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Mini brings back Oxford Edition, lowering cost of entry by $4k

Posted by DocPhilMcGraw@reddit | cars | View on Reddit | 60 comments

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60 Comments

pakpak786@reddit

I'm mildy interested in this trim, but I wonder what the lease numbers would look like? I guess it wouldn't hurt to reserve for $100 and if the lease numbers aren't good I can get it back.
View on Reddit #49460186

latebraker@reddit

no lease on oxford
View on Reddit #51793967

Dry_Dog_2596@reddit

boring
View on Reddit #49539288

puddud4@reddit

What is left turn warning?
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ALOIsFasterThanYou@reddit

From what I'm reading, it sounds a warning and/or brakes if the driver attempts to turn left across oncoming traffic. I found a [BMW press release from 2011](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0108975EN/the-left-turn-assistant-%E2%80%93-turning-left-safely-by-looking-out-for-oncoming-traffic?language=en) when they were still developing it (how time flies!), but apart from that, not much else rather than [this page from a group called the National Safety Council.](https://mycardoeswhat.org/safety-features/left-turn-crash-avoidance/)
View on Reddit #49385058

TheSexyKamil@reddit

Is this for US pricing? $24,950 for a mini with a 2.0l 4 cylinder sounds perfect, why don't they produce this regularly???
View on Reddit #49237634

aaayyyuuussshhh@reddit

Wait really!?! 24950? If so we finally have an affordable value performance-ish car. Civic Si is not 30K+. Does it come with a LSD? If so it's a steal
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I_Am_Very_Busy_7@reddit

They do not have an LSD from the factory. I think the JCW GP3 did, but the volume models don’t.
View on Reddit #49247310

aaayyyuuussshhh@reddit

Not even the S model? That's really unfortunate tbh
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I_Am_Very_Busy_7@reddit

I’ve always been a little surprised they don’t, favoring the electronic diff control over the mechanical LSD. I’ve seen plenty of people do it aftermarket on F-chassis and it does make a difference. Honestly, most people who buy MINI’s new aren’t really enthusiast-type of customers so I think they figure why invest the money when 95% of people won’t notice or care tbh.
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aaayyyuuussshhh@reddit

By electronic differential do you mean eLSD? If so that's good enough tbh. Could be better than a normal LSD as well
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I_Am_Very_Busy_7@reddit

They call it Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC). As I understand it, it acts as a pseudo eLSD though I’m not going to claim any additional knowledge as it’s above my head.
View on Reddit #49263999

aaayyyuuussshhh@reddit

yep seem like they use the brakes so not a physical eLSD. I'm sure that's good enough for the owners use these cars for although a physical LSD would be better. Seems like older Mini's had LSDs. they dropped it in 2010: [https://www.motoringfile.com/2009/07/20/mini-to-remove-mechanical-limited-slip-for-2010/](https://www.motoringfile.com/2009/07/20/mini-to-remove-mechanical-limited-slip-for-2010/)
View on Reddit #49384887

18212182@reddit

95% of people won't care. Open differentials are cheaper and more reliable in the first place.
View on Reddit #49384755

aaayyyuuussshhh@reddit

Ehh for such a niche car I think it matters a bit more. Car's like the Civic Si mainly sell because they have an LSD or else it's basically a sport 1.5T civic lol. Most car's it doesn't matter but It's something you can notice especially on FWD cars. Mini usually sells cars based on styling and stuff so I agree it probably doesn't matter too much. But you are right about the latter points
View on Reddit #49384756

whimsicalfoppery@reddit

The article admits that they have no information about what engine will be included, then goes on to presume an engine with the displacement and cylinder count of the Cooper S but the power output of the Cooper C. Since Mini's website for the non-special-edition lists them as "Cooper" and "Cooper S" (i.e., "Cooper C" isn't used in the marketing materials), and this special edition is called the "Cooper Oxford" and not the "Cooper S Oxford", I expect it will be the engine from the Cooper C (3 cyl., 1.5 L, 161 hp, regular MSRP $29k), not the engine from the Cooper S (4 cyl., 2.0 L, 201 hp, regular MSRP $32k).
View on Reddit #49336547

megacookie@reddit

I thought they discontinued the 3 cylinder and just offered the 2L 4 in 161hp and 201hp tunes for the base and S.
View on Reddit #49366522

whimsicalfoppery@reddit

I was unaware but that makes sense I guess.
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noahbrooksofficial@reddit

Needs a manual transmission
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whimsicalfoppery@reddit

Needs an interior with knobs and buttons.
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RiftHunter4@reddit

For real. If this was available sooner, I absolutely would've caved and bought one. Most of the Mini's at my local dealer are in the $30k's but a sub-$30k Mini? With a warranty? Oh yeah.
View on Reddit #49279717

dritch96@reddit

For the price of a base Civic, this seems like a great buy... considering how reliable modern BMW/Minis have been, personally I think this becomes the most interesting option at this pricepoint by far, and would probably be my choice. Props to Mini to keeping the small affordable car alive!
View on Reddit #49245637

Data8835@reddit

The current minis are awful, I’ve dealt with a couple with blown motors at ~60k mi. I had one that cracked a piston at just over that, plus the German parts prices and difficulty of work, never buy a mini
View on Reddit #49252673

cdp1193@reddit

Current minis are powered by the b38/48 engine which’s are very reliable
View on Reddit #49253448

sidewinderaw11@reddit

Oh hell yes
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aaayyyuuussshhh@reddit

Holy that's an absolute steal tbh. Much much rather have this over a civic I even if the Civic is more refined 
View on Reddit #49245367

I_Am_Very_Busy_7@reddit

Honestly anymore, and obviously my flair is biased, they’re pretty refined in their own right. It’s not like the old first gens that would shake your spine running over every pothole. It’s still a low car compared to something like a CUV, but it’s pretty plush compared to older models. I have Stockholm Syndrome so naturally I’ve owned an ‘06, a 2012, 2018, and now my ‘25, and the new one is miles more comfortable. Not to mention having actual human drink-sized cupholders and a lot more room upfront.
View on Reddit #49251308

aaayyyuuussshhh@reddit

Yep I just meant like a civic hatch is probably more practical, easier to drive, less gimmicks, better infotainment, etc. But the new Minis seem good enough and Civics have gotten stupid expensive. A base Civic hatch which has the sport package as standard now is 28,600 after destinations. Otd is over 30K which is beyond absurd given the crappy 2.0l base engine. Mini definitely will have much better performance not to mention it comes with a HUD, heated seats, panoramic roof, etc according to the website for the new base price which is insane. I'm hoping that's not a typo.
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I_Am_Very_Busy_7@reddit

You’d be surprised, I’ve fit crazy amounts of cargo even in my 2dr hatch with the seats down. Have received many perplexed looks buying TV’s, outdoor stuff, etc. I couldn’t tell you the exact cargo space between the two off hand, but it’s bigger than it looks. My old Clubman still had the most storage room out of all of them. But it had the crappy French engine, so, didn’t keep that. If the Oxford mirrors the regular Hatch, the HUD is indeed standard, as is the moonroof. Heated seats used to be an upcharge, but I thiiiink they have made those standard now as well. Heated steering wheel is also really nice, I’ve never had a car with that before. They also FINALLY have remote start. Which is great as this winter has absolutely sucked lol.
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aaayyyuuussshhh@reddit

I'm sure you can fit large things. The Civic is like 1-2ft longer so it's not really fair to even compare. Also yes this winter has been horrible. First time realizing why RWD is not good in the snow. Usually my hometown is very flat so I rarely struggle with RWD and all season tires except for the first 50ft when moving from a stop light. But I was in a different town and the gently slopes were enough to get my car stuck. Had to turn of TC and floor it. Now I finally understand what people mean about RWD not being good in snow smh. I'm sure if I put some extra weight over the rear and winter tires it would have zero issues
View on Reddit #49262714

