MINI recently introduced the latest iteration of the MINI 3-door and 5-door hatch range. However, the outgoing range which came along in 2018 might still just be what you are looking for in a hatchback. The next question most customers might have is, which trim has held on to its value the best. Sure if you purchase that variant you might be paying a slightly higher price but can be more assured that it will keep its value over time.
MINI offered a total of four trim levels on the hatch range in 2018, One, Cooper, Cooper S and the John Cooper Works derivative. To find out which trim retains the best value, we will be looking at the original new purchase price in 2019 and comparing it with the prices of used MINI Hatch models on AutoTrader with similar mileage. For this article, we will be focussing on the 3-door derivatives.
2019 MINI hatch One
Value when new: R 334 253
Current Market Value: R 289 900
Value Retained: 86.73%
The MINI hatch in One guise is the entry point to the range. The used market size for a 2019 model with an automatic transmission is quite small with only three examples at the time of writing this article. Considering it has only the basic trim options and the smallest engine out of the bunch, it has retained a respectable value over the last couple of years.
2019 MINI hatch Cooper
Value when new: R 403 253
Current Market Value: R 362 495
Value Retained: 89.89%
The Cooper variant is next up in the line of derivatives and as can be seen, sold for considerably more than the One variant in 2019. This increase in price was not just because of the added tech and basic trim incorporated but also the slightly more powerful engine. Once again the market size for the 2019 model with an automatic transmission was quite small but one interesting figure that came out is that the market average mileage was just 11 050 km, not much for a vehicle of this age.
2019 MINI hatch Cooper S
Value when new: R 463 633
Current Market Value: R 417 730
Value Retained: 90.1%
Without a doubt, the Cooper S is one of the most sought-after trim levels in the MINI hatch range as it came with the most standard specification included. Once again we looked at 3-door automatic variants to keep the comparison as equal as possible. Interestingly enough this derivative sees an average market mileage of 22 600 km, double that of the Cooper. This could be due to the model's popularity and just the sheer number on the market.
2019 MINI hatch John Cooper Works
Value when new: R 533 451
Current Market Value: R 491 918
Value Retained: 92.21%
The John Cooper Works model is a special-edition model and as the price suggest, positioned right at the top of the range. The JCW sees a variety of performance upgrades made under the bonnet as well as the use of lightweight composite for interior and exterior panels and trim. Without a doubt, it is one of the models most MINI owners would have if they had the funds purely for its sporty character, provenance and styling. As can be seen in the market size of only two used models, it is not one that you can get your hands on often and considering that the average market mileage of 40 640 km, it is one that most likely would have been cared for very well.
Verdict
Whether you are a car nut or just someone looking for a stylish and dependable hatchback, the MINI hatch range has a model that will tick all the boxes. Now it is not difficult to see that the MINI hatch in John Cooper Works guise would be the one that will retain most of its residual value, it might not be the most practical choice if you want a daily runaround.
For that, you might want to consider that MINI hatch in Cooper S trim level as not only does it retain its value incredibly well, but also offers all the premium fixtures and added comfort with the less aggressive suspension system.
