We are in the market for a used convertible. I have read sites that say 2016+ are more reliable. I have also read that 2018 or 2019 are the most reliable. I’m not finding a lot of major differences between the years other than looks. Example: If we find a 2016 with 4K miles and a 2019 with 30k miles, is it better to go lower mileage or newer, with more features. I can’t find much on what issues F57 have and around how many miles. I do have the option to purchase an extended warranty to 90-100k miles but I know sometimes there are loop holes and I can’t say I 100% trust those companies. We obviously aren’t buying a mini for reliability, but if certain models/trims tend to have more issues then we will steer clear.

 

I just posted a quick review on my 2019 Mini convertible here: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...th-review.html
With that said, I recommend that you buy a 2019 CPO Mini from a Mini dealer with less than 20K miles. Do not waste your time buying it from a non-Mini dealer with an aftermarket warranty that covers nothing. Expect to pay around $32K for a four cylinder in excellent condition and around $27K for a 3 cylinder in excellent condition.
Here is a nice three cylinder. https://www.miniramsey.com/certified...el=Convertible
Here is a nice four cylinder: https://www.morristownmini.com/used-...WG9C57K3F66479
As for reliability, I can say from experience the 2019 models are extremely reliable and very well built.

 

F56 MINIs are much more reliable than earlier cars. The only problem area I'm aware of is the rubber motor mounts cracking/leaking, especially the upper mount. I had to change mine out at 35,000 miles.

You won't find much change year-to-year for options, wheels, interior surfaces, or external appearance. Color choices and special editions change yearly.

Something to consider is what equipment you want. Retrofitting anything to a MINI is often complex, costly, or simply not possible because the wiring looms are unique to each car's OEM specification. Regardless of year, I would suggest finding a car with automatic climate control, bluetooth (just because the steering wheel has call buttons doesn't mean the car has bluetooth), the Harman/Kardon sound system, heated seats and mirrors, and for the convertible, the wind deflector ($600 to replace). Most of these are included as part of the Premium package. You may also want LED headlights/tailights.

Some options my car has that I probably wouldn't have ordered but do enjoy are Comfort Access (lock/unlock with a button on the door handle) and power folding mirrors (the entire mirror rotates in—great for tight parking). Look for the second mirror button on the driver's door for the power fold option to be present.

I've read several complaints that the Black Cross Punch Leather isn't of good quality and wears poorly. The Lounge Leather seems to be well liked. I have the standard leatherette and it is comfortable and wears well.

Finally, performance upgrades for the 3-cylinder are almost non-existent. There are tons of options for the 4-cylinder Cooper S models.

To see what options a MINI has, copy the VIN and go to https://bimmer.work. There are lots of ads on the homepage—look for the small text box to enter the VIN and the reCaptcha button. You'll have to look at another page of ads for 15 seconds or so, then you'll get a list of options.

 

Not sure if you have found a convertible but my red Cooper S convertible standard transmission with JCW exhaust and tune is up for sale.
2019. 33557 miles

 

Make sure to get LED headlights, as the Halogen ones are useless. The hardtops and I think convertibles got a pretty significant facelift in 2018. At minimum you want March 2018 and later for connectivity and MINI app compatibility. Here is a good 2018 summary. Note Dual Clutch transmission came to US in 2020.
https://www.motoringfile.com/2017/01...-lci-revealed/

I'd buy 2019 and later.
Here are some 2019 items. I don't have an exact manufacture month/year these started:
– LED rear lights in Union Jack design.
– New MINI logo
– New exterior colors: Emerald Grey metallic, Starlight Blue metallic, and Solaris Orange metallic
– Piano Black exterior: headlight surrounds, rear lights and radiator grille finished in high-gloss black
– New alloy wheels: Roulette Spoke 2-tone, Propeller Spoke 2-tone are now available for all body variants. 17-inch light alloy wheels in Rail Spoke 2-tone are new
– Extended range of leather trim, interior surfaces and Color Lines.
– Unique individualization with MINI Yours Customized.
– Multifunction steering wheel and radio with 6.5-inch colour screen, USB and ? Bluetooth interface as standard.
– Optional radio and navigation systems with touchscreen monitor.
– Telephony with wireless charging.
– MINI Connected and MINI Connected XL with new functions like emergency calling, remote door unlock, and send-to-car functionality, all thanks to the first-ever embedded cellular telematics system for MINI vehicles in the US.
– MINI logo projection from the exterior mirror on the driver’s side.

A new 6.5” display is included as standard, and features an updated and optimized user interface, Bluetooth mobile phone integration, and support for Bluetooth audio streaming. In addition, customers can specify a new 8.8” touchscreen navigation system with new user interface and greatly expanded features.

Let us know what you do!

 

Not sure why you say you aren't buying a Mini for reliability as they are very reliable cars. Try to get a 2023. It will still have the factory warranty and has all the goodies.

 

Got my '19 JCW from Carmax with their warranty. Which experience so far has been excellent. Only issue was torn upper motor mount that dealer wanted $1600 to replace, warranty covered it no questions asked.

 

I'm a recent subscriber to Consumer Reports, and was pleased to note that according to their annual survey of car owners among their members, the 2022 MINI is one of the best used cars available.

As for options, the one my wife refuses to do without is the heads up display, which is part of the premium Iconic trim package. For me, a key option is compatibility with Apple's CarPlay.