While the 2012 Cooper S has the N18 motor and is more reliable than previous years it still isn't great. The car is fun to drive without a doubt, but as you start climbing the mileage stuff starts really breaking. The only people who work on it are specialty shops or Mini themselves which will cost you a fortune. Over my ownership of 5 years I have gone from 92,000 miles to 136,000 miles. I have replaced the diverter valve twice, a valve cover, a clutch which will cost you almost $3000, tires, oil, and other basic parts. Currently the car needs a new oil filter housing and a water pump around $1500 for parts and labor on those two parts. The 2012 also has this weird break in-between where if your car was manufactured before march of 2012 parts from the older notorious N14 engine were used that were not reliable and often break. Things that would be covered by normal car companies are not covered by mini including a passenger airbag sensor if you are out of 120K miles or 10 year. They hard stick to that "Limited extended warranty". In a more of an opinion than a necessary truth to me it seems like mini attempted to get ahead of these issues and offer a limited extended warranty to avoid a recall.

This car exceeded my expectations as far as build quality and performance. Very pleasing experience to drive. Easy to maintain and has always remained stylish.

I love my cooper S. It is fast, gas efficient, Very compact/fits everywhere!!!Fun to drive. Handles the road great. Color combos are perfect. Believe it or not, tons of room for groceries/ boxes etc.