How To Build a Custom Mini Cooper

Customize your Mini Cooper with advanced trim levels, optional upgrades, and after-market mods.
Written by Jacqulyn Graber
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
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Make your Mini Cooper your own by choosing between four trim levels and a variety of optional upgrades, including after-market mods.
The 2023 Mini Cooper is a retro-modern compact car built to win on the racetrack. While its small size doesn’t make it the most practical vehicle, it’s fun for couples or singles, or it can make an awesome option as a second vehicle. Available in a two-door hatchback, a four-door hatchback, or a convertible, there’s sure to be a perfect Mini Cooper for you. 
Choosing the best Mini Cooper involves sorting through all of the trim levels, optional upgrades, and even aftermarket mods—meaning things can get quite confusing. Here's everything you need to know about customizing your
Mini Cooper
.
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2023 Mini Cooper customization options

The Mini Cooper is available as a two-door
hatchback
, four-door hatchback, or convertible. All models are small, lightweight, and peppy—making them fun to drive along highways. 
The Mini Cooper comes in four straightforward trim levels: the Cooper Hardtop, the Cooper S Hardtop, the Cooper Convertible, and the Cooper S Convertible. The standard Cooper Hardtop comes in 2-door or 4-door hatchback options and has a starting price of $24,250. The Convertible only comes in the 2-door model, starting at $29,250.
The standard engine is a turbocharged 134-hp 1.5-liter three-cylinder, which suits the lightweight vehicle just fine. Upgrade to one of the S models for a more powerful turbocharged 189-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder, which will put a bit more pep in your Coop’s step. Both options come in front-wheel-drive and are available with manual or automatic transmission. 
The base three-cylinder engine boasts the same fuel economy for all trim levels, clocking in at an impressive 38 mpg on the highway. The more powerful four-cylinder engine lowers fuel efficiency slightly, giving drivers an average of 27 to 30 mpg on the highway
Hardtop models offer a slightly roomier trunk, though they aren’t big by any means. Dropping the rear seats in the 2-door and 4-door models allows for much more respectable cargo space. Convertible trunks are, unfortunately, quite tiny. 
Front heated seats come standard on all models, and a leather interior is optional.

Mini Cooper optional packages

In addition to picking between four
trim levels
, you’ll have the option of additional packages to further customize your Mini Cooper.
All trim levels of the 2023 Mini Cooper are available in the optional visual Resolute package, which comes painted in Rebel Green with Pepper White for the mirror caps and roof. The convertible will come with a black cloth top. 18-inch black wheels, hood stripes, pin-striped door-sill protectors, and yellow-and-cream tweed upholstery complete the package.
Individual optional upgrades are available, as well. For example, choose Iconic Trim for a wider selection of paint colors, a choice of 16- or 17-inch wheels, and a selection of premium leather upholstery. You can also choose between multiple roof colors and a variety of custom rims

How to customize your Mini Cooper to save money

Generally, opting for higher trim levels and additional optional packages will raise the price of your Mini Cooper. For example, the 2023 Hardtop starts at just $24,250, but upgrading to the S model’s more powerful engine will cost you an additional $3,500.
Unfortunately, the extra cost doesn’t end at the dealership—your car insurance rates will likely increase as well. After all, cars with more advanced, custom features are usually more expensive to repair.
But, believe it or not, there are a few upgrades which can save you money in the long run. Many of these customizations can be done aftermarket, and some are easy to do yourself. Here’s what we suggest adding to your Mini Cooper and why:
  • Tires—Depending on your selected trim level, you’ll get to choose from a variety of 16- or 17-inch rims. However, the tire you choose can have a big effect on long-term cost. Certain types of tires are known to increase fuel economy, so be sure to do your research and choose the best wheels for your driving habits and local climate.
  • Aerodynamic adjustments—-Another way to increase fuel economy is to make some aerodynamic adjustments to your vehicle. Some examples include removing or reducing the use of roof racks, lowering your vehicle closer to the ground, choosing narrower tires, and more.
  • Make your own repairs and customizations—If you have the DIY spirit, making your own repairs and customizations is a great way to save money on car maintenance. YouTube is a great resource, as you can often find detailed step-by-step videos for common mods and repairs.
MORE: Winter tires vs. all-season tires: Which is better?
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The best Mini Cooper mods

The Mini Cooper trim levels and optional upgrades are relatively straightforward. If you want to further customize your car, you’ll have to perform some aftermarket mods yourself. Here are three mods we think are incredibly worthwhile:

Tires

The type of tire you need will be dependent on several factors, including your driving habits, your local climate, and the current season. Opting for
winter tires
in snowy, icy areas can make your car safer, whereas highway tires can be great if you use your Mini Cooper for long commutes.

Mirror plates/covers 

Adding mirror plates or covers to your left and right rear-view mirrors is a fast and easy way to change up the aesthetics of your Mini Cooper. Add a pop of color or even opt for a funky print.

Cold air intake

Installing cold air intake has a variety of benefits, including increased acceleration, increased mileage, and a generally nicer sound. This is an ideal upgrade for anyone looking to use their Mini Cooper like a little race car. 
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How to find affordable insurance for your Mini Cooper

Once you’re done customizing your car, it’s time to worry about customizing your
car insurance
policy. You can complete the process quickly and easily with
Jerry
.
Jerry is a
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