MINI Cooper FAQs

• How long will a Mini Cooper last?

  Properly cared for, a Mini Cooper can last upwards of 400,000 kilometres. That could represent as much as 15-20 years on the road. The thing is, while it is always great to know a car can last that long in theory, with the advances being made in technology and safety, you may well want to upgrade before that time as more important features become standard on the latest cars. In any case, it is good to know that the Mini Cooper is a small but durable and well-built name.

• What is the difference between a Mini Hatch and a Mini Cooper?

  The two names are one and the same, with both referring to the Mini as we have come to know it. Compared with the original series of the Mini, the most-recent reincarnation of this beloved three-door and five-door hatch was launched in the year 2000 by BMW, before a second-generation version followed in 2006, and a third-generation in 2014. Whether you call it the Mini Hatch, Mini Cooper, or simply the Mini, this is a car with a pedigree of fanfare behind it.

• What problems do Mini Coopers have?

  While it is never wise to assume that every unit of a particular make or model will suffer from the same fate, some of the common problems associated with the Mini Cooper over the years include: automatic transmission failure; power steering pump failure; water pump leak, clutch failure. Most of these problems would typically arise later during ownership, if ever. Of course, taking care of your car and ensuring you service it regularly will go some way to help mitigate the impact of any potential problems.