2010-Mini Cooper attract worldwide Overview environmentally friendly design

The Mini Cooper dates back to 1957, when British Motor Corporation owned this cost-effective car.  Then, president Leonard Lord created the microcar in response to Britains oil crisis. During this time, microcars had engines less than 700 cubic centimeters, they were actually produced in Germany, and they were considered unsafe to drive. Also called bubble cars, by 1961, the car had been redesigned to make it safer. After the redesign, the microcar caught the attention of a racecar builder named John Cooper. After negotiating with the powers that be at BMC, in 1961 the Mini Cooper was born, followed by the Mini Cooper S in 1963. Fast Forward to 1994.

In 1994 BMW purchased the Rover Group. The Rover Group was the current owner of Mini Cooper a car that was beginning to attract worldwide attention for its environmentally friendly design. BMW redesigned the Mini Cooper, by making it two feet longer and one foot wider than the original. The car also included more features. Over the years BMW added a convertible version, sport seats, heated glass windows, larger wheels, antiskid systems, and 118-172 horsepower engines, with optional tuning kits that can increase the MINI to 207 horsepower. Todays Mini Cooper is bigger, faster, and some say, more luxurious and high-tech. What does this mean for real cost to own and cost to insure? Plenty!

From Argentina to Venezuela, the 50-year-old MINI is considered one of the worlds most popular cars, with a purchase price comparable to a Volvo C30, a Honda Insight, or a 2010 Mazda 3. A MINI Cooper will set you back anywhere from $18,550 for a basic hatchback up to $34,300 or more for a convertible. Insurance costs for a MINI average around $1,385 per year, which is actually more than a Honda Accord (Avg. $1,033 per year) and the Volkswagen Jetta (Avg. $1,301 per year). While you won’t save money on auto insurance just because you drive a MINI Cooper instead of a regular sized car, fortunately MINI Cooper owners will save money on fuel. It costs roughly $2,000+ per year to fuel a Jetta and roughly $1,409 to fuel a MINI Cooper.

It is important to note that, depending on how often you drive, where you live, your age, gender, driving record, and even your credit report, auto insurance rates can vary greatly. In addition, the type of MINI will have a significant impact on the cost of ownership as well. Currently, MINI features four Models available in the U.S. including: MINI Hardtop, MINI Convertible, MINI Clubman, and MINI John Cooper Works. Before purchasing a MINI, discuss auto insurance options with your auto insurance agent to find out which MINI Cooper is the most practical.