DecodedCars2012 MINI Roadster
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.
- Class
- Two Seaters
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 30 combined · 27 city / 34 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 30 MPG combined — 45% better than the average 2012 two seaters (20.7 MPG).
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 6 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 MINI Roadster is a two seaters offered with 2 engines (1.6L 4-cyl and 1.6L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 30 MPG combined (27 city / 34 highway), 45% better than the 2012 two seaters average of 20.7 MPG, for an estimated $2,750 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cooper Roadster | 1.6L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 34 / 30 | +45% | $2,750 | 296 |
| Cooper Roadster | 1.6L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 34 / 30 | +45% | $2,750 | 296 |
| Cooper S Roadster | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 34 / 30 | +45% | $2,750 | 296 |
| Cooper S Roadster | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 33 / 28 | +35% | $2,950 | 317 |
| John Cooper Works Roadster | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 32 / 28 | +35% | $2,950 | 317 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 MINI Roadster.
Similar 2012 two seaterss
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 MINI Roadster (this car) | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Mazda MX-5 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 smart fortwo | 36 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Nissan 370z | 22 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Honda CR-Z | 36 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2012 MINI Cooper | 32 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2012 MINI John Cooper Works | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2012 MINI Roadster.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2012 MINI Roadster is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2012 MINI Roadster in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2012 MINI Roadster buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 MINI Roadster. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Roadster years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 Roadster | 29 | 146.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 Roadster | 30 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2013 Roadster | 30 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or MINI. How we calculate this →