IIHS Crash Test
Acceptable
MPG (up to)
25 -29 City / 33 -37 HWY
Horsepower
121 -208
Seats
2
Front passenger 3/4 w/ wheels turned.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Mary M
That it is a gas saver! I get over 600 miles to a tank
It is super cute and fast. It feels like driving a fast go kart. It is definitely my favorite car I've ever owned!
accountCircle Tess D
Drives smooth, stylish exterior and clean interior, easy to take care of.
Really amazing car, I have had it for years with minimal issues. Haven't needed any repairs. Drives smooth, interior is easy to take care of and clean. Mileage is also a great factor, sunroof provides lots of natural light and helps cool the car down during the hot summers.
accountCircle Angie G
Super tiny, super cute mini cooper!
I have only had my cooper aka "white truffle" for about four months now. It is a 2012, purchased in 2018. I was very lucky, the previous owner kept the car in great condition. The seats are immaculate, the carpets and dash still look new and all of the know labeling is still in tact. This is great when you are talking about a 5+ year old car; sometimes the little cosmetic items suffer a bit. The acceleration is not so great, but it is to be expected - the car is tiny! Once it picks up speed, however, this little thing gets up. Overall, I love this car. I am a total hippie and it suits me perfectly.
accountCircle Carissa M
Never want to give her up- perfect car for a girl who loves to drive.
The 2012 jcw is my perfect car. It is very intuitive, the interior is fun and easy to use. The joystick control for the smart dash is amazing, and works well when the 6-speed transmission. I have had some major parts replaced just before they hit warranty, so keep on the lookout for issues with the turbo, valves, and vacuum hoses. It eats oil like crazy, but as long as you take good care of your baby and feed her regularly she'll treat you right, too. Her handling is impeccable and so much fun to drive. She hugs corners, and if there's ever an emergency maneuver, you can count on this car. She'll do more than you could ask. Loudish road noise changes drastically depending on the tires you choose. I keep run flats for safety, but if the noise is an issue then try normal tires. Surprisingly spacious boot means she's good for road trips too!
accountCircle Grace A
Perfect combination of power and style for urban or road trips.
I love our mini cooper. It is one zippy and stylish. Automobile. Perfect for long road trips and trips to the city with parking issues. Another great asset it is great on gas and reliability. Also love the interior finishes from leather seats to awesome speakers.
accountCircle Mary Jo D
I love my mini, and why you should too.
I love my mini. It goes well in the snow, is good on gas and is fun to drive. I enjoy how it handles curves and has enough zip to be able to pull onto a highway easily. The only disadvantage is having the dealership more than an hour away to have it serviced.
accountCircle Ramon H
Mini cooper detailed review.
Very comfortable and reliable vehicle. Has few oil problem but only on mine. Very good sound system. Mirrors a little small. A little cramped but still good for passengers and driver. This car also takes up very little gas which is good when you are trying to save up money.
accountCircle Karla V
Perfect and comfortable car to move around easily.
Small and comfortable car with enough - plenty space to travel, save luggage, etc. It moves perfectly and really easy to park anywhere. I am very happy with this car and would definitely buy it again. I usually recommend it to people when they ask me for a recommendation.

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Carol H
Fun vehicle to drive. However, be prepared for content and costly repairs!
The car is fun to drive and has nice features. That is the only positive thing I can say. It is loud and uncomfortable. There is always something wrong with this car. There is no minor repair with this vehicle. It is really expensive to maintain, parts are ridiculously expensive, and repairs are very labor intensive. It would never purchase another mini.
accountCircle Brittany D
It looks pretty but after 3 years it starts breaking down.
Maintenance is expensive, engine issues, had to get a new one, ac problems, overheating and check engine light on even with regular maintenance.
accountCircle Rliusa S
It is a nice small car enough space for one person.
Too many mechanic problems. Drives fast and is a nice small car but also not enough space for two people. The car needs a lot of service and parts are expensive. I recently bought my car to the shop and spend another fortune on it. Three days later the engine sign came on.
accountCircle Zach M
Gas mileage. It has very good gas mileage and is good for the environment.
I like how it is sporty. It handles well. But it is very small and repair prices are high.
accountCircle Sarah C
2012 mini cooper - great for city living, but repairs can be tough.
The mini is great for city living, I can park anywhere I want and it is very easy to drive in traffic. However, the car is not very comfortable for 4 people for a long period of time. In the last year, I have had brake and engine issues and not every shop can work on the mini or has the parts available. This can make getting repairs done more expensive or take longer - or both.
accountCircle Tiffani S
It uses oil and it shouldn't. I have maintained it according to vehicle specs and these are notorious for engine problems.
The cars get more cheaply made each year and seem to have repairs and replacement earlier than other makes of cars- with much higher expenses.
accountCircle Mill M
Great car that is not too small and handles well.
It drives really well and it does not feel cramped despite being a small car. I think the steering wheel is a little too sensitive because if I hit a small bump the wheel turns wildly and it is hard to get the car not to react so intensely. Aside from that, it handles most turns very easily and I do not feel like I am losing control or going to tip over.

