The Third Generation MINI Cooper: A Buyers Guide

You asked and I listened. This is the 3rd Generation, F56, MINI Cooper Buyers Guide. I'm sure I've left some things out but you can be sure I'll be making another in the future and adding to this guide over time.

Information is generalized as I didn't want to focus on a specific car but if a specific one is desired, I will make those in the future.

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The views and opinions expressed in these videos are my own and do not necessarily reflect those of MINI, MINI USA, nor the dealership that provides the vehicles for my videos.

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[TheMINIac]

I didn’t include the Cooper SE as I don’t have much information on the used electric MINI powertrain.

[Scotty_in_Ohio]

The prices being "all over the place" can be an advantage or a disadvantage depending on if you're buying or selling and to a dealer or to an individual - my experience is that if you're selling to a place like CarMax then you really want to make sure you do it in person and ask if the appraiser knows about Minis - it's very common to get very low trade/cash price offers from dealers that either don't know or pretend to not know. It works the opposite when you're buying - you can often "score" a deal on a loaded JCW simply because it has more than average miles on it - the dealer may not realize "what they have". Shop around but "Buy That Mini!"

[Randolini]

I have an 05 R53 Mini Cooper S with the Eaton Supercharger. It needs a little TLC, but I am happy to give it all the love it deserves.. I love the whine of the little Eaton when I accelerate. I see an automatic in the R56. I just turned 77 and I grew up with three on the tree and four on the floor. I bought this Mini because it has a six speed stick. I am aware that the auto stick is a little quicker, but in the twistees, I want to be in on the action and only a stick shift allows me to do that, besides, my Kawasaki has a six speed and the Yamaha I'm jonesin for now is also a six speed. You don't stop having fun when you get old, you get old when you stop having fun. Words to live by. 😁

[Scotty_in_Ohio]

Don't let some lack of options ruin a good deal. My wife has a '13 Countryman S All4 in "Light Coffee" mainly because she really missed her '15 that we sold during the pandemic (for way more than we paid for it). It was a great deal (the new R60) with under 20k miles and was in "like new" condition - I really do think a little old lady drove it to the grocery store and to church - all dealer maintained and no mods, etc. Funny though - in 2013 a lot of interior options weren't available as in the 2015 she had - one of which were rear cup holders - normally that wouldn't be a "deal breaker" but for her it almost was; seriously, she was considering taking it back because of it! I found Outmotoring had OE New Old Stock dual rear cup holders - I ordered them and now we're in business. Keep places like Outmotoring in mind for all sorts of parts and "bits" such as mirror caps, etc. Their prices are good and shipping turn around is also good.

[davidwayne]

I'm old and NOT able to do my own work any more.. I also won't be driving all that much-- back and forth to town two- three times a month - 30 milies each way- and maybe one or two DAY trips-- a year-- (short ones at that-- I don't feel like LONG drives any more). AND I know these are great on snow--- so they're sounding PERFECT to me-- if I can get one that's GOOD.. and doens't NEED anything.

[soggydoggyk]

Hello from the UK! Just placed an order for a 2016 Mini One over here and this video was amazingly helpful for what to look out for and just an overview of the car in general. Amazing work :)

[johnhurley]

Thank you for your hard work creating this video! This was really helpful!

[kunaaiaikun]

I have a chance to get one mini clubman s 2017 with 72000 miles around 13000$. Should I get that? Is it a good deal? Should I be worried about the engine? No accident btw. Let me know, thanks a lot!

[freeholddomains]

Your review was great. I've owned three and leased one. The one I missed the most was 2016 s four door, 6 speed manual, with HUD, that I drove in Mini Takes the States. I now have 2017 S which I am really considering ..tricking out.. God I hope they still say that. LOL. Thanks for sharing

[MikeTheBike]

Work at the heart and home of MINI Plant Oxford, have a mapped (178bhp) 2017 MINI COOPER.

[Oplix]

I've had to replace my motor mount it was already leaking at 60k miles. Dealer quoted $1200. Bought it for $40 on ebay and did it myself.

[Scotty_in_Ohio]

The door jam rubbing is a "thing" my son's '18 JCW F56 (bought used earlier this year) is getting it a bit - me thinks it was result of the seals not being kept in good condition / made supple - I've "prescribed" a strong dose of 303 Protectant ;-) Every time I was the car I go over the rubber seals with 303 and it seems to be "bringing them back".

That's a good price on that Cooper S - If I didn't already have 4 Minis I'd be very tempted....

[chuckg]

Just picked up a ‘19 Cooper S two door with 14k miles for $24k. Still smells new inside. Have had it about two weeks and loving it. I’ve always owned a ford or a chevy. So this is all new to me. It came with the JCW steering wheel that has the red stitching. As well as the auto shifter. But it’s not a JCW. I take it that’s pretty common though? I’ve already started a list of things I want to do 😂. It’s a sickness lol. Did the same with my ‘11 camaro and ‘17 mustang. Drove both of those vehicles to 200k. Hoping this cooper lasts as well.

[MennovanLeeuwen-ij]

At what Milesen van you expect to get issues with a) HPFP b) valve cover gasket and c) oil filter housing crack. Any other attention points. Just bought a 2019 Cooper S with 25k kilometers. Thx!

[robo]

Good vid! Couple things to mention
Door B pillar paint wear: door seal rubs paint down to the metal over time causing rust.
Engine wiring loom: retains water causing total failure of the car electrics, easy to check if car has the modified loom made of canvas wrap instead of ribbed plastic.
Tracking / wheel alignment: these cars are surprising sensitive to bad tracking, annual check is good to do.
The F56 are cracking little cars, very economical, reliable and fun to drive.

[moonlightfilms]

I picked up my 2015 cooper s optioned out all the way, except for the sunroof which I didn’t want because there was actually more headroom without it, I’m 6’5 so that was important. I got it certified pre owned in 2018 with only 15k miles for $16k. No problem with the car at all, everything looks mint but I only have 40k miles on it. Will keep it as long as I can, great car for driving in the canyons or down to the beach!

[davidwayne]

THIS is 2023-- working toward 2024- so the ones out now- NEW ones- should be GOOD??? I really wanted one til I saw all the negative videos on here.. but now i'm hearing the 3rd gen is NOT junky like they use to be.... TRUE??

[Steve-ewsl]

I would keep eye out for common problems with mini cooper I much prefer new and even used I always paying attention to underneath the car inspection for rust anything or damage if car was involved accident

[Oplix]

These aren't actually 189 horsepower. They are 215. I believe it's underrated for insurance purposes.

[ericcole]

I am new the Mini Coopers and I am in the market to buy, and have to say this video was a great help in what to look for and good all-around information.👍