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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2013 MINI Cooper Convertible

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Overview

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2013 MINI Cooper Convertible Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 7.2

More than a decade after re-launching in the United States under BMW, Mini's vehicles continue to make a big impact on the small-car landscape. More than just compact cars that fit anywhere, Minis offer some of the best smiles per gallon. Mini's stable of diminutive British vehicles is anything but small, expanding in both size and function with new editions such as the larger Countryman, Paceman and delivery-oriented Clubvan. Despite their growing numbers, all Minis remain based on the original Hardtop's architecture and use a fuel-efficient 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine that comes in a variety of power outputs. Base Mini Coopers have a relatively low starting price, but these cars' premium build quality and highly customizable features are reflected in prices that rise quickly with trim levels.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you want a car that feels more like an adult-sized go-kart, you'll love the Mini. These tidy 4-passenger vehicles are also effortlessly stylish inside and out, and offer high fuel economy. The Clubvan deletes the rear seat and replaces it with a level floor and an aluminum mesh divider.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Even in the larger Clubman form, the 2013 Mini Cooper does not have an expansive interior. If you need to carry more than one passenger on a regular basis, you'll want to step up to a Mini Countryman. The new Clubvan is stylish, but it's not as functional as a Ford Transit Connect.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

7.2
Driving Dynamics

7.9
Comfort & Convenience

6.5
Design: Interior & Exterior

7.5
Value

6.9
Safety

N/A

How It Ranks

#1

out of 3

MPG

#2

out of 3

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

8.4 out of 10

View all
consumer ratings

2013 MINI Cooper Convertible Low/wide front photo

What's New for 2013

Bluetooth is now standard and satellite radio is made optional. John Cooper Works (JCW) models can now be had with an automatic transmission. Joining the lineup this year is the fastest Mini ever made – the he limited production John Cooper Works GP – and the Mini Clubvan featuring opaque side windows and an expanded cargo area.

Driving the Cooper Convertible

2013 MINI Cooper Convertible Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions Minis are nothing if not fun. With a rigid body structure and sporty suspension, Minis are attracted to twisty roads like metal to a magnet. For a front-wheel-drive vehicle, the...

Mini is immensely nimble in corners. Perhaps more impressive is how solid these cars are on the highway. For such a small vehicle, the Mini displays little to none of the nervousness that can plague other subcompacts at freeway speeds. The Convertible also deserves kudos for feeling remarkably planted. Even with the base engine, Mini Coopers are a blast to drive. We endorse Mini's excellent 6-speed manual transmission in all of the brand's models, but especially in the base form, as that engine with the automatic transmission makes the vehicle noticeably slower. With their turbocharged engines, stepping up to Cooper S and JCW editions does just the opposite, making these vehicles even more thrilling. The 2013 Mini Cooper JCW GP, meanwhile, is a delightful deviant with great acceleration and excellent braking and cornering ability. If driving requires a soundtrack, you'll be happy to know the Mini's audio system is a good one, even in standard form.

Favorite Features

FOLDABLE REAR SEATS
Cargo space behind the rear seat of Minis is inherently meager. Flip down those seats, though, and interior space opens up commendably. Mini says its Hardtop, for example, can haul 15 bags of cement. Or, opt for the Clubvan and forgo the rear seats altogether.

FUEL ECONOMY/FUN FACTOR
The Mini is proof that you don't need a big, gas-guzzling engine under the hood to have massive amounts of driving satisfaction. The Mini may not win street races, but with up to 37 mpg, you'll experience a different type of joy when you pass your competition at the gas station.

2013 MINI Cooper Convertible Details

2013 MINI Cooper Convertible Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

The Mini's stylish, retro exterior looks extend to the interior. High in the center dash is Mini's trademark speedometer, which has nearly the circumference of the steering wheel. Then there are all those tiny toggles and dials, the former of which are ensconced in what appear to be the world's smallest roll bars. The metal switches look and feel great, but can be awkward to use. The Mini's front seats are comfortable and relatively roomy. Worried that you won't fit up front? The automaker claims that even Sasquatch – or drivers up to 6-foot-7 – will fit behind the wheel. The Hardtop and Convertible's tiny rear seats, on the other hand, are best used for luggage. Legroom is marginally better in the Clubman, whose longer body also increases cargo room. Performance-oriented 2013 Mini GP models have only two seats.

Exterior

Minis stand out with their low, squat profile. Hardtop versions stand further out with available contrasting-color roofs, while Convertibles use black fabric tops that when up create large interior blind spots. The convertible roof is automatic and has a nifty feature that enables it to remain partially open. The 2-door Hardtop has a rear hatch-style door that lifts high for easy access to the cargo hull. The Clubman/Clubvan has a small third door on the right-hand side that allows easier access to the rear passenger compartment. The Clubman/Clubvan is roughly nine inches longer than the Hardtop, and its cargo bay is accessed by two swing-out doors. S and JCW models feature an air-intake in the front hood and twin tailpipes in back.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

A base 2013 Mini Hardtop, with a starting price of $20,400, comes with remote entry and trunk release, a climate-controlled glove box, 6-way front seats, a 6-speaker AM/FM/CD/HD Radio system with auxiliary input, Bluetooth wireless communication, and 15-inch alloy wheels. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard, with an automatic optional. A "sport" button recalibrates throttle and steering response for a more aggressive feel. On the safety front, there are six airbags, 4-channel antilock brakes, and specialized systems to control traction and braking functions. Complimentary maintenance is included for three years or 36,000 miles, and roadside assistance is provided for four years/unlimited miles.

Optional Equipment

Start to configure a Mini, and its website will proudly tell you there are more than 10 million ways of doing so. Suffice to say, Minis are highly customizable cars in both aesthetics and creature comforts. For simplicity, many options can also be grouped together, which can save money vs. going a la carte. Among the more prominent options are an automatic transmission (unless you're one of the 500 to get a John Cooper Works GP, only available with a manual gearbox), the Mini Connected infotainment system with or without navigation, heated front seats, rain-sensing wipers, 10-speaker harman/kardon premium audio, and Dynamic Traction Control system with electronic differential lock.

Under the Hood

2013 MINI Cooper Convertible Engine photo

2013 Mini Cooper models use a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine that powers the front wheels and is connected to a 6-speed manual or optional 6-speed automatic transmission. Base models are naturally aspirated (not turbocharged) and make an adequate 121 horsepower. Cooper S and JCW models use a twin-scroll turbocharger and make 181 and 208 horsepower, respectively. And now there is the new top dog among Minis, the John Cooper Works GP, available only with manual transmission. This limited-edition model also uses the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine, but it has been bumped to 211 horsepower and up to 207 lb-ft of torque when in "overboost." Mini says the 2013 GP can go from 0 to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds and hit a top speed of 150 mph, making it the fleetest model in the lineup. Mini models are fuel efficient, but they do require premium gasoline.

2013 Mini Cooper
1.6-liter inline-4
121 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
114 lb-ft of torque @ 4,250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 29/37 mpg (manual, Hardtop), 28/36 mpg (automatic, Hardtop), 27/35 mpg (Convertible), 27/35 mpg (Cooper Clubman/Clubvan)

2013 Mini Cooper S
1.6-liter turbocharged inline-4
181 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
177 lb-ft of torque @ 1,600-5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 26/35 mpg (manual), 26/34 mpg (automatic)

2013 Mini John Cooper Works
1.6-liter turbocharged inline-4
208 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
192 lb-ft of torque @ 1,750-5,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 26/35 mpg (manual), 26/34 mpg (automatic)

2013 Mini John Cooper Works GP
1.6-liter turbocharged inline-4
211 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
207 lb-ft of torque @ 1,750-5,750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 26/35

Pricing Notes

The 2013 Mini Cooper Hardtop has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting at $20,400, while a base Clubman goes for $22,100. At those prices, the base Mini Hardtop and Mini Clubman represent the bargains of the bunch, as prices climb quickly as trims rise and customization options are added. Convertibles start at $25,850, while the Clubvan starts right around $26,000. A Cooper S Hardtop goes for $24,000, while a JCW version is $30,800. Then there is the biggest ask of them all: The limited-edition 2013 Mini John Cooper Works GP, which goes for nearly $40,000 ($39,950, to be exact). At these prices, Mini's lineup represents a wide range of prices, competing with everything from a Fiat 500 Turbo and Volkswagen Golfs on the low end to BMW 3 Series and Audi A4 models at the top. Before heading to the dealership, be sure to check KBB's Fair Purchase Price to see what others in your area are paying for specific Mini models. Minis command a premium price when new, but retain their value very well over the years. We expect Mini models to continue to command much better-than-average resale values over the next five years.

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2013 MINI Cooper Convertible Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.4

Out of 10

Based on 266 Ratings for the 2007 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.6/10

Quality

8.6/10
Reliability

8.6/10

Performance

9.2/10
Comfort

8.3/10

Styling

9.0/10

WAY TOO MUCH FUN TO DRIVE.

By Lynn (PA) on Friday, May 31, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 11,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Handling, seat comfort, responsiveness, fun to dri"

Cons: "not a soft ride, MINI as in small"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"If handling is important to you than this car is for you. When my wife or friends ride with me they tell me I'm having way too much fun. The car seems to anticipate what I want to do, the automatic always is in the best gear. The important controls fall right to hand. Other ones (window lifts, sun roof) are definitely Mini and take getting use too - not a complaint. The front seats are excellent, bolsters are perfect. Love the exhaust note. It is definitely a two person / grocery gofer car - although it held enough for two for a week at the beach. This is a great car guys retire's daily driver. Has been very reliable. Only problem was fixed under warranty. Average about 30MPG but could do much better if I drove conservatively."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Fun and fast, but costly...

By Burkley (MI) on Monday, May 27, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 56,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 6/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "FUN!!!! Good Gas mileage, easy in town, visibility"

Cons: "Cost to buy, Interior space, options list"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I absolutely love my MINI Cooper S! It is so fun to drive and it puts a smile on my face every time I start it up. The gas mileage is good, and the visibility is outstanding (better than a convertible with the top down). I live in town, and I love how the tiny design and really good visibility work together. The bad parts of my mini are that it is overpriced, just like every european car. The space in the front is fine, but you can't put a human being taller than 5'2" in the back comfortably. Also, with the rear seats up, the trunk is too small for even sub-compacts, although it does redeem itself when you fold them down. Finally, I was lucky that I found one with heated seats, digital radio, and fog lights; the options list will nickel and dime you for everything and it isn't cheap for those options. One more thing, if you are going to drive a MINI in the winter, like me, I recommend getting some really good snow tires, because the "all-season" runflats that come with it are bad in the snow."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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A car that makes driving fun again

By Chris (PA) on Monday, May 20, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 5,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Extremely fun to drive, surprisingly spacious"

Cons: "Pricey for its class"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"The 2011 MINI Cooper hatchback is a great model year for an updated classic. The interior is surprisingly spacious and comfortable, and doesn't ride too low to the ground. This vehicle brings fuel efficiency and a large fuel tank to the driving experience, leaving you with more time to just enjoy the drive. Handling is great and there's just enough power on the base model to have a little extra fun on the open road. The "sport" button included on all BMW models around this time adds some extra power, and the heightened steering sensitivity is great for cornering on winding roads. If you like driving manual transmission, the hill assist feature is great for hilly regions, and extremely helpful for beginners. I haven't had any problems with the vehicle, but it's only 2 years old at this point. Everything seems pretty solid, so I don't anticipate anything coming up any time soon either."

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Great Handling

By Spin (CA) on Sunday, May 19, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 5,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "Handling, head room, and quality control."

Cons: "Air conditioning vent obstructed by steering wheel"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I've had my Mini for a year now and I enjoy it more now than I did when I first leased it. The first thing I noticed compared to other similar cars is the handling. On the test drive I was blown away. Taking corners at 60 mph with ease and driving over big speed bumps at 60 mph with little jolting. The doors close and seem solid, there is plenty of head room and I'm 6 foot. There is only one thing I don't like about the car that I think about all the time, is how can they design the left air conditioning vent behind the steering wheel, the cold air gets blocked by the steering wheel, just bothers me. Other than that I have no complaints."

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LOVE

By Sunshine (MI) on Wednesday, May 08, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 15,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Cons: "Has a little character. Rattles and such."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Fun to drive, great pep to get you merging on the freeway in a jiffy, good gas mileage, shifter, door handles, other parts all solid metal unlike most economy compact cars (plastic and they break over time). Did I mention an absolute joy to drive??"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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So far so great!

By Eris on Tuesday, April 16, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 12,500

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "fun to drive, unique interior"

Cons: "pricey, bumpy ride"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7

"I've had this car for 2 years now and the only problem I can say I've had is a slight rattle in the driver's side door (what MINI doesn't have a unique noise these days?). I love my little car. I drive about 10 miles to work every day through suburban roads in the DC metro area. It's not the most comfortable ride, but the driving dynamics MORE than make up for it. I find my base version has just enough pep to get me around town in a fun and timely fashion! I was worried about reliability initially, but so far so great! I have a lot of people come up and talk to me about my car, or make "The Italian Job" comments, hah. Owning a MINI has definitely been a unique experience, one I can't say I've had in the past with "regular" vehicles."

9 people out of 9 found this review helpful

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