2013 MINI Cooper S Roadster 0-60 MPH Quick Take Drive & Review

( www.TFLcar.com ) The 2013 MINI Cooper S Roadster has two doors, two seats, one turbocharger and one roof that lowers to let in all the sunshine that you can handle. It is perhaps the ultimate lifestyle car from the ultimate lifestyle brand. If you are looking for a practical car the 2013 MINI Cooper S Roadster is not your ride. Instead it is a fun weekend toy that will take you on a topless road trip. In this video Nathan takes a topless trip to the town of Nederland, Colorado in the 2013 MINI Cooper S Roadster to see how well it serves as a weekend warrior. In another fun and informative TFLcar review we not only see how well the roadster serves as a weekend ride but how fast it will got from 0-60 at a mile above sea level.
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[@Timemachine69]

Just brought a 2013 Mini Cooper Coupe S with 107k for my son; catching up on the maintenance - it’s has a lot of BMW parts and all I can say is with BMW m’s, you must do your oil changes and do the yearly inspections to address issues before they get out of hand - for this mini, among other things; I just went ahead and replaced the thermostat, water pump, cross over coolant pipe and new coolant. Other things I did (before I even gave me son the car) - transmission fluid change, crankshaft seal, valve cover gasket, new right cv axle boots passenger, passenger output shaft seal, trunk rubber release button cover, new driver side mirror glass, new side turning lights, new spare tire, new spark plugs, new water pump pulley and water pump tensioner, (Carfax showed the serpentine belt was replaced, oil filter housing was replaced, air filter and oil change), fixed broken washer nozzle - new tires soon - maybe $1300 in parts - when you keep up with the maintenance on BMW’s, you’re rewarded with an enjoyable driving experience. If you can’t do the maintenance yourself; it’s probably not even worth owning one unless you have a mechanic who gives you deep discounts or you just make good money.

[@hernangonzalez2522]

Thank You Very Much for The Video

[@damnhockey]

Nathan, Great observation, I personally found the Miata too tight for me. Whereas The Mini cooper is a perfect fit for me. I found the Mini to have the most personality. Great review.

[@bneyens]

Good review.

[@brain96969]

Thanks, the new Corvette Stingray is great!

[@xlthim]

This car isn't just a "weekend warrior". This is the car I drive everyday to work, then all over the countryside on the weekends. And get 36+ MPG doing it!

[@PinChE_LoCo]

How's it holding up?

[@NathanDAdlen]

Yep. What you saw was one of many different attempts. It lets me spool up the turbo before I take off. In some cars its more effective than others. Other people think we only try once or twice, but in reality there are several times we try to find a balance. But, like you said, it's real world testing. At high elevation, getting the optimum amount of boost at just the right time can make a big difference.

[@jeeeeebuscriest]

Gotcha, that makes sense. I'll give the pulse method a try see how it works out (I've got a Sonic Hatch Turbo 6MT and live ~5500 feet above sea level). BTW, love watching the TFL reviews, especially since you're at a similar altitude and can show the effects. Always a hoot, looking forward to more!

[@HeidiandFranny]

Wow, that looks like my car. I have a 2012 same color AND am in Colorado. Heidi

[@GGB130]

Just went for a test drive in a Mini Roadster S, VERY NICE!!! What pulls out infront of us...Maserati Ghibli, ended up going to that dealership too after for some pictures, but love the Roadster S, more room then the Abarth, and I have been dead set on the Abarth for over 8 months already...I'll just wear my Abarth hat, and use the Abarth key chains in the Mini Roadster S

[@vladimator1842]

Greg B 😂

[@semente29]

What is the dial on the side of rev counter?

[@topicalcontent]

I've got the hardtop version ... The Coupe. Love it! The Roadster in the JCW package is next.

[@WaveDashZoom]

Very nice car!

[@NathanDAdlen]

The moment Chevy gives us one, we'll review it. We're chomping at the bit to get one!

[@NathanDAdlen]

Thanks Kris! You didn't offend in the least. Thanks for watching too!

