Hello Everyone

I stumbled onto this forum while doing my 999th hour of MINI research. I'm hoping to get some thoughts from MINI users about the concerns I have with purchasing a 2012 MINI Cooper S convertible.

First, a little about my current vehicle....it's a 2008 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. It's big and eats a lot of gas, and on top of that to get it to a convertible form takes some effort (which is my favorite form of the vehicle). So, I'm ready to downsize and simplify my life. Since I love love love MