The Good
Its chief advantage is exhilarating "go-kart" performance and incredibly agile handling, appealing to emotional drivers. The distinctive, charismatic design also sets it apart. Practical buyers appreciate its surprisingly efficient fuel economy, especially the base model, and compact size ideal for city driving and parking. Despite its small footprint, the interior feels more spacious than expected for passengers.
The Bad
Known weaknesses for the 2007 Mini Cooper, especially the Cooper S (N14 engine), include significant issues with timing chains, high-pressure fuel pumps, and carbon buildup. Other concerns are a firm ride, limited cargo space, potential electrical gremlins, and higher maintenance costs compared to rivals. Premium fuel is required for the Cooper S.
2007 Mini Cooper: Quick Overview
- Engine Options:
- Base Cooper: 1.6-liter naturally aspirated inline-4 (N12 engine)
- Cooper S: 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-4 (N14 engine) - Horsepower:
- Base Cooper: 118 hp at 6,000 rpm
- Cooper S: 172 hp at 5,500 rpm - Torque:
- Base Cooper: 114 lb-ft at 4,250 rpm
- Cooper S: 177 lb-ft at 1,600-5,000 rpm (with overboost to 192 lb-ft temporarily) - Fuel Economy (EPA estimates):
- Base Cooper (manual/automatic): Approx. 28/37 mpg city/highway (manual), 26/34 mpg city/highway (automatic)
- Cooper S (manual/automatic): Approx. 26/34 mpg city/highway (manual), 24/32 mpg city/highway (automatic). Premium fuel recommended for all models, required for Cooper S. - 0-60 mph Acceleration:
- Base Cooper: Approximately 8.5-9.1 seconds
- Cooper S: Approximately 6.7-7.1 seconds - Towing Capacity:
- Not officially rated or recommended for towing in the U.S. market. - Trim-Level Features:
- Mini Cooper (Base): Standard features included 15-inch alloy wheels, manual air conditioning, power windows and mirrors, remote central locking, a CD stereo system with an auxiliary input jack, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, and six airbags. Optional features encompassed a panoramic sunroof, sport seats, automatic climate control, Xenon headlights, heated front seats, and a premium audio system.
- Mini Cooper S: Builds upon the base model with significant performance upgrades and distinctive styling cues. It adds a more powerful turbocharged engine, a sport-tuned suspension, 16-inch alloy wheels, dual chrome exhaust tips, unique front and rear bumpers, a hood scoop for intercooler air intake, sport seats, and enhanced interior trim. Optional extras for the S included 17-inch wheels, a navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity, a Harman Kardon sound system, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), and various cosmetic customization options like contrasting roof colors and racing stripes.
2007 Mini Cooper Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 2007 |
| Make | Mini |
| Model | Cooper |
| Trim | - |
| Style | 2-Door Coupe |
| Type | Coupe |
| Category | Minicompact Car |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | United Kingdom |
| Manufacturing City | OXFORD |
Dimensions
| Doors | 2-Door |
| Curb Weight | 1154.85 kg |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | 1524.98 kg |
| Overall Height | 140.72 cm |
| Overall Length | 369.82 cm |
| Overall Width | 168.4 cm |
| Wheelbase Length | 246.63 cm |
| Standard Seating | 4 |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | Gasoline 4-Cyl 1.6L/97.5 |
| Engine Size | 1.6L |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 |
| Transmission | Manual |
| Transmission Type | Manual |
| Transmission Speeds | - |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | 4-Wheel ABS |
| Steering Type | Rack & Pinion |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | $21,950 USD |
| Invoice Price | $19,837 USD |
| Delivery Charges | $650 USD |
Vehicle History Report
Specifications
History
Events
History Check
Check
Check
Check
Check
Listings
Recalls
Check
Analysis
What Problems Does the 2007 Mini Cooper Have?
Excessive carbon buildup on the intake valves is also prevalent due to the direct injection design, requiring regular walnut blasting for cleaning to maintain performance and fuel economy. Owners also report significant oil consumption, requiring frequent top-ups.
Beyond engine specifics, other long-term reliability concerns include electrical gremlins affecting power windows, door locks, and infotainment systems. Coolant leaks are common from the thermostat housing and water pump. Clutch wear can be accelerated in manual transmission models, and the automatic transmission 's longevity isn't always robust. The power steering pump, while more problematic in the earlier R53 generation, can still be a point of failure.
While there weren't massive recalls directly addressing these N14 engine issues for all 2007 models, some were subject to service campaigns or extended warranties for specific components like the HPFP. Prospective buyers must be aware that the N14 engine requires diligent and often expensive maintenance to avoid these common pitfalls. The base Cooper (N12 engine) generally exhibits better long-term reliability, though it's not entirely immune to typical European car maintenance demands.
How long will the 2007 Mini Cooper last?
Long-term weaknesses include the aforementioned N14 engine problems, suspension component wear (bushings, control arms), electrical system glitches, and cooling system leaks (thermostat housing, water pump). Interior plastics and trim can also show wear over time. Proactive fluid changes and addressing minor issues prevent them from becoming costly major failures, making maintenance habits the primary determinant of service life.
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
Built-in Tech & Entertainment: Standard equipment included a basic AM/FM radio with a CD player and an auxiliary input jack, allowing connection of external music devices. Optional upgrades significantly enhanced the experience, such as a premium Harman Kardon sound system for superior audio quality. A unique, centrally mounted navigation system, often controlled via a joystick, was available, integrated into the iconic large central speedometer. Optional Bluetooth connectivity provided hands-free phone operation. A trip computer with basic vehicle information was standard.
Driver-Assistance Features: In 2007, driver-assistance technology was far less pervasive than today. The Mini Cooper offered fundamental aids like Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), and Cornering Brake Control (CBC). Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), a more advanced traction and stability system, was an important optional safety upgrade, helping to maintain control in challenging driving conditions. Features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, or blind-spot monitoring were not available.
Safety Features: Standard safety equipment was comprehensive for its time, including six airbags: dual front airbags, front side airbags, and side curtain airbags that covered both front and rear occupants. Other standard features included seatbelt pretensioners and a tire pressure monitoring system.
Crash-Test Ratings: The 2007 Mini Cooper performed well in independent crash tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the R56 Mini Cooper 'Good' ratings (the highest score) in its frontal offset and side-impact crash tests (when equipped with optional side airbags). It also received a 'Good' rating for roof strength. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provided ratings of four out of five stars for frontal crash protection (driver and passenger) and five out of five stars for side-impact protection (front and rear passengers), indicating a strong safety cell for occupants.
What Colors Options are Available?
2007 Mini Cooper Prices and Market Value
Initially, like most cars, the Mini Cooper experienced significant depreciation. However, its iconic design and unique driving experience have helped it retain better value than many competitors over the long term. Factors positively affecting resale value include a clean title, comprehensive service records (especially for the Cooper S to prove engine health), lower mileage, desirable optional features (like navigation or premium audio), and excellent cosmetic condition. Conversely, neglected maintenance, particularly for the N14 engine, drastically reduces value due to anticipated expensive repairs.
2007 Mini Cooper Cost of Ownership
Maintenance and repair costs can be significantly higher than average for its class. Parts are often more expensive, reflecting its BMW lineage, and labor can be costly due to specialized knowledge required. The notorious N14 engine issues (timing chain, HPFP) in the Cooper S often lead to expensive, unexpected repairs.
Overall, a base 2007 Cooper can be moderately economical, but the 2007 Cooper S is generally considered costly to own, particularly if a comprehensive service history is lacking, due to its propensity for major engine problems.
2007 Mini Cooper Fuel Efficiency
2007 Mini Cooper Safety Rating
NHTSA
IIHS
2007 Mini Cooper Recalls & Defects
Engine and Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/Header/Muffler/tail Pipe
Engine and Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/Supercharger
Engine and Engine Cooling:engine
Engine and Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/Supercharger
Electrical System
2007 Mini Cooper Warranty
Basic
Powertrain
Rust
2007 Mini Cooper Insurance
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2007 Mini Cooper Compare to Other Coupe?
Performance: The Mini Cooper S truly shines here. Its "go-kart" handling is legendary, offering a more visceral and agile driving experience than most rivals. The Civic Si, with its high-revving naturally aspirated engine, offers thrilling acceleration but a different character. The GTI (Mk5 generation) boasts a refined, powerful 2.0T engine and a more comfortable ride, making it a strong all-rounder. The Mazda 3 is capable but generally less sporty than the Mini S or Civic Si in base forms.
Features: Mini offers extensive customization and a unique interior aesthetic that rivals struggle to match. However, standard tech in the base Cooper can be somewhat basic compared to a similarly priced Mazda 3 or Civic, which often packed more features. The GTI typically offered a more upscale interior feel and strong feature set for its class. Mini's premium options could push its price significantly higher than Japanese competitors.
Reliability: This is the Mini Cooper's Achilles' heel, particularly for the Cooper S with its N14 engine. The timing chain, HPFP, and carbon buildup issues plague this model year, making it significantly less reliable and more costly to maintain than a Honda Civic Si or Mazda 3, which are often praised for their bulletproof dependability. While the GTI's 2.0T engine also had its share of issues (cam follower, PCV valve), the N14 Mini S problems were arguably more widespread and severe. The base Cooper (N12 engine) is more reliable but still requires diligent maintenance.
Price: New, their prices were competitive. Used, a 2007 Mini Cooper, especially the S, might appear to be a bargain. However, potential repair costs for the N14 engine can quickly negate any initial savings, making it a riskier purchase than its rivals.
Alternatives:
- For superior long-term reliability and engaging, high-revving performance, the Honda Civic Si is a strong contender.
- For a blend of performance, practicality, and better reliability than the Mini S, the Volkswagen GTI (Mk5) is an excellent choice.
- If absolute reliability and fun-to-drive dynamics are paramount, a Mazda 3 (especially a MazdaSpeed 3 for performance) offers a compelling package, though perhaps less "character" than the Mini.
Final Verdict: Is the 2007 Mini Cooper a Good Coupe?
Is it worth buying? Yes, but with significant caveats, especially for the Cooper S. If buying used, a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection (PPI) by a Mini specialist is non-negotiable. Strong preference should be given to models with meticulous service records.
For better long-term reliability and lower ownership costs, the base 2007 Mini Cooper (N12 engine) is a safer bet. The Cooper S (N14 engine) can be a rewarding, performance-oriented buy, but only for those prepared for potentially expensive and frequent maintenance, or for individuals with the mechanical aptitude to tackle known issues themselves. It's not a "buy it and forget it" car.