[@bleachman9000]

Right? thanks for the Unbiased between the two.

[@jeeeeebuscriest]

I think Nathan is the only person I've seen pulse the throttle in the lead up to a 0-60, including right before clutch engagement. Sounds cool, but I can't imagine it's leading to the fastest times. All part of Real World Testing, I guess.

[@themechanic345]

Understandable, just my constructive criticism, didn't mean to offend! Sorry if I did! I do love watching your reviews! :)

[@apache4541]

Nathan did you push "SPORT" power on ?

[@buttsmcgee6570]

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder". It's all about personal preference. But again, have you driven one? Mustangs and Camaros (convertibles) are pushing $30K, and my Roadster S was $31K, AND I get a lot better gas mileage. I have had several Camaros (and Trans Ams) and some Mustang convertibles, as far as comfort goes, the Mustang tired me out before my MINI. MINI's are an acquired taste - either you love them, or you justify why you hate them.

[@xlthim]

You have obviously never been behind the wheel of one. I have the Roadster S and it screams! I can't imagine what a JCW would do!

[@verygood7155]

Lose the run flats and replace with tubeless like Porsche does plus get 16" rims and it will ride comfortably for daily commuting.

[@DancinRandy54]

i cant wait for the tesla video!!!!!!!

[@sumitpaul5576]

what's the music at 0:57 ?

[@chek1n]

All minis, even JCW, are slow compared to its competition. I will give it one thing, the handling and grip is nicely done.

[@alessiovigna7865]

Well, if all you need is a light, nimble, excellent handling car, for the price of a mini roadster, here in Europe, you can get an MX-5. That's one of the reasons why the mini roadster (and her hard top version) is not selling in EU.

[@WaveDashZoom]

Fr

[@hondatrix]

My point exactly, that's why they cover it up so you don't see its not a Mini/BMW engine.

[@hondatrix]

WTF did you do at 3:35, shift into 1st?

[@lordzy90]

can you guys do the 2013 chevrolet ss? that car was made in my home country ;)

[@bleachman9000]

Great, seeing as you're a camaro fan you'll be grabbing the 2014 Camaro SS, and Z28. as well as the Stingray, Riiiiiight? :D

[@Sayshtoown]

Wow thats the first time ive ever heard someone say they didnt like a mini...

[@autonathan]

Most reliability issues are with the turbocharged engines. The non-turbo Coopers, while not as quick, are more reliable and more fuel-efficient.

[@jwaube]

3:20 Audi S8 in the background?

[@lawbench191]

Had a Mini! The reliability factor is aweful. Also this model looks like a suppository. Wait for the BRZ convertible or the GTI convertible coming out soon.

[@bleachman9000]

Grab the Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG please. it does seam like a budget SL63 AMG, but i wondered if there was a MASSIVE performance difference. it is different just how big is the gap?

[@FasterTheDragster]

I recommend buying a used mini, don't pay upwards of 30,000 that's a lot of cash, your can get a three year old model with all the bells and whistles for about half the original cost and it will be actually worth the cost. These cars are tons of fun on curves and Bracket racing them is the best thing ever!

[@NathanDAdlen]

Yep, it's: [e-mail]

[@rahush7245]

Check the review of a new corvette on motortrend.

[@KingofNewYork31]

don't buy a mazda....i got a 2013 mini cooper s with 10 thousand miles for 21,000 last year...really fun to drive and the best handling

[@NathanDAdlen]

Sounds good Kris. Come up to our altitude and try your technique. Show us a delicious video at around 6,000 feet in similar conditions (about 91-degres F). Look, I'm not arguing with you as I am not a pro; however, it's not as simple as all that.

