Used MINI (Mk3, 2014-2024) buyer's guide: award-winning hatch is a great bargain
A full used buyer’s guide on the MINI covering the MINI Mk3 that was on sale between 2014 and 2024
Verdict
In 2016 the MINI was crowned Best Premium Small Car at our New Car Awards for the third time in a row. It was our overall Car of the Year in 2014. When it won we said: “The MINI hatch is the perfect Car of the Year – it’s a small car that’s big on talent.We love the way it drives, the quality, the efficiency and the big car tech on board. It’s also built brilliantly in Britain – a car the UK can be proud of.” Then and now, the MINI is up against some stiff competition, but we reckon that none of its rivals can match the ever-popular model’s cheeky looks, efficient engines, engaging dynamics and low running costs.
When the original Mini arrived in 1959, nobody could have foreseen what a phenomenon it would become. More than 40 years later, BMW introduced an all-new MINI for the 21st century and pulled off a major coup, with the car proving to be a massive success.
Since the first cars were launched in 2001, BMW has used every trick to exploit the Mini heritage, with special editions, sporty models and, for the first time ever with the Mk3, a five-door hatchback.
Used - available now
2020 MINI
3-Door Hatch
23,519 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L
Cash £16,397
2022 MG
HS
27,409 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L
Cash £15,797
2022 BMW
X1
23,772 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L
Cash £23,000
2019 Ford
Fiesta
43,261 milesManualPetrol1.0L
Cash £9,000Some reckon the third-generation BMW MINI doesn’t look as desirable as previous versions, but there’s no denying that it represents a big advance over its predecessors in pretty much every way. The Mk3 MINI was replaced by the Mk4 in 2024 with the whole Mk4 range taking on the MINI Cooper name.
History
The third-generation MINI hit dealers in March 2014. Codenamed F56, the range comprised One (102bhp 1.2), Cooper (136bhp 1.5) and Cooper S (192bhp 2.0-litre) petrol models. Diesel buyers could pick from One D (95bhp 1.5) and Cooper D (116bhp 1.5-litre) versions. All engines were turbocharged three-cylinder units, apart from the four-cylinder Cooper S.
In September 2014 the range gained five-door (F55) and Cooper SD options, the latter featuring a 170bhp 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine. The 228bhp John Cooper Works (JCW) appeared in spring 2015 and was the most powerful MINI yet. In July 2017 the instrumentation was improved on all models.
A facelift brought standard LED headlights across the range. Also fitted as standard was improved infotainment with Apple CarPlay and wireless phone charging.
Which one should I buy?
All engines were hooked up to a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, with a six-speed auto optional; from December 2017 a seven-speed dual-clutch box was also offered. From last month, this became the standard automatic option. The manuals work well, the autos are fine but not quite as slick, while the dual-clutch is great.
Air-con had to be specified at the time of ordering as a no-cost option on the One/One D and Cooper/Cooper D models, so check it’s fitted. The One is spartan, so we’d go for at least a Cooper.
Pin down what options or option packs are included on any potential purchase; the list is extensive. The Pepper and Chili packs bring different features depending on the trim level.
Alternatives to the MINI Mk3
Perhaps the MINI’s closest rival is the Audi A1, another premium small hatch that comes in three or five-door forms. It’s beautifully built and packs some excellent engines. But the German model’s design both inside and out is very sober compared with the MINI.
The Fiat 500 still looks desirable even though it’s 10 years old, but it’s best viewed as a 2+2 thanks to its cramped rear seats. Also getting on is the DS 3, but it’s still desirable with its sharp looks, tough engines and relatively keen prices. The Ford Fiesta is a less exclusive choice, but it’s better value, more fun to drive, roomier and cheaper to run.
What to look for
Paintwork
Check the fit of the door on the B-pillar. A few owners have found that the rubber wears away the paint on the bodywork.
Clutches
On manual cars, clutches can play up. Sometimes it’s caused by the hydraulics, other times it’s the pedal return spring.
Transmission
Some owners report their car jumps out of gear; usually first at low speed. Adjusting the linkage can fix things.
Connectivity
Smartphones can struggle to connect, or disconnect mid-call. In most cases, a software update will resolve any issues.
Interior
The cabin is a MINI highlight, with its low-set driving position, excellent ergonomics and distinctive design. All of the seats are comfortable, but there are just two in the back and space here is tight thanks to limited legroom. Boot capacity is also poor at just 211 litres; even with the rear seats folded this increases to only 731 litres.
Running costs
The MINI has condition-based servicing (CBS), so only the parts that need to be replaced are fitted and there’s no set schedule for when some components are renewed. CBS monitors the oil, brake fluid and brake pads, and flags up when work is needed. All engines are chain-driven, so there are no cambelts.
Check the price of a Mk3 MINI with our free car valuation tool...
Recalls
The MINI Mk3 has been recalled twice. The first campaign was in October 2014 because examples built up to then could suffer from the spare wheel falling away from the underside of the vehicle.
A second action came a month later, affecting cars made between August and October 2014. It was issued due to the possibility of excess movement in the front seat backrests; the seat could even collapse.
Driver Power owner satisfaction
With an all-new Mk4 MINI now on sale, it’s impressive to see the outgoing car, which is available in both petrol and electric guises, scoring so highly in our survey. You’d expect a MINI to be fun to drive, and this car delivers with first places for both road handling and driving pleasure. Acceleration and engine noise come third, although the firm ride (rated 17th) means the MINI is ranked only second overall for ride and handling.
The MINI also takes second place in the infotainment category, with excellent scores for its controls and touchscreen, but losing ground for its audio system, which musters a (still good) 15th. When it comes to the climate control, user-friendly switchgear and the balance between touchscreen and physical controls though, the MINI earns podium places all round.
Running costs are a mixed bag, with fifth for economy and eighth for insurance, but servicing costs ranked 44th. Also, while it is first for overall quality, reliability scores a 33rd place.
What do owners think
| What they like | What they don't like |
| “The optional Harmon Kardon hi-fi upgrade is very easy to use and sounds absolutely superb.” | “The standard-fit audio is very poor. I had to install an aftermarket system to get a decent sound.” |
| “The brakes are great. There is no shortage of stopping power, and they’re also very smooth.” | “The EV’s range needs to be better in future cars. I won’t be having another MINI EV unless this is addressed.” |
| “I don’t like cars with small windows because they feel claustrophobic. But I don’t get that feeling in my MINI.” | “The car is really a 2+2. You can fit an adult in the back, but it’s a struggle because legroom is very limited.” |
| “Excellent-quality materials throughout the cabin, but the piano-black inserts get scratched easily.” | “Servicing at main dealers is far too expensive. They want over £300 for an oil change, which is just silly.” |
| “The sports seats have limited adjustment, but they hold the driver well and are comfy even on a long drive.” | “My MINI isn’t fitted with Android Auto, although it is fitted with Apple CarPlay, which is an odd decision.” |
| “MINIs are built very well. They feel really solid all round, but I wish the boot would shut more smoothly.” | |
| “The roads in my neighbourhood are full of potholes that cannot be avoided, but my MINI just glides over them. The steering is also light and responsive, so it’s just the thing for urban driving; it makes parking easy.” | |
| “The leather seat covers are excellent quality, very premium-looking, while being very easily wiped clean. Isofix mountings in the rear make fitting child seats and boosters easy, keeping kids very safe.” | |
| “Given the size of the car the rear legroom is comfortable for adults, but you wouldn’t want to sit in the back for any great length of time. For such a small car, the amount of boot space in the MINI is also really quite generous.” |
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