Fiat 500 vs Mini Cooper
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Mini Cooper wins on money kept: 62% retained after three years vs 58%, worth about R 199 238 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| 500 | Cooper | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 308 900 | R 607 052 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 5 399/m | R 10 610/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 76% | 81% |
| Retained after 3 years | 58% | 62% |
| Value after 3 years | R 177 693 | R 376 931 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 131 207 | R 230 121 |
| Value after 5 years | R 134 496 | R 283 596 |
| Our tier | Weak-franchise mainstream | Premium (established) |
Fiat 500 →
On sale from 2008 until Fiat's local exit, the retro 500 was the brand's longest-serving and final model here, including the 500C soft top. A 2024 update swapped the TwinAir for a 1.2 normally aspirated engine with an automatic-only line-up from R308,900. The last new units were sold in February 2026 as Fiat withdrew from South Africa.
Known for: retro city car charm
Mini Cooper →
The modern Mini hatch has anchored the brand in South Africa since 2002 and is now badged Cooper across petrol and electric versions. Fashion appeal keeps a loyal following, and JCW versions carry real hot-hatch credibility. Resale is respectable for a premium small car, though the used market is fussy about spec and colour.
Known for: fashion-led premium hatch with loyal following
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Fiat 500 or the Mini Cooper?
The Mini Cooper. It keeps about 62% of its price after three years against 58% for the Fiat 500, a gap of 5 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Fiat 500 loses about R 131 207 over three years and the Mini Cooper loses about R 230 121. Fuel, insurance and servicing can narrow or widen that, but the depreciation gap is the number to start from.
What do they cost per month?
On typical finance (10% deposit, 72 months, 11.75%), the Fiat 500 runs about R 5 399 per month and the Mini Cooper about R 10 610, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.