When searching for a new car, you’re probably looking for something you can have fun with and depend on. But in a world so focused on utility, economy, and fuel efficiency, it can be difficult to find a vehicle that simply makes you smile every time you get behind the wheel. And if you don’t leave room for some excitement, you won’t be happy with your car purchase. Fortunately, some vehicles, like Mini Cooper vehicles, can offer the perfect combination of excitement and reliability.
But if you buy a Mini Cooper, ensuring it is protected should be high on your list of priorities. Like most new cars, Mini Coopers come with a warranty from the automaker to make sure you are covered for any repairs that might come up due to issues at the factory or design flaws. By understanding what a Mini Cooper warranty covers and what you can expect from it, you can decide if one of these fun, zippy vehicles is right for you and your particular automotive needs.
What Does Mini Cooper’s Warranty Cover?
Mini offers one of the most comprehensive warranties on the market for their new vehicles. They cover almost every component of the car, and the warranties last longer than many other manufacturers. This means that you can be confident that Mini will cover any problems that might come up through no fault of your own, and you can simply take your car to the dealership to have them repaired. So as long as your Mini is still under warranty, you can rest easy knowing they will take care of the car.
Mini Coopers come with various warranties when they are new off the factory floor. These warranties include:
- New Vehicle Warranty: This coverage includes almost every important component in the vehicle, including the powertrain and drivetrain, making it Mini’s version of a bumper-to-bumper warranty. This coverage will last you for 4 years/50,000, whichever comes first.
- Rust Perforation: This warranty covers the exterior of the car. This includes things like the panels and trim pieces. If you live in an area where rust is prevalent, this coverage is essential and protects you from any defects in the paint or exterior manufacturing. It lasts for 12 years and has unlimited miles.
- Federal Emission: A new Mini Cooper’s emission equipment is covered by the Mini for 2 years/24,000 miles. This includes components like the exhaust, oxygen sensors, and other parts that control the expulsion of engine chemicals and runoff. There is also a separate “Special Control Devices” coverage under Mini’s Federal Emission warranty, giving certain parts extended coverage, lasting 8 years/80,000 miles.
- California Emission: If you live in California, your vehicle must have a CARB-compliant catalytic converter. A new Mini will come equipped with one of these converters, which will be covered for 3 years/50,000 miles. And like the Federal Emission warranty, the California Emission warranty also comes with a Special Control Device that’ll last for 7 years/70,000 miles.
- Roadside Assistance: Mini offers roadside assistance coverage for all new vehicles. This includes battery and tire services and towing coverage so you can be safe out on the road. As a new Mini Cooper owner, you will have access to this coverage for four years and unlimited miles.
Mini vehicles also come with a unique maintenance coverage program. The Free Scheduled Maintenance program is good for 3 years/36,000 miles and includes maintenance procedures done by certified Mini mechanics. This program includes oil changes, inspections, brake fluid services, and more.
What is Not Covered by Mini Cooper’s Warranty?
One of the things about Mini Cooper’s warranty that makes it unique is that it is a more or less “exclusionary coverage.” This means it is much easier to list the things that the coverage does not include since almost every component is covered. While some manufacturers offer fairly comprehensive coverage, most have some exclusions that can be very costly if something goes wrong with those components.
In the case of a Mini Cooper, the only thing that is not covered under the factory warranty is the tires. This is because Mini does not manufacture the tires themselves, so they can’t offer coverage. The good news is that they will most likely be covered by the company that made them, so you will still be protected in the event of an unexpected blowout or leak.
Mini Cooper Repair Costs
To understand the benefits of Mini Cooper’s warranty, it is important to know some of the costs associated with repairs. These include:
- Fuel Tank Replacement: $1,333 – $1,450
- Windshield Wiper Motor Replacement: $550 – $595
- Radiator Replacement: $1,036 – $1,120
- Parking Brake Activation Switch Replacement: $227 – $272
Can You Get an Extension on a Mini Cooper’s Coverage?
If you want to continue coverage on your Mini Cooper after the factory warranty has run out, Mini offers a variety of extended warranty plans that can extend your coverage up to 7 years/100,000 miles. The most basic is the Powertrain warranty, which offers limited coverage on components related to your car’s powertrain, such as the engine, transmission, and drive assembly, as well as the transfer case and the electrical, cooling, and fuel systems. The middle option is the Gold warranty, covering all the powertrain components and more, including the steering, brakes, and heating/air conditioning. The high-end Platinum warranty covers most of the car’s major components, is available for new, used, and certified pre-owned Mini Coopers, and will even cover the infotainment system.
Protect Your Mini Cooper With an Extended Warranty
While comprehensive, Mini Cooper’s extended warranty coverage may not have exactly what you’re looking for. So if you want to control your Mini Cooper’s coverage, you can also get an extended warranty from a third-party provider. And with a wide variety of coverage options available from all kinds of warranty companies, you can protect your Mini Cooper without going through the manufacturer or getting your car repaired at the dealership. And by knowing what choices are available, you can protect your car and give yourself the confidence you need when you are behind the wheel. Explore our extended warranty provider reviews and buying guide to find out which extended warranty will work best for you and your vehicle
