Hey all - just wanted to stop in and say hello. I'm in the Los Angeles area and was looking for a fun car to zip around town - and one that my kids could enjoy. I was leasing a Mercedes S550 and decided it was just too hefty and expensive for my typical day (5 miles combined back and forth to work). I decided a four seater convertible would be best for some weekend fun with the kids (2 and 4 years old) and highly considered a used Ferrari California.
I don't know what got into me, but I ended up test driving a Mini Cooper S convertible and loved it for not only for the purposes listed, but it's such a fun car to drive!! So I found someone who was trying to get out of his lease and made a deal with him to take over his payments for the next year. Car had 1,750 miles on it.

The kids absolutely love it - as do I (and most importantly, my wife). Here is the car being delivered to my house.

 

Congrats, have a R52 convertible myself. Nice triple black. Wow super low miles for an R57 LCI. that thing brand new. Nice find and post up some more pics.

 

Thanks I couldn't really be picky with options since it was a lease takeover, but some things I really wish I had on this car are:

1.) Ability to put the top up and down with the key Fob, without having to stick the actual key into the locking mechanism. I tried holding down unlock, no luck.

2.) Comfort access. Having to remove that key fob from my pocket every time I want to lock/unlock the car, and sticking it into that slot to start it, is not very convenient. I think this would also address #1.

3.) Rear view camera and/or parking sensors. I plan on driving this car with the top down most of the time. It's pretty hard to see behind you when the top is down since it layers on top of eachother.

4.) Ability to stream music through bluetooth. While I can connect for phone calls (thank goodness), I have to use the headphone jack to stream music from my phone.

I think that's it. I truly believe I'll stay in the Mini convertible family for a long time - as long as my kids can fit back there - so I'll be able to find a perfect match with some additional time looking. I love the all black look with black wheels. I'll be honest to say that I was a little bit afraid of the "masculinity" of the car but it's not feminine or masculine. It's a perfect car for zipping around town.

 

Hmm - after you gave me the model of my car, some Googling reveals that it's possible with some retrofitting http://www.mods4cars.com/sms/shop/in...de=view&id=115

 

You can put it down with the key fob, just press and hold the open button. Unless someone disabled it. Putting it up you will need the carista app: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ues-fixed.html

CA, yea you would have to have that factory.

Yea, stinks you did not get PDC , most people with an R57 get it.

On the stream you will have to get an aftermarket option.

 

Thanks so much! I just bought a Smarttop and then saw your message. I tested it out with the spare key fob and it worked. So strange it wouldn't work with the first fob - must be out of battery. With Carista, will I have to put it up with the app or can I use the fob? I guess the smarttop purchase was a bit premature

 

Its ok, might have been the signal. Its the fob after the program, I did the one touch windows on my R58. And key fob controls windows up also.

 

Welcome to the wonderful world of topless motoring.
Here's a link to a website offering the best roads for MINI motoring.
http://www.motorcycleroads.us/index.html
Get out there and get some wind in your hair. Topless motoring is motoring at its best.

 

What a great find, and you sure are in the right part of the country to go topless!

Drive Hard. Drive Safe. Keep Grinning.

 

Salutations I'm a first time owner also bought a used MINI R52 MY 2005 Convertible Electric blue Mini convertible has 215000 miles i only put 1,000 miles since i bought it in August from the original owner.since then i have removed the front stripes and added Racing stripes to give it a more aggressive look and style .it was well maintained through BMW always He kept in a garage and driven for solo for recreation use and was lucky to score such a gem! Man i cant tell you how much I love my Mini you wont miss driving anything else.Nothing feels like the feeling you get driving your Mini welcome.

 

Awesome site. Thanks!

 

Looks good, they really put the miles on that R52. I am at 267K now and gaining. Congrats again. It looks really clean for that mileage.

 

 

 

Dang, you guys are going to make me go out and spend more money, lol. These R52's are growing on me. Both look great. Cheers and motor on!

 

Fun purpose family cars! Convertible Mini with 1,750 miles on the odo! That's a find. Enjoy!

 

I agree, they are fetching!

Drive Hard. Drive Safe. Keep Grinning.