Motoring highways and byways since the late 1950s, the Mini Cooper is one of the most familiar subcompact cars on the road. It also happens to be one of the most expensive. Why is there such a price difference between the Mini Cooper and other subcompacts? We have a pretty good idea.

The Mini Cooper is pricier from the get-go

Proof that the Mini Cooper costs more than most subcompacts starts in the showroom. With a base MSRP ranging from $22,400 to $44,900 according to Consumer Reports, a brand-new 2021 Cooper puts a bigger dent in one’s wallet than, say, a 2021 Kia Rio. The latter sets buyers back about $16,990, Consumer Reports shows. That’s a $5,000 difference.

And a 2021 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works with all-wheel drive and automatic transmission starts at around $40,350. Opting for any interior color other than standard Carbon Black means an additional $750 to $1,750.

On the more affordable side, a 2021 Nissan Versa with similar features costs less than $15,000, Consumer Reports says.

Pricey to buy, pricey to repair

Even if the dealer offers a decent discount, a new Mini Cooper will likely cost more to maintain and repair than other subcompact cars. Higher costs for services such as oil changes are thanks to Mini’s luxury owner, BMW.

Another factor that makes the Mini Cooper more expensive overall is its need for premium gasoline, AxleAddict explains.

When a Cooper needs repairs, they tend to cost more, too. Some model years, such as 2005, are prone to numerous failures, costing a pretty penny to fix. According to CarComplaints.com, the top three problems with Minis involve transmission clunks, broken timing chains, and clutch failures.

Clutches, transmissions, and timing chains aren’t the only expensive things that tend to go wrong on Mini Coopers, however. Reports of water pooling on floorboards to the point where the wiring harness needs replacement aren’t uncommon.

Yet another problem that plagues some Mini models is a sudden loss of power steering. This issue is more than expensive; it’s also dangerous. If the power steering goes out, it can start an engine fire. Instances of power steering failure are so prevalent that owners brought a class-action lawsuit against the automaker, minicooperclassaction.ca shows.

Drivers love the Mini Cooper anyway

Despite its relatively steep initial price, pricey maintenance, and expensive repairs, many owners love the Mini Cooper. That said, several reasonably priced cars are good alternatives, according to U.S. News.

For about $21,000, the 2021 Honda Civic is quick, nimble, and a lot of fun to drive. Other comparable subcompacts include the Mazda MX-5 Miata, Volkswagen Golf, and Subaru WRX, U.S. News reports.

But if you have your heart set on a Mini Cooper, go ahead and live the dream. Just be prepared to pay more at every step of the car-buying and ownership experience.