The Mini Cooper is the puppy of compact cars. Since the modern Cooper launched in 2002, reviewers have heralded it as fun, playful, cute, and rambunctious. Also, like puppies, Mini Coopers can be a handful and costly to own. But keeping in mind that Mini is a BMW-owned premium brand, are Mini Coopers that expensive to maintain, and if so, what are the maintenance costs? 

We’ll answer those questions and offer practical advice on the model years to avoid and how to housebreak your Mini Cooper. 

Are Mini Coopers expensive to maintain?

According to RepairPal, the average annual repair cost of a Mini Cooper is $846 for multiple model years. That doesn’t include maintenance and varies depending on the car’s age, mileage, condition, and the shop doing the work. 

Similarly, in Edmunds’ breakdown of ownership costs for a 2019 Mini Cooper, maintenance and repairs totaled $12,891 over five years for an average of $2,578 annually. Repairs contributed $3,382 to that amount, for an average of $676 over five years.  

That amount is about twice the average of a 2019 Toyota Corolla, which Edmunds estimates at $6,847 for five years of repairs and maintenance. Of that amount, $1,949 covers repairs, for an average of $390 a year.    

So although the Mini Cooper costs about $300 more a year in repairs, its maintenance makes it significantly more expensive to own. 

What are Mini Cooper maintenance costs?

Maintenance costs include labor and parts such as oil changes, brake servicing, tire changes, and battery replacement. Most of the components needed for Mini Cooper maintenance are BMW parts, meaning you’ll pay more than you would for Corolla parts. 

Here’s a breakdown of Mini Cooper maintenance costs, according to Engine Patrol:  

Mini Cooper Maintenance	Cost
Average annual repairs and maintenance	$846
Tune-up	$324
Alternator replacement	$873–$1,213
Oil change	$193–$224
Wiper blade replacement	$93–$101
Air filter replacement	$92–$117
Battery replacement	$382–$403
New brakes	$194–$266
Coolant change	$143–$180
New tires (set of four)	$619–$632
New tire (one)	$155–$158
New spark plugs	$154–$206
Tire and wheel assembly, rotate, and balance	$79–$100
New transmission	< $3,000

Avoid these Mini Cooper model years 

We covered some of this info last year in an article about the Mini Cooper model years to avoid. Later models generally have much better reliability than the first and second generations, produced from 2002 to 2013. 

According to Consumer Reports, the model years with the lowest reliability scores are from 2006 to 2012. Mini redesigned the Cooper for 2014, and reliability scores improved to average. 

The best year for reliability appears to be 2022. Consumer Reports rated that Mini Cooper model year “better than average” and slapped a “CR Recommended” label on it.

Should you consider a Cooper? 

If you want the lowest cost of ownership or a cheap, reliable car, the Mini Cooper is not for you. And if you’re looking for comfort and a practical backseat, plenty of other cars fit the bill. Mini Coopers bought with those expectations usually wind up back in the dog pound at the BMW/Mini dealership when their owners trade them in for something easier to live with. 

But if you want a fun small car with good performance and gas mileage, something different from the run-of-the-mill economy car, and you’re willing to pay extra for that experience, the Mini’s playfulness will pleasantly surprise you. It makes every commute and every errand a joy. And for that reason, it’s underrated as a car for enthusiasts.