The first-generation MINI Cooper is the best used MINI to buy. In particular, the 2006 Cooper is widely considered both the most desirable and reliable MINI model on the market.

The first-generation MINI Cooper series is a premium compact car. Manufactured from 2002 to 2006, the MINI Cooper R50/R53 offered a wide range of customizable features, making the series both reliable and a joy to drive. If a new MINI is out of your budget, purchasing a used MINI is the best way to take advantage of the brand’s signature 60s style without breaking the bank.

With a wide array of models available, finding the perfect used MINI can be a challenge. Luckily,

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MINI Cooper insurance costs

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The best used MINI to buy: 2006 MINI Cooper

Developed over the last 60 years, the MINI brand is devoted to changing what it means to drive—and the first-generation MINI Cooper is no exception. This compact car is a sophisticated and stylish addition to MINI’s already amazing line-up.

What makes the 2006 MINI Cooper a good used car?

MINI cars are almost always a great option if you’re shopping used, but the 2006 Cooper stands out as a shining exception. But what exactly sets it apart?

Our rating system for evaluating used cars hinges on four major factors—true cost to own, safety features, reliability, and customizations. Let's take a closer look:

True cost to own: Buying a used MINI might seem like an attractive option until you factor in maintenance and insurance costs. The best used MINI will be affordable to own and to maintain, insure, and repair.

Safety features: Shopping used sometimes means sacrificing more up-to-date safety technology. We wanted to find a used MINI whose safety features have stood the test of time in terms of safety ratings and assistance tech.

Reliability: The worst thing that can happen when buying a used car is purchasing a model that can’t go the distance. You’ll want a used MINI that can grow with you.

Customization and styling: While you won’t have total control over customizing your used MINI, the best used model needs to offer a variety of body styles and trim levels while maintaining a modern aesthetic.

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The true cost of owning a 2006 MINI Cooper

The true cost of ownership for your car is the total sum of the purchase price as well as costs of operation, such as maintenance, insurance, and financing fees.

Thankfully, because MINI brand cars are designed to be both small and fuel-efficient, you are likely to face lower insurance rates than you would with a luxury vehicle.

The 2006 MINI Cooper is remarkably reliable. This makes it cheaper to insure and saves you more money on repair costs than other MINIs, lowering the overall cost of ownership. Let’s take a closer look at the ins and outs of the true cost of MINI ownership and how the Cooper stacks up.

Purchase price

The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for a 2006 MINI Cooper starts at about $17,450, but a used model will run you somewhere closer to $2,000 to $5,000 depending on the car’s mileage. Some drivers have paid as little as $1,000 for their used 2006 MINI Cooper.

Costs of operation

With a good credit score and a decent down payment, you can expect low overall loan and interest payments for a used 2006 Cooper.

While a newer MINI can lose as much as 46% of its value in the first five year from depreciation costs, a used 2006 MINI Cooper will do a better job of maintaining its value since it’s already 15 years old.

We recommend the R53

Cooper S

, whose supercharged engine increased the model’s horsepower from 115 to 163. The 2006 MINI Cooper doesn’t suffer from the same power-steering pump issues as the 2005 model, and the increased reliability makes it a great choice for keeping your maintenance costs low.

Fuel costs for the Cooper aren’t likely to increase your overall cost of ownership by too much. With a great fuel economy, the Cooper runs at an average of 24 mpg in the city and 33 mpg during highway cruising.

Key Takeaway With an affordable MSRP, low depreciation costs, and one of the best reliability ratings on the market, the total cost of owning a 2006 MINI Cooper should be fairly low.

Safety features of the 2006 MINI Cooper

Rated one of the most desirable and reliable cars by Road & Track, the 2006 MINI Cooper offers an array of attractive safety features, including:

Anti-lock brake system

Front and side-impact airbags

Overhead airbags

Pretensioners

Stability control

Security system

The

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

gave the 2006 Cooper four out of five stars in their collision tests measuring safety in frontal, rollover, and side crashes.

rated the model either “good” or “acceptable” in their crash test ratings, except for in evaluations of the seat and head restraints’ protection against neck injuries in the event of a rear impact.

Is the 2006 MINI Cooper a reliable used car?

Both customer and expert reviews have reached the same conclusion: the 2006 MINI Cooper is one of the most reliable used cars in its class.

Not only does the 2006 MINI Cooper offer a supercharged engine and extensive safety features, but it also avoids issues that plagued earlier models like the power-steering pump failure that led to the recall of the 2005 model.

If you want to amp up your Cooper’s already impressive reliability, regular maintenance is key. Performing routine maintenance on your used car will help you catch any developing issues before they become costly fixes.

Generally, you can expect your 2006 Cooper to last between 200,000 and 250,000 miles.

MORE:

Basic car maintenance schedule

Customization and styling

Driving a used MINI should be about more than price calculations and safety features—you should enjoy driving and owning your car, as well! The 2006 MINI Cooper offers an array of customizable features while maintaining the brand’s signature 60s styling, making this MINI an aesthetic and comfortable classic.

The 2006 MINI Cooper is available as a hatchback and a convertible. It also offers customizable options for contrasting roof and side mirrors, body stripes, and alloy wheel designs.

How to find affordable insurance for a used MINI

Thankfully, the cost to insure a 2006 MINI Cooper is already relatively low at around $1,250 a year. If you want to lower than even further, use

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