[@midnightkingtalks]

Well the review was...weak. I just bought a used 2014 as a second car and I love it. I didn't buy the MX5 because, as you say, it's too small. Fine when you're in it, but for a big buy like me with bad knees, the low curb height and small doors on the Mazda (my current commuting car is my second Mazda 3s, and they're fine) knocked it out of the running because it was a pain in the ass to get in and out of. The MINI Roadster is a lot easier to get in and out of. I've driven the Miata several times. Love the look and the ride, just too small. The Roadster is higher and has long doors that swing all the way out. No problem. The 0-60 test was a joke. You weren't nearly working that car, and I agree with others that testing it at altitude isn't a fair test. The MINI Roadster S is a blast to drive. I drove the JCW, and to me, it wasn't worth the extra 4-6 thousand. Drive a couple and you will be hooked. The used one I bought had 24k miles on it, and I paid $21k for it. The original price was probably about $32k. And by the way, the Roadster was discontinued in 2015. Just sayin'.

[@JohnSmith-dm1wo]

I’m looking at a 2014 cooper S Roadster. Should I be worried about reliability on this model. Are the 14s more reliable than the earlier models.

[@stchman]

I neither like or dislike the Mini, they are just not my cup of tea. I personally don't like the looks of the Mini. I don't think the Mini is the same class of car as the Camaro or Mustang. There are a lot of car I have never driven, but if a car looks ugly I don't want it.

[@brain96969]

I understand the appeal of a go kart, but not for 30K. The car is 10K more expensive than it should be for it’s size.

[@Batsassin]

do you guys have a business inquiry email?

[@rextetron]

It's better to give it some wheelspin than stall. At least that's how it is with my own car.

[@nbrigdan]

The thing about the MX-5 is that the interior is pretty lackluster, and while it is one of the best handling cars you can buy for under 100K, the mini is just more special and that's why I prefer it.

[@WaveDashZoom]

Agreed

[@howsoonisnow1985]

I love those MINIs, but yes a JCW would be nice. Wait what is up with all the Mustang/Camaro vs. MINI comparos, talk about apples and oranges or should I say apples and watermelons? To me the MINI is nice daily driver that could have fun on the weekend on a winding desolate country road filled with hairpins, basically a more practical bike to take to the rural canyon roads. You can't do that in a Camstang!

[@xlthim]

Unless you actually drive a MINI, you will not understand. Another thing - my average MPG over the last month is 36.5. You can't do that in either the Camaro or the Mustang. I have had a Camaro, and two Mustang convertibles, and loved them both, but will take my MINI over them any day!

[@WaveDashZoom]

Agreed

[@NathanDAdlen]

I could never do that full time; however, wearing a TFL shirt at press events is a given. The main thing is: I'm still sexy, regardless of attire. Thanks for watching.

[@LaoK8710]

Nathan, did you get that t-shirt from China? lolzzz

[@NathanDAdlen]

We like it up here. Besides, millions of people live at higher elevations throughout the world. We do test at lower elevations when we go to press events.

[@themechanic345]

Bogging is not inedible if you launch a car properly. Bring it up to the correct revs and engage the clutch correctly and bam, no bogging, a tiny bit of wheelspin, and a much better launch!

[@larryjones3147]

"Sort of a real world test." ?? With an obese driver at the high altitude of ~ 8,230 feet elevation, 8.27 sec/top down, and 8 sec/top up would be expected. However real "real world" (per the Mini Cooper web site) you'd actually expect 0-60 in 6.7 seconds/manual, and 0-60 in 6.9 seconds/automatic in the Roadster. I don't know if they had the top up or down.

[@leightonhornack5376]

Dude both those aspects are real qualities the world has to offer. Who are you to say this isn’t a real world test? Because it’s not your world?

[@brain96969]

The question is real simple, what convertible car can I get for $30K? How much car can I get for the money?

[@xlthim]

That's a heat shield for the turbo. And remember, they wanted it as short as possible, so everything is on top of a side-mount engine. I agree - there is no reason to raise the hood, nothing to see.

[@WaveDashZoom]

Yeah fr

[@DimmyV]

Obviously no clue!

[@grabir01]

I have read that the reliability on the Coopers is not good at all.

[@OSUCherokee1]

Just found this review. I've watched your more recent videos and they are much better. Man, this was a poorly done review. Like a side project.

