Used 2012 Mini Cooper for sale 

The Mini Cooper Convertible is available as a two-trim offering namely the base and S variant. Both trims feature distinct engine options and share an eerily similar specification load. It falls in a price range that extends from $24,950 for the base variant to $27,950 for the top-of-the-line trim. If you long for an immensely powerful Mini convertible, the JCW or John Cooper Works variant could be your ideal choice. Some basic trim-wise features include:

We Recommend

We recommend opting for the Mini Cooper Convertible S for a swift and exciting ride. The Cooper S delivers higher power and performance by virtue of its upgraded engine and features essentially all specifications one would look for at the price point. However, if you are looking for a Mini Cooper only for its looks, even the base variant will satiate all your needs.

The 2012 iteration of the Mini Cooper Convertible features a standard engine option that has been tuned differently across the base and S trim level. With the base variant, the inline-4 engine that the Mini comes equipped with is capable of churning 121hp of power and 114lb.-ft of torque. As standard, both trims of the Cooper Convertible are mated to a 6-speed manual transmission and can be channeled as front-wheel-drive variants only.

With the S variant, the turbocharged unit is good for 181hp and 177lb.-ft of power and torque respectively. It allows the Cooper Convertible to boost from a still to the 60 MPH mark in 6.7 seconds and can complete a quarter-mile sprint in 15.2 seconds. It records a top speed of 136 MPH.

In comparison, while all three cars make use of inline-4 engines, the Fiat 500 C is the least rated in terms of power and output. The Mazda Miata MX-5 is the only rear-wheel-drive car in the segment, while the 500 C makes use of a distinct 5-speed manual transmission. In terms of performance, the Fiat 500 C’s 11.5 and 18.6 seconds in the acceleration and quarter-mile tests are considerably slow as per segment standards. On the other hand, the MX-5 Miata clocks 7 and 15.3 seconds to achieve similar feats.

The steadiness and uniformity in performance that the Mini Cooper Convertible boasts of, is backed by its ability to deliver efficient and economical fuel figures. It manages an average mileage of 27 and 35 MPG in the city and on the highway respectively. Combined, it manages efficiency of 30 miles per gallon of fuel, which is the highest in the segment. 

Its fuel tank is also the largest and has a total capacity of 13.2 gallons. Consequently, by virtue of its economical figures and large tank, the Mini Cooper Convertible manages the highest range of 356.4/462 miles in the city and highway respectively.

In comparison, the Mazda MX-5 averages unimpressive figures of 24 MPG, as per segment standards. The Fiat 500C remains a notch below the Mini managing combined efficiency of 29 miles per gallon of fuel. However, it does feature the least voluminous fuel tank in comparison, which has a total capacity of 10.5 gallons. In terms of distance covered, the 500C and MX-5 Miata remain streets behind the Cooper S.

The cabin of the Mini Cooper Convertible is archetypal of the brand’s design ideology and strategy. The large round console that sits in the center is the speedometer and houses within itself the infotainment system. Behind the steering sits the tachometer, while the central mounted speedometer design has continued for a long, it looks rather odd than distinctive. The use of chrome embellishments inside the cabin breaks the monotone aura of the cabin and looks refreshing. 

The availability of ambient lighting adds an element of quirkiness to the cabin. While the front seats of the Mini Cooper are high on space and comfort, the rear seats lack feel like a letdown. The ride quality is characterized as nimble and agile, something you expect from a car of its class. The cargo capacity on offer, however, is miserable yet the highest in the segment. The Mini Cooper Convertible has a trunk volume of 6 cubic feet, which can be further increased by folding the rear seats.

In comparison, while the Cooper and Fiat 500 C sporting 4-seat configurations, the Mazda MX-5 Miata is the only vehicle that can accommodate two passengers. While the Mazda does have the highest space for front-seat occupants, the absence of a rear seat does put it at a disadvantage in the segment. In terms of cargo capacity, the Fiat and Mazda can have trunk capacities of 5.4 and 5.3 cubic feet. While the volume is rigid in the MX-5 Miata, a set of foldable rear seats allows for higher storage space in the Fiat 500 C. Some interior features include:

• Leatherette Upholstery
• Leather-wrapped Steering Wheel
• Cooled Storage Compartment
• Cruise Control
• Interior Air Filtration
• Steering Mounted Controls

How intuitive is the 2012 Mini Cooper Convertible’s infotainment system?

The infotainment system available with the Mini Cooper Convertible is simplistic, easy to use, and comprehendible in its approach. It comes equipped with basic features like AM/FM stereo, CD Player, and HD radio. While the standard sound system is a 6-speaker setup, an optional premium system is available with both the trims. Some other infotainment features include:

• Harman Kardon Sound System (Optional)
• Satellite Radio
• Auxiliary Audio Input
• HD Radio
• MP3 Player

The new Mini Cooper Convertible looks old-fangled and quaint in its appearance, yet it is aesthetically pleasing and distinctive. Even in 2012, the Mini Cooper stays true to its roots and borrows a considerable chunk of its design from its predecessors. While the traditional head- and taillights do look simple and subtle as always, the retractable soft-top roof is the center of attraction. 

With the top-down, the Mini Cooper Convertible resonates an aura as no other car does, it looks appealing and does garner abundant attention and road presence. The Mini Cooper Convertible is the heaviest car in the segment and weighs 2855 lbs. It is 146.8 inches and sports the longest wheelbase of 97.1 inches. It is 66.4 inches wide and 55.7 tall. While its ground clearance is not known, the Mini Cooper performs decently on uneven patches.

In comparison, the Fiat 500 C and Mazda MX-5 Miata are relatively light and have a curb weight of 2486 and 2511 lbs respectively. While the MX-5 is the longest and widest car in the segment measuring 157.3 and 67.7 inches respectively, the Fiat 500 is the tallest. Both competitors of the Mini Cooper Convertible sport a similar ground clearance of 4.6 inches. Some standout exterior features include:

• Retractable soft-top
• Rear Spoiler
• Alloy Wheels
• Rear Fog Lamps
• Aerodynamic Kit

While the Mini Cooper Convertible has not been rated by the agencies yet, its long list of safety makes a compelling case in its favor. As standard, it comes equipped with features like electronic stability control, traction control, and an airbag system for the driver and passenger. It makes use of a 4-wheel disc brake system that bestows decent halting distance in the deceleration test. Other salient safety specifications include:

• Rollover Protection System
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• Anti-theft Alarm System
• Child Seat Anchors
• Brake Assist
• Emergency Trunk Release

Buy the Mini Cooper Convertible for its look or for its performance, either way, it is sure to leave you grinning and gleaming. Its engine is potent in its performance and its ability to uphold economical fuel figures makes it an instant favorite in the segment. Its cabin build is top-notch, so is the exterior design. 

The Mini Cooper Convertible makes use of a sought-after infotainment and safety system that adds practicality and utility to the vehicle. Its biggest advantage is the rich history and heritage that it carries and a number of customizable options to choose from. Given the overpowering benefits of the Mini Cooper Convertible, there is no reason we would veto it in the segment.