MINI Cooper Models

Models also known as Trim Levels, are used to identify a vehicle's level of equipment or special features.

car
Base Coupe
121 HP 31-32 MPG 2 Seats
car
Base
121 HP 30 MPG 2 Seats
car
S Coupe
181 HP 29-30 MPG 2 Seats
car
S
181 HP 29-30 MPG 2 Seats
car
John Cooper Works Coupe
208 HP 28 MPG 2 Seats
car
John Cooper Works
208 HP 28 MPG 2 Seats
Photos may not match model

2012 MINI Cooper Owner Reviews

4.53
97 Reviews
close Write Review
5 stars 66%
4 stars 27%
3 stars 3%
2 stars 2%
1 star 2%
accountCircle Cameron F on June 9, 2021
The cooper is fun, safe vehicle!
It does not have many problems except that the computer has malfunctioned to that my check engine light stays on. Other than that, some things are a little outdated but it rides smoothly and keeps me safe. I also love how many miles per gallon it gets.
accountCircle Ann S on May 4, 2021
First was fun; second - meh.
I love minis however, this is my second one and it has had its share of issues. The a/c went out at 48,000 miles. The clutch went out at 62,000. Every time I bring it in, I can expect to pay at least $1,000 or more. The first mini was so solid I thought this one would be too, I still think they're fun to drive and comfortable but will not be getting another unless it is a leased vehicle.

Pros from Owners

likeFilled Michael O.

It is small and fun to drive and feels like a go cart to drive. It is a little expensive though. It looks really good and has had almost no problems yet. Okay on gas mileage. Did I mention it's fun to drive?

Cons from Owners

dislikeFilled Michael O.

It is not a cheap car to either buy a first or to get it serviced. Old people have a hard time getting out of it. There is very little room to haul kids, adults, bags, or groceries. Factory tires only lasted for 10,000 miles.

Ranks #5 Small Cars by Owners

The 2012 MINI Cooper has an average owner rating of 4.53 out of 5 which ranks it #5 of 36 other Small Cars.

1
car
4.8
2
car
4.76
5
Tie
car
4.53

Ranks #6 Small Cars by Fuel Economy

The 2012 MINI Cooper has a combined MPG of 38 which ranks it #6 of 36 other Small Cars.

1
Tie
car
42 MPG
1
Tie
car
42 MPG
6
Tie
car
36 MPG

Is The 2012 MINI Cooper A Good Car?

Yes it has all necessary functions, good mileage and no performance issue so far. It is cute compact car
Alejandro A.

How Reliable Is The 2012 MINI Cooper?

I haven't not come across any major problem in last 2 years. So I would like to say it is pretty reliable
Laurie A.

Is The 2012 MINI Cooper A Good Value?

I got it second hand for $12000. Yes I think it is a good deal considering the vehicle condition n mileage on it
Clinton S.

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2012 MINI Cooper S: Worth Your Time and Money?

Safety & Reliability

NHTSA Logo
NHTSA Crash Test
(Not Rated)
*National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
IIHS Logo
IIHS Crash Test

Moderate Overlap Front

Side

Roof Strength

Driver-side Overlap Front

Not Rated
*Insurance Institute for Highway Safety