ZachtoseIntolerant@reddit

RWD is fine in snow, with snow tires. It’s not the car’s fault, it’s the operator’s fault for not using appropriate tires for the conditions.
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aaayyyuuussshhh@reddit

True but something like FWD cars don't seem to struggle as much. Also likely to due with the low end torque my car produces. Doesn't allow me to start in second gear resulting in very easy wheelspin. I don't disagree with you at all but it was just surprising given FWD and AWD do better and are safer for the average driver
View on Reddit #49384625

I_Am_Very_Busy_7@reddit

This winter (Midwest) reminds me of what we got when I was a kid in the 2000’s, I can’t remember the last time we’ve actually had cumulative snowfall of the numbers we’ve hit. I thankfully started a remote gig back in the fall so if it looks nuts, I just nope out of going anywhere. My biggest enemy is just ground clearance. I can get decent traction even on my hills with FWD and all-seasons but if the snowbanks are deep enough, I may as well just stay home vs. getting stuck.
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defund_aipac_7@reddit

lol you think the civic is more refined? 
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aaayyyuuussshhh@reddit

have you driven one? have you read or seen reviews? My biggest complaint is road/wind noise in the new civics. Also the engine is typical 4 cylinder stuff but the hybrid is nice at lower speeds
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I_Am_Very_Busy_7@reddit

Honestly the new Civic is a really nice car. I’m a little partial to the interior materials on the Madza3 in that segment, and Toyota has really been killing it with interiors lately too. But I quite like the current gen Civic. A friend of mine has a Sport sedan and it’s quite nice inside IMO. I still love the idea of a Type-R but with a $45k starting price it’s just not in my budget so was a bit of a non-starter for me.
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aaayyyuuussshhh@reddit

Agreed. The Mazda and Honda definitely have the highest quality interiors in the segment. The Mazda interior materials are better but the Honda offers more spacious rear seats and cargo space. Did you ever try the refreshed Elantra N? I find it to be better than the R in some places while offering like 9.8/10 performance of the Type R. Interior is worse quality/feeling but I'd say the heated seats and other features make up for it
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I_Am_Very_Busy_7@reddit

I have not been in an N, they do seem pretty cool! I’m quite happy with what I have, even if it’s maybe not the most original idea in my car history lol, but I would be curious to test one out.
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Quatro_Leches@reddit

yeah this is pretty good value. minis are reliable cars, 26k out of the dealership for all of those features is a deal
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whimsicalfoppery@reddit

That chart isn't comparing the two-door and four-door models; it's comparing the Cooper Oxford (18" wheels) to the base Cooper (17" wheels).
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DocPhilMcGraw@reddit (OP)

Personally I hope they broaden this beyond being a limited time edition. I think Mini has gotten way too expensive and too much like BMW over the last decade: their cars have grown in size and price. When the revived brand was launched in the 2000s, a Mini Cooper was priced just a few hundred bucks more than a PT Cruiser. I do wish they would’ve brought back the manual with this edition as it could’ve potentially made it even cheaper but I know that wasn’t going to happen.
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dritch96@reddit

Mini prices have actually dropped adjusted for inflation. The 2002 Cooper S started at $19,850 according to [Car and Driver](https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a60802509/2002-mini-cooper-s-archive-test/), which adjusted for inflation is 35.6k today. 2025 Cooper S starts at 32.2k base MSRP. Similarly, base 2002 Cooper is 30.2k adjusted for inflation, and 29k starting today. Minis have always been a premium lifestyle product, nothing has changed with their position in the market since their revival under BMW
View on Reddit #49246710

Multifaceted-Simp@reddit

I hate this adjusted for inflation shit so annoying
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MassMindRape@reddit

Why? It's a decently accurate representation of affordability.
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narwhal_breeder@reddit

