The new Mini has been with us since the beginning of the millennia when it replaced the original Mini from 1959. Since then, it has become one of the most expressive hatchbacks on the market. Its design but also driving characteristics are unmistakable.
Since 2000, Mini has introduced three generations of this hatchback and a variety of models. Each one available in the Cooper trim level. The question is, which one is the best? In this article, we look at the best Mini Cooper year to get and also a complete overview of the Mini Cooper generations up to date.
The Overview of Modern Mini Cooper
Let’s start by going over each of the generations in more detail. Every time a new Mini Cooper appeared, it brought a different take on the original Mini, in addition to all kinds of tech goodies. Here’s what you can expect from 2 decades of Mini Cooper.
First Generation (R50/52/53; 2002 – 2006)
The first modern take on the original Mini, the first generation was, and still remains, an interesting choice. It has done a great job in matching a modern design with the classic look of a Mini and paved the way for the later generations.
Equipped with a 1.6L I4 Tritec engine as standard, the Mini Cooper generated 115 hp. This engine was developed in cooperation with Chrysler, who also uses this platform on various vehicles. It could have been paired with either a 5-speed manual or a CVT automatic transmission.
If you stepped up to the performance Cooper S model, you could have gotten yourself a similar 1.6L gas engine but this time supercharged! The supercharger bumped up the power to 168 hp. The manual transmission in the Cooper S received an extra gear and the automatic was much better suited for a sporty drive, especially with the shifting paddles. The Cooper S is really exciting even today.
At the time, the Mini Cooper was quite utilitarian in terms of equipment, although you can still find a few well-equipped models on the used market. The best-equipped ones featured automatic air conditioning, xenon headlights, and heated seats.
In terms of reliability, this generation does alright, although it often had issues with both types of transmission, and the power steering pump.
Second Generation (R56/R57; 2006 – 2013)
The second generation was a big step up from its predecessor. Although an inexperienced person might not be able to tell them apart from their looks alone, the second generation has improved in almost every area. The looks have been modernized but overall, the design language has remained unchanged. The car has grown in length by 2.4 inches. This complemented the rear legroom, which was a major criticism point of the first generation.
The drivetrains were composed mainly of 1.6L four cylinders co-developed with BMW. The base model generated 118 hp and achieved over 40 MPG. The more powerful Cooper S was powered by another iteration of the 1.6L four-cylinder with 173 hp, and it replaced the supercharger of the first generation with a more conventional turbocharger.
The sporty Cooper S even featured an overboost function, which could temporarily increase the maximum torque by 15 lb.-ft under full throttle and improve the 0-60 mph time to less than 7 seconds. Both engines could have been paired to either a 6-speed manual or an automatic transmission.
Not so utilitarian anymore, the R56 model was equipped with an engine start button, and plenty of safety features, including hydraulic emergency brake assist, and more airbags. It also featured a variety of optional equipment including drive mode select, a navigation system, and hill assist.
The second generation has also done well in terms of reliability, which could make it a contender for the best Mini Cooper year to get, wouldn’t it be for the third generation. The only thing that stands out are coolant line issues with the S model that features the N14 engine. However, they are far from something that could be used to label this gen of Mini as unreliable.
Third Generation (F55/56/57; 2014 – today)
Getting to the latest generation of the Mini Cooper, this one was practically brought to perfection. It still stays true to the design language introduced by the first generation, and it is a real looker. Furthermore, it has improved the practicality, driving characteristics, reliability, and equipment as well.
The car can be equipped with an 8.8-inch infotainment screen with inbuilt navigation, a premium audio system, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, LED headlamps, front and rear parking sensors, and more. This makes it one of the best Mini Cooper years to get, or generations to be more precise.
In terms of drivetrains, the base Cooper trim line is equipped with a 1.5L turbo three-cylinder generating 134 hp and 162 lb.-ft of torque. Even this base drivetrain is plenty for such a small car. In fact, it weighs less than 2600 lbs. In addition, it has a great gas mileage of 32 MPG.
Moving up to the Cooper S model, you get a 2.0L four-cylinder that produces 189 hp and 207 lb.-ft. This means it can accelerate to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds, while also being fuel efficient at 31 MPG. The top model is the performance version called John Cooper Works. It equips the Mini with a 2.0L turbo I4 outputting 228 hp and 236 lb.-ft. This makes it a pocket rocket!
The Best Mini Cooper Year to Get – 2016 and Later
As you can guess, based on the overview above, the best Mini Cooper year to get is certainly one of the third-generation models. More specifically, the 2016 model. Optionally, you can also opt for later years of the same generation model. Why is this Mini the best one? It comes down to three factors. First, it is the most reliable of the Minis. Second, it has great driving characteristics and third, it allows you to get the current generation of Mini Cooper at a steep discount.
Reliability
There have been only a few recalls of the Mini Coopers from this period. Even the consumer reports do not indicate any significant issues and the model is one of the most reliable in the compact hatchback category.
Practicality
While still being a compact car, the third generation Mini Cooper is almost 4 inches longer than its predecessor and 1.5 inches wider. This stems from the fact that the latest Mini Cooper is built on the platform used by the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer. This has resulted in a much roomier interior.
The boot is still not too large at 8.7 cubic feet for the 3-door model, but it is decent considering the overall dimensions of the car. If you want better practicality, there is also the four-door variant which provides 13.1 cubic feet of boot space.
Driving and Comfort
Driving is where the Mini Cooper really shines. It is one of the best-handling cars in its segment and feels quite sporty. The turbo engines make it very fast for such a small car, and it barely leans in the corners.
The steering is responsive and direct, and the brakes provide immense stopping power. That said, the ride is still relatively comfortable and fine for everyday driving. The cabin also stays quiet even at higher speeds.
Prices
The 2016 models start at around $11,000 and go up to $30,000 for the John Cooper Works performance models with less than 20 thousand miles on the odometer. These are the two extremes of the price spectrum, and you will likely end up spending between $16,000 to $20,000.
For that kind of money, you can get a well-equipped Cooper S model with the second most powerful drivetrain and around 60 thousand miles.
Almost 10 Years of Production but Still Looking Fresh
The 3rd generation of the Mini Cooper has been on the market for almost ten years now. Despite that, it still looks modern, has superb driving characteristics, and has all the equipment you could think of. All of this makes the 2016 model the best Mini Cooper year to get, especially when you compare its price to the 2023 model. What’s more, the car is iconic and has an amazing community around it. It really is the perfect car!
