Mini Cooper from America! Is it worth buying a car from the USA in 2024?

ОР ОР! MINI Cooper F55: review and details.

Today we’re reviewing a bright representative of city cars: the MINI Cooper F55. Unfortunately, a full test drive isn’t possible due to existing damage, but we’ll talk about the main pros and cons of this model and share our thoughts on whether it’s worth buying such a car from the USA.

General Information

The car was purchased at a US auction for a bid of $2700. Its cost in Ukraine totaled $8300, including delivery, customs clearance, and basic restoration.

The configuration pleasantly surprised us:

keyless entry,
sunroof,
heated front seats,
rearview camera,
PDC parking sensors,
automatic transmission,
panoramic roof with two sunroofs.

The color is rich and bright — perfect for city life.

Damage

Minor at first glance, but… the front headlight is missing, the strut needs restoring, there’s interior damage — needs patching, painting, and deep cleaning. All defects are fixable, and afterward, the car will look respectable.

Comfort & Ergonomics

This MINI is a real car for brand fans. It offers drive, fun, and driving pleasure. But… for tall people, getting in is difficult, and long rides are even tougher. Cabin space is limited.

The rear seats are mostly formal — suitable for a child seat or extra luggage. As a wife’s car for school runs — an ideal option.

Interior

Inside — classic MINI style:

BMW-like steering wheel,
dashboard,
decorative trims,
two sunroof blinds,
quite loud cabin noises.

The assembly isn’t top-tier, but the overall vibe is appealing.

Technical Part

Under the hood — a 3-cylinder B36 engine producing 136 hp.

Mileage — 60,000 km, quite good for a 2018 car. The engine runs well, but spare parts are hard to find — mostly original, with few alternatives. This can increase repair costs.

Summary:

Despite some quirks, buying a MINI Cooper from the USA is a good investment. With proper restoration, you get a quality car for a great price, much lower than in Ukraine.