I hate apples to apples comparisons as well, I much prefer telling people I have enough capital to buy several apartment buildings (as long as the prices are pegged to about 1810 or so)
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DocPhilMcGraw@reddit (OP)

That’s not true at all that they were always a premium lifestyle product. A base trim Miata was even more expensive than the Cooper S when it was released and thousands more than the Cooper. I don’t think you’d call the Miata back then a premium lifestyle product. I also don’t think a few hundred more than a PT Cruiser would make it a premium product either. Even a 2002 Saturn L Series had a starting MSRP of $20 more than the base Mini Cooper. A BMW 3-series had a starting MSRP almost double the price of the base Mini Cooper.
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Uni_tasker@reddit

Mini had a pretty good take rate for manuals. [51% for the JCW and 22% for the Cooper S](https://www.motor1.com/news/705017/manual-transmission-sales-2023/) but I guess they still didn’t sell in high enough numbers to warrant the cost of certification for the new generation.
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I_Am_Very_Busy_7@reddit

It’s kind of skewed because JCW’s are a relatively low allocation model in comparison to the rest of the lineup. 51% looks high but it’s very easy to reach when it’s 51% of 3-4 cars. We were allocated maybe 2 JCW’s a month compared to dozens of S models and several base. That being said, I still think discontinuation of it entirely was dumb. MINI USA was lobbying hard for it to remain in the lineup, but Germany runs the whole show so they made that call. It’s definitely turned customers away, manual people are very passionate and loyal.
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FeemBleem@reddit

WHY IS THIS ONLY FOR LIMITED PRODUCTION??? they should be making this on the regular. $24,950 isn’t that bad for a Mini.
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Slyons89@reddit

Because they know that saying "Starting at $24,950" will get more customers in the door, but they don't want them to actually *buy* the cheapest model.
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Slyons89@reddit

The price is nice, but seriously, how do they only make 161 HP out of a 2.0 liter 4 cyl turbo? I'm sure it has a nice flat torque curve at early revs but does it just completely fall off at 4000 RPM or something?
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bearded_dragon_34@reddit

They should bring back the MINI Inspired by Goodwood. A bit of a joint effort from BMW Group’s brands, it was a MINI with interior and exterior appointments inspired by—and made in collaboration with—Rolls-Royce. Only 1,000 were produced, and of those, only 140 came to the US
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FantasticType887@reddit

😬
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sidewinderaw11@reddit

Why the summer only tires?
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I_Am_Very_Busy_7@reddit

The runflats all seem to be coming as summers now. Mine did. IMO they suck on the road in terms of ride quality and noise. Thankfully was going into winter when I got mine so it justified getting the good tires I really wanted eventually anyway😂
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FortunePaw@reddit

Last July my 23 Countryman tire had a leak due to a pothole. The run flat carried me 15km to the shop. No backup tire due to the phev battery.
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I_Am_Very_Busy_7@reddit

Oh, no doubt they have their benefits. I’m just not a fan of how they ride in comparison to the non-RFF’s, which I’ve been much happier with.
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samcar330@reddit

Oh hell yeah I need a small hatch
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More_Physics4600@reddit

No more manual, is there a list of things you lose by saving 4k? 26k msrp after delivery fee.
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I_Am_Very_Busy_7@reddit

It’s nice to see them bringing this back. When I was selling MINI’s, the Oxford initially was a special edition for college grads and service members before being expanded to the general public due to strong sales. We sold every Oxford we were allocated pretty quickly. It’s a loss leader at the end of the day, but it does allow them to advertise a lower price point to get folks into the brand, which is hugely beneficial. One point I would like to make in regards to the price point made by OP. The original non-S Cooper 2dr was sold at an MSRP of $18,575, which today would be a tad bit over $32k in 2025 dollars. They’ve really never been any more expensive here than they’ve always been, the value of the dollar has just significantly changed since then.
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