cooper | 5.0 / 5.0 | 4.6 / 5.0 | 82 / 100 |
| 2017 Mini Cooper | NA | 4.6 / 5.0 | 82 / 100 |
| 2016 Mini Cooper | 4.6 / 5.0 | 4.6 / 5.0 | 84 / 100 |
| 2015 Mini Cooper | 3.9 / 5.0 | 4.6 / 5.0 | 76 / 100 |
| 2014 Mini Cooper | 4.3 / 5.0 | 4.6 / 5.0 | NA |
| 2013 Mini Cooper | 3.7 / 5.0 | 4.3 / 5.0 | 75 / 100 |
Related: Mini Cooper: 9 Most Common Problems (Explained)
What Are The Worst Years For The Mini Cooper?
The Mini Cooper has also been the subject of criticism due to its fair share of problems or issues. The models listed below are the versions of the vehicle that you might want to steer clear of.
2012 Mini Cooper
The 2012 Cooper had a total of 4 complaints at CarComplaints.com and 66 problems at CarProblemZoo.com.
The main problems of the 2012 Mini Cooper are the following:
- Transmission failure
- Leaking oil pump
- Brake wear estimate on computer wrong
2011 Mini Cooper
The 2011 Cooper had a total of 3 complaints at CarComplaints.com and 56 problems at CarProblemZoo.com.
The main problems of the 2011 Mini Cooper are the following:
- Oil leaked into the electrical system
- Heater doesn’t work
2010 Mini Cooper
The 2010 Cooper had a total of 7 complaints at CarComplaints.com and 87 problems at CarProblemZoo.com.
The main problems of the 2010 Mini Cooper are the following:
- Rough idle and misfire
- Cooling fans run until the battery dies
- Transmission failure
2009 Mini Cooper
The 2009 Cooper had a total of 11 complaints at CarComplaints.com and 151 problems at CarProblemZoo.com.
The main problems of the 2009 Mini Cooper are the following:
- Loud noises and the engine stops when started cold
- Clutch worn out prematurely
- Oil found in the coolant reservoir
2007 Mini Cooper
The 2007 Cooper had a total of 12 complaints at CarComplaints.com and 129 problems at CarProblemZoo.com.
The main problems of the 2007 Mini Cooper are the following:
- Sunroof gear stripped (gears with the teeth so worn that they no longer work)
- Melted timing chain tensioner
- Check engine light on, severe power loss
2006 Mini Cooper
The 2006 Cooper had a total of 18 complaints at CarComplaints.com and 237 problems at CarProblemZoo.com.
The main problems of the 2006 Mini Cooper are the following:
- Loss of power steering
- Passenger airbag warning light on
- Gears won’t engage
2005 Mini Cooper
The 2005 Cooper had a total of 20 complaints at CarComplaints.com and 436 problems at CarProblemZoo.com.
The main problems of the 2005 Mini Cooper are the following:
- Transmission failure
- Power steering pump failure
- Premature clutch failure
2004 Mini Cooper
The 2004 Cooper had a total of 8 complaints at CarComplaints.com and 326 problems at CarProblemZoo.com.
The main problems of the 2004 Mini Cooper are the following:
- Transmission failure
- Radiator failure
- CVT blew up/car won’t move
2003 Mini Cooper
The 2003 Cooper had a total of 8 complaints at CarComplaints.com and 370 problems at CarProblemZoo.com.
The main problems of the 2003 Mini Cooper are the following:
- Transmission just stopped
- Burned exhaust valves
- Airbag indicator light on
2002 Mini Cooper
The 2002 Cooper had a total of 6 complaints at CarComplaints.com and 212 problems at CarProblemZoo.com.
The main problems of the 2002 Mini Cooper are the following:
- Water on the floor shorted out the wiring harness
- Seat broke
- Power steering pump failure
Related: How Long Do Mini Coopers Last? (Solved & Explained)
What Years Have The Most Complaints?
There are a handful of older Mini Cooper models that have received several complaints through the years. Listed below are complaints and problems listed for each model year:
| Model Year | Complaints (CarComplaints.com) | Problems (CarProblemZoo.com) |
| 2023 Mini Cooper | NA | 1 |
| 2022 Mini Cooper | NA | 4 |
| 2021 Mini Cooper | NA | 1 |
| 2020 Mini Cooper | NA | 2 |
| 2019 Mini Cooper | NA | 9 |
| 2018 Mini Cooper | NA | 6 |
| 2017 Mini Cooper | NA | 20 |
| 2016 Mini Cooper | 0 | 26 |
| 2015 Mini Cooper | 2 | 49 |
| 2014 Mini Cooper | 5 | 39 |
| 2013 Mini Cooper | 6 | 33 |
| 2012 Mini Cooper | 4 | 66 |
| 2011 Mini Cooper | 3 | 56 |
| 2010 Mini Cooper | 7 | 87 |
| 2009 Mini Cooper | 11 | 151 |
| 2008 Mini Cooper | 0 | 132 |
| 2007 Mini Cooper | 12 | 129 |
| 2006 Mini Cooper | 18 | 237 |
| 2005 Mini Cooper | 20 | 436 |
| 2004 Mini Cooper | 8 | 326 |
| 2003 Mini Cooper | 8 | 370 |
| 2002 Mini Cooper | 6 | 212 |
| 2001 Mini Cooper | NA | 7 |
What Problems Do Mini Coopers Have?
Based on the information we have gathered online, here are the most common issues that you may encounter with a Mini Cooper:
- Transmission failure
- Water on the floor shorted out the wiring harness
- Loss of power steering
- Airbag-related issues
- Engine and engine cooling concerns
What Are The Best Alternatives To The Mini Cooper?
The Mini Cooper is one of the best options in the compact car segment, ranking third overall, right behind the Hyundai Accent and Nissan Versa. However, there are also a lot of good alternatives. Take a look at some of the interesting models to check out if you want to explore other options:
| Make & Model | Score | MSRP | Fuel Economy (MPG) |
| Mini Cooper | 7.8 | $23,400 – $40,650 | City: 22 – 29 / Highway: 31 – 38 |
| Hyundai Elantra Hybrid | 8.6 | $23,850 – $28,350 | City: 49 – 53 /Highway: 52 – 56 |
| Mazda3 | 8.6 | $21,150 – $34,750 | City: 23 – 28 /Highway: 31 – 36 |
| Honda Civic | 8.6 | $22,550 – $30,050 | City: 26 – 33 /Highway: 36 – 42 |
| Hyundai Accent | 7.9 | $16,645 – $19,600 | City: 33Highway: 41 |
| Nissan Versa | 7.9 | $15,180 – $18,590 | City: 27 – 32 /Highway: 35 – 40 |
| Chevrolet Spark | NA | $13,600 – $18,100 | City: 29 – 30 /Highway: 37 – 38 |
| Kia Rio | NA | $16,250 – $17,190 | City: 33 /Highway: 41 |
| Mini Cooper Clubman | NA | $29,900 – $42,900 | City: 23 – 25 /Highway: 31 – 35 |
| Mitsubishi Mirage | NA | $14,645 – $18,695 | City: 33 – 36 / Highway: 40 – 43 |
Related: Mini Cooper Tune-Up & Maintenance Costs? (Complete Guide)
References
https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/mini/cooper
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Mini/
https://www.carproblemzoo.com/mini/cooper/
https://www.edmunds.com/mini/cooper/
https://www.kbb.com/mini/hardtop/
https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2022/mini/cooper-hardtop