[@dlpasco]

OSUCherokee just found this comment. Man, this was a poorly done comment. Like a jackass.

[@Airforcing]

Com'on Nathan, you should wear the TFLcar uniform (shirt + cap), you look like a passerby, not a professional car tester.

[@xlthim]

The comment about the back seats in the "other" convertible is laughable! They are useless! I'll give up the back seats for the storage space I get with the Roadster.

[@xMuShAdDx]

...and let your mullet fly free in the breeze.

[@alessiovigna7865]

Well, maybe it is just because I'm European: here it is full of standard Minis, so the interior of the roadster (that is basically the same) doesn't sound very special to me. And I do agree, the MX-5 has nothing special in the interiors, just like the GT-86/BRZ, but I would not buy it for the finishings

[@Theorcman2008]

My point was whats the point of looking under the hood when there is NOTHING to see.

[@NathanDAdlen]

No!

[@wsc31]

Long on cute short on utility but it is fun. I would say to go with whatever blows your hair back but don't want to offend any folliclely challenged folks, not just Nathan.

[@hondatrix]

If you were BMW, you too would hide the Peugeot/Citroen motor...

[@nbrigdan]

Too bad people aren't cross shopping a small, good handling FWD roadster with a big, heavy, muscle car...

[@kevinhoule6547]

Next Nathan your going to tell us something crazy like your bald or something.

[@moreanimalspirits]

I'm getting tired of the high altitude excuse. Can't you drive somewhere lower?

[@nbrigdan]

I can see that, over here Mini's you don't see them very much, everyone drives a mustang or something like that with a laughably poor interior, honestly the BRZ interior is so cheap looking it's very disappointing, it looks like a toy on the inside, they could have a much nicer, cleaner and better feeling interior probably for only 1K additional charge.

[@DimmyV]

The Abarth is faster and cheaper and better looking, Mini have had their day, this is just another gimmick. If your going to buy a mini buy the hatchback

[@cold02rex]

Well bogging is inedible...

[@brain96969]

For this money I could buy a Mustang or Camaro convertible

[@ardalla535]

it's pronounced neederland co.

[@nbrigdan]

it's really not, if all you want is a convertible why would you cross shop a mini? A mini is about experience, uniqueness, lightness and excellent handling. A camaro and a mustang (at least in v6, with is what you get for 30K) offer none of those...

[@pedrof830]

Every single test drive and review is affected by your high altitude, why??? just move from there or do your reviews at sea level, every review comes with a caveat.

[@JustinAngelo91]

in a mustang or camaro you think you look badass, but in a cooper...you drive like one

[@JustinAngelo91]

this car is beautiful even with that hideous color, put it in red with black rims, or one of the many exciting vibrant colors mini offers and its even more insane. second WHY ON EARTH would you compare this to a mustang or camaro? yes and the ford escape is that price should i compare it too? this is a car made for DRIVING not going in a straght line. if you dont have a boxter, 911, or a lotus you will not find a better handling car. and a mini cooper is special, fun

[@woofiooxx]

You compared a mini with a masda? Lol really bad driving too . Really surprised that you don't know why people buy minis

[@romanp1085]

because it's a Mini

[@themechanic345]

You guys need to learn how to drive stick. I have less hp and more weight in my car and I can launch it without bogging, no problem. Why would you say bogging is inedible? Practice before you test another manual car!

[@bmarie8965]

This don't seem like a Guy's car..

[@stchman]

There are cars that are more comfortable, quicker, and MUCH better looking than the Mini for $32K. I will at least say the Mini is better looking than the hideous Fiat 500.

[@Theorcman2008]

I dont see a motor under the hood all I see is PLASTIC!

[@soufang]

I detail cars at a BMW/Mini dealer and I've come to conclude that this is the dumbest car ever; they are too small to be practical, the visibility is terrible, the interior is FULL of cheap material, and it is uglier than a gremlin. I give this car a forget it/burn it.

[@stchman]

The Fiat 500 Abarth is ugly, so all bets are off.

[@kirbyswarp]

I don't like mini.