A few potential buyers are asking – “Are Mini Coopers expensive to maintain?”
You may be thinking about investing in this car in the future. Or you already have one and want to know what to expect in terms of maintenance cost.
If you are looking to buy a Mini Cooper and curious about the expenses with maintenance, here are some things you need to know to help you out. Let’s get right into it.
Are Mini Coopers Expensive To Maintain?
Mini Coopers were very popular in the 1960s. In fact, it has risen to fame because its compact body and fuel-efficiency were geared towards solving the oil issue during that time. But until now, it remains to be a well-known vehicle offering numerous benefits and value for your money.
When it comes to reliability, the Mini Cooper gets a high score. The yearly maintenance expenses of owning a Mini Cooper is about $800. It is a bit steep but not too much considering its sturdiness and dependability.
There are also many things to think about when it comes to the Mini Cooper’s maintenance, which impact any issue with it. Just a few things to consider:
1. Design
Since this is a compact car, the maintenance cost for it is not too steep. You can easily have any issue repaired or parts replaced for a reasonable price.
2. Value
Overall, the Mini Cooper has a high resale value because of its good quality build. If you would like to resell it in the future, then you should be able to do so without any issue at all. As long as your vehicle is in decent condition, you can resell at a good price to get a fine value for your money.
3. Maintenance
When your vehicle is still under warranty, then you don’t have to worry yourself too much with maintenance. However, once the warranty is over, then you will have to cover the costs by yourself.
Thankfully, there are not too many issues that may come your way, but it is best to be aware of these things ahead of time. In the next section, we’ll discuss common repair concerns with a Mini Cooper.
Typical Maintenance Needs For The Mini Cooper
If you happen to own a Mini Cooper, it is good to be aware of these costs that are worth looking into, so you can create a budget plan for your vehicle’s maintenance needs.
1. Loose Timing Chain
Because of wear and tear to the timing chain, you may experience a bit of a lag in your vehicle’s mechanism. This is why you should have this issue addressed sooner rather than later. Otherwise, it can result in serious problems, not to mention costly repairs in the future. Regular maintenance should help to prevent things from going downhill with your car.
2. Front Radiator Support
Due to the Mini Cooper’s design that makes it sit close to the ground, this can result in a problem with the coolant hose, as well as the front radiator over time. Minis have a radiator support on the front, and this is made of plastic. Thus, damage is fairly common with this component.
When driving your vehicle on uneven ground, the bumps can eventually cause damage to the front radiator and coolant hose.
3. Variable Valve Timing
Issues with the VVT may arise since the timing system in this car needs the right amount of oil for an uninterrupted and efficient performance. When there is no ample oil, this increases friction issues, which can lead to damage to your vehicle. Make it a point to check and change the oil as required for your Mini Cooper.
4. Steering Pump
Your Mini’s power steering can be prone to failure and damage. Thai is why a regular maintenance schedule is a must to keep it performing well. If there are leaks or damages to the steering pump, you will have to replace not just the entire machine but also the belts and coolant fan.
5. Clutch Failure
Another potential maintenance concern with the Mini Cooper is the clutch. This component needs special attention as it is vulnerable to damages. When not attended to right away, the issue can worsen and may require costly repairs and maintenance costs.
6. Transmission
It is not normally advised by the BMW company to change the transmission fluid in the Mini Cooper. Yet, this can result in many issues with your vehicle. This is why it is important to seek professional assistance from a qualified mechanic to have the transmission fluid changed regularly.
7. Thermostat Housing Leakage
And lastly, it is important to have the thermostat and water pump housing changed after 50,000 miles. You should be sure to hire the finest professionals when it comes to getting your Mini Cooper serviced.
Read More: Mini Cooper Brake Light Stays On – Causes and Solutions You Can Do
Is the Mini Cooper A Good Investment
In terms of reliability, the Mini Cooper is a worthy investment. It does break down over time but the maintenance cost is fairly reasonable. Moreover, it is a compact car with an adequate space, so you will be more than satisfied with it for a personal vehicle.
However, if you would like to avoid steep maintenance and repair costs, it may help to steer clear of certain models that are known to incur issues more often than others. These include the 2011 Mini Cooper S Countryman, as well as the 2012 – 2013 models. Among the typical issues that are bound to arise include cooling issues, engine problems, as well as electrical failures.
If you want to buy the best Mini Cooper, then you may want to look into the 2015 model, as well as newer ones such as the 2017 and the 2021 models. They come with a more modern design, new technology and new and improved upgrades that you will absolutely love.
Overall, the Mini Cooper should be worth it in terms of durability and bang for your buck. So, be sure to consider this guide when it comes to maintenance needs and also the best models to buy and the worst ones to avoid.