I've got a convertible on the way in and should be here tomorrow or Friday - I should be able to take it home Saturday or Monday.

I've never had a convertible and I'm really worried about the huge blind spots when the top is up. This car is the realization of a dream for me and will have to last for a long time, so I really don't want to make the wrong choice! (I'm a horrible second-guesser...in case you didn't pick up on that)

Those of you who've moved into your convertibles, help calm my fears, please!

-Holly

 

I've been motoring in the convertible for about 9 months now.

I won't lie to you. There are some blind spots when driving and especially when backing.

If you aren't a big user of the side-view mirrors, you soon will be ! Once you get the knack of using them and actually having them correctly positioned, you'll be fine.

When it comes to backing, again, use the sideview mirrors. And your MINI comes with back up sensors, right ? They do help.

So, you'll be fine !!! Have fun with top-down motoring !!!!!!

 

I learned to adjust moving into the cabrio with the blind spots in the back. I pull into spots where I can be nose-out so I don't have to blindly pull into traffic coming out of the spot.

Of course, pulling the top down solves all the blind spot issues!

 

My wife has driven her Cabrio for over 2 years now and she wouldn't buy one again. Hopefully, the R57 will have better visability. Wish I had better news for you.

It's still a fun car but it will definitely be an adjustment.

 

Costco sells a backup camera you can install that costs around $99.
I'm hoping to get a Cabrio in 2009 if the visibility is improved. Decided to wait for the new model.

 

In our many MINI convertible test drives (over the last few years), rear visibility didn't seem much worse than the BASUV that I currently drive (not my 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th choice). I use my rear view and side mirrors a great deal.

I also use my turn signals to change lanes, which no one around here seems to do, and try to drive defensively, forgivingly(?), and friendly. I'm sure it'll still take some adjusting, but I think we'll be okay.

I also am considering Multi-Vex mirrors, possibly a back up camera in the future.

 

I've never owned a cabrio, but due to vision & back problems I have some experience with visibility issues in cars. I'm a big fan of the wide-angle mirrors that you can stick on your side mirrors and rear-view mirror. They are cheap, so I would try some and see if they would help on a cabrio before investing in a camera, but thats just me.

I've heard good things about the PDC, I ordered it on my hard-top.

Congrats on your mini, I'm sure you will love it!

 

Well, knowing you have a blind spot is half the battle.

Make sure you adjust your outside mirrors appropriately. You should NOT be able to see any part of the side of your car in the outside mirrors. That will help tremendously.

also, just keep the top down as much as possible! It grinds my nerves to see a convertible of any kind with the top up if it isn't raining and the temps are between 50 and 90. I mean, why do people buy convertibles if they are going to leave the top up all the time?

 

It took me a week or two to get used to the blind spots in my Hummer (huge spare tire in the back window),

Backing up is still a problem. But then again, so is filling up the tank

 

Hey Holly.. first off.. congrats on your cabrio

I've had mine for 3 years now. I rely on the PDC when backing up and have the multivex mirror on the passenger-side only. I don't enjoy mall parking, especially directional parking, but I can back into almost any parking space now (top up or down). Besides, you don't want to be the only MINI facing the wrong way at a meet-up if you can't back into your space, right??

Someone mentioned "situational awareness" as the best thing to overcome those blind spots.. they're right. you might have to change your driving habits a bit, but it's worth it. You'll be a better driver for doing so. Enjoy!

 

Thanks for everyone's replies. I'm feeling much more relaxed about the choice and think that I'll get used to the new driving experience if the car ever gets here!

I adjusted my mirrors on the minivan according to the Car Talk guys and while it looks really weird to see so much rushing past the driver's side mirror, I can see that their idea does work. So I guess I'll do that with the MINI and go from there.

-Holly