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Used Mini Cooper review: 2010-2011

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Not for everyone, but driving one sure makes you feel good.
EXPERT RATING
8.0
Graham Smith
Contributing Journalist
8 Feb 2013
4 min read
0 Comments

BMW was in the vanguard of the new-age nostalgia wave when it launched the Mini in 2002. The Mini was the first of a new generation of feel-good models, but few thought nostalgia would catch on.

NEW

Of the cars that were launched to cash-in on our need to tap into the good old days, the Mini has been the one that has cemented a place in the market. Others have come and gone, some even come again, but none have thrived like the Mini.

BMW's success seems to stem from being able to capture the essence of the original Mini, whereas other carmakers simply made pale imitations of their classics. Park a new Mini alongside an original one and they are quite different, yet viewed alone there's no doubt about the new car's heritage.

It still looks cute, and unlike some other nostalgia models, the fun feeling continues once you hit the road. The original Mini was noted for its go-kart like handling and the new one is just, perhaps even more, fun-packed.

BMW released an update to the theme in 2010 when it added features and made some changes under the skin. The extra standard features consisted of rain-sensing wipers, auto headlights, Bluetooth, USB input, fog lights and velour mats.

The major under-skin change was a new diesel, which was a larger, more efficient, BMW-derived 1.6-litre unit and injected the diesel models with more power and torque than the previous diesel. It also delivered better fuel economy.

The other engines, the 1.6-litre normally-aspirated one and the 1.6-litre turbocharged unit, were unchanged. The petrol engines were available with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed auto transmission, but the diesel was only available with a six-speed manual.

An auto stop-start function and a gear shift indicator were included to assist drivers get the best economy from their cars. For anyone who didn't feel comfortable with the stop-start function, BMW made the system switchable. Changes were made to the cabin as well, which were aimed at toning it down a little.

NOW

It's early days as far as the 2010 update model is concerned, even the earliest ones will only have maybe 30,000 km on the clock, so there shouldn't be any issues to be concerned about.

Earlier models did have their troubles with things like the power steering and gearbox, so it's important that you conduct a thorough road test, perhaps even get an experienced mechanic to do it for you. Make sure the engine starts and runs without any hesitation, that it revs smoothly up through the rev range and there are no vibrations to be felt.

When you head out on the road check that the clutch engages smoothly and takes up without any hitches. Once moving run through all gears, listening for odd noises that shouldn't be there. There shouldn't be any odd clunks or groans from the suspension as you round corners or negotiate bumps.

It's always a good idea to drive over speed humps, not too fast, but they are good to bring out any issues with the suspension. Operate all systems, windows, mirrors, air, sound, and anything on the car to see that it all works as it should. Previous models suffered from issues with the power windows, so checking them is a must.

If it's a cabriolet you're looking at run the roof up and down a couple of times to see that it's smooth, also check for any sign of fraying, wear etc. Servicing is all-important with any car, so make sure yours has been through a workshop when it's meant to have.

SMITHY SAYS

Not for everyone, but driving one sure makes you feel good.

MINI - 2010-2011
Price new: $31,500 to $57,300
Engine: 1.6-litre, 4-cylinder, 88 kW/160 Nm; 1.6-litre, 4-cylinder turbo, 128 kW/240 Nm; 1.6-litre, 4-cylinder turbo, 155 kW/260 Nm; 1.6-litre, 4-cylinder turbo-diesel, 82 kW/270 Nm
Transmission: 6-speed auto, 6-speed manual, FWD
Economy: 6.7 L/100 km (1.6); 6.7 L/100 km (1.6T); 6.9 L/100 km (1.6TST); 3.9 L/100 km (TD)
Body: 2-door hatch, 2-door cabriolet, 3-door wagon
Variants: Cooper, Cooper S, JCW, Clubman
Safety: 5-star ANCAP

Mini Cooper 2010: 50 Camden

Engine Type Inline 4, 1.6L
Fuel Type Unleaded Petrol
Fuel Efficiency 5.8L/100km (combined)
Seating 4
Price From $8,140 - $11,440
Safety Rating

Pricing Guides

$12,624
Based on 25 cars listed for sale in the last 6 months.
LOWEST PRICE
$7,500
HIGHEST PRICE
$18,980
Graham Smith
Contributing Journalist
With a passion for cars dating back to his childhood and having a qualification in mechanical engineering, Graham couldn’t believe his good fortune when he was offered a job in the Engineering Department at General Motors-Holden’s in the late-1960s when the Kingswood was king and Toyota was an upstart newcomer. It was a dream come true. Over the next 20 years Graham worked in a range of test and development roles within GMH’s Experimental Engineering Department, at the Lang Lang Proving Ground, and the Engine Development Group where he predominantly worked on the six-cylinder and V8 engines. If working for Holden wasn’t exciting enough he also spent two years studying General Motors Institute in America, with work stints with the Chassis Engineering section at Pontiac, and later took up the post of Holden’s liaison engineer at Opel in Germany. But the lure of working in the media saw him become a fulltime motorsport reporter and photographer in the late-1980s following the Grand Prix trail around the world and covering major world motor racing events from bases first in Germany and then London. After returning home to Australia in the late-1980s Graham worked on numerous motoring magazines and newspapers writing about new and used cars, and issues concerning car owners. These days, Graham is CarsGuide's longest standing contributor.
About Author
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Pricing Guide
$7,500
Lowest price, based on third party pricing data.
For more information on
2011 Mini Cooper
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