2013 MINI Roadster Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$25,550 to $35,700

Original MSRP

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expert review

4.9

avg user rating

(8 reviews)
2013 MINI Roadster Preview summaryImage

Moving into 2013 from its 2012 debut, the 2-passenger MINI Roadster carries over with Bluetooth, a semi-automatic roof and rear wind deflector now standard across the board. Sirius satellite radio is swapped out of the standard features list and into the Technology options package, netting about a thousand-dollar price increase over the 2012 editions. 

Drivers have no complaints at all, unless you count buyer's remorse a complaint. No, they don't regret getting a Roadster—they regret having once been the owner of a Mazda Miata, BMW Z4 or Ford Mustang GT back in the dark ages before the Roadster, because the Roadster offers a breed of thrill and joy those cars just can't match, bigger engines and all. Sure the 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine pumping out 121 hp and 114 lb-ft of torque for the base MINI Roadster Cooper may not sound like much, but its standard 6-speed stick gets it up to 60 mph in 8.7 seconds. The paddle-shiftable automatic is a bit slower for 10 seconds to 60, but either transmission will fetch 27 mpg city/35 highway. That puts the baseline Cooper on the same level with the competition's most powerful engine choices in their compacts.

Moving up to the mainstream favorite Roadster Cooper S, the turbo tweaks on that engine give 181 hp and 114 lb-ft of torque for an arrival at 60 mph in less than 7 seconds. Fuel economy is barely touched for 27/35 with the stick or 26/34 with the automatic. The John Cooper Works (JCW) turns up the turbo for 208 hp and 192 lb-ft of torque, hitting 60 mph in 6.4 seconds with its sole manual transmission choice. Fuel economy nudges down a bit to 25/33 for the privilege, but 28 mpg in mixed driving is still on-par economy for a compact car, let alone a compact with this much zip!

The Roadster differentiates itself from the MINI Convertible by having a single-layer folding fabric top, just 2 seats and 8.5 cubic feet for cargo, whereas the Convertible offers 4 seats, 6 cubes, a twin-layer fabric top and just generally a bit more refinement simply from being in the real world a bit longer. The standardization of a power-assist top and wind deflector for 2013 stand as testament to this, because the Roadster was somewhat uncomfortable without those conveniences. Alongside the still-optional rear parking sensor to relieve the congested outward visibility, some things are simply a must-have for Roadster drivers, and that sensor may well become standard in all eventuality, too.

That would leave a smoother ride and quieter cabin last on the list of criticisms by magazines, but Roadster drivers don't seem to care about such things. True lovers of the road don't mind being jarred around by it every now and then, and the Roadster is definitely a road lover. The base Cooper offers the most balanced ride, while moving up the trims makes the ride progressively more stiff and bumpy, but no less controlled, agile or fun. To be sure, the MINI Roadster is no land yacht—it's built purely for giggles and thrills, and it delivers.

Patricia Mayo
Published May 31, 2022 by Patricia Mayo
Your prototypical "Tom Girl" Patricia got her start digging into Ford engines before she aged into double digits. Gifted with a mechanical mind, her favorite pass-time in the summer is picking up a fixer-up'r at the local public auction and massaging its every ailment until it's primed for a new lover. From dirt bikes to land yachts, every partner offers something truly special in her love affair with the road - just don't tell her husband.

User reviews for 2013 MINI Roadster

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by Anonymous
Sep 23, 2024
i bought my r58 at a time ii was in dire need for a car …. i saw a lot of camarys and i saw a whole lot of altimas and then there it was red black top … i had no idea what it was … so i bought it , for 8 glorious years i drove that car and i mean i drove it … not abusive , i had an oil change every 6-10,000 miles but i drove it and what a pure pleasure it was to drive , i admit some days i would wish i had a mercury grand marquise but they were few … it gave the impression that you were going a lot faster than you really were i assume because of how close your ass is to the pavement …. i did a bit of performance work and could handle mustang gt,s all day . it was an expensive vehicle to own it seemed like every month i had a $3,000 bill from my mechanic , the first month i had it a coil ( their are one to every cylinder ) went out and fried my computer in the process , my mechanic was mini certified and when he felt like he was in over his head he called me and mini support . it was 3 days later mini sent two factory reps to his shop and got it fixed in two more days at a cost of $3800 . so it was an expensive car to maintain but i only paid $17500 for it with 21,000 miles and i tell you this … WELL WORTH IT !! i parked my mini behind a friends house and when his house burnt down it took my car with it so now after 3 months on uber i have cut a deal on a “ 75 “ corvette sting ray ….. has 35,000 miles and was babied by this real straight guy who has all the paper work on warranty work and everything else … i gave him $3500 for it because it needs only minor attention , peace t. d. Sep 23, 2024
by Ric A
Jun 01, 2024
I love the vehicle, unfortunately I was unable to purchase it at this time as I would just be a toy and the economy does not support it this year!Jun 01, 2024
by Jose B
May 22, 2024
Awesome two seater convertible fun to drive great value for the money got it with some cosmetic and tune upgrades but missing a couple of upgrades like premium sound but no big deal still fun to drive love it.May 22, 2024

2013 MINI Roadster Pricing

Original MSRP
$25,550 to $35,700
Price range
N/A
Average price on CG
N/A
YoY price change
N/A

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.2 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: front center · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Assist handle: front · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: in-floor · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 4.35

Engine

Alternator: 120 amps

Exterior Features

Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: electronically controlled · Rear spoiler color: body-color

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure

Lights

Headlights: Auto off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power folding

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 6

Roof

Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: power

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Upholstery: leatherette

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Phone: hands free · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Side airbags: front with head protection chambers

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.2 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: front center · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Assist handle: front · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: in-floor · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.71

Engine

Alternator: 120 amps

Exterior Features

Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: electronically controlled · Rear spoiler color: body-color

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure

Lights

Headlights: Auto off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power folding

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 6

Roof

Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: remote operation

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: door unlock

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Upholstery: leatherette

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Phone: hands free · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: speed sensitive

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 12.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Premium brakes: Brembo · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: front center · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Assist handle: front · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: in-floor · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.71

Engine

Alternator: 120 amps

Exterior Features

Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: electronically controlled · Rear spoiler color: body-color

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: Auto on · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 6

Roof

Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: soft top

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: door unlock

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Upholstery: cloth

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Phone: hands free · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

See all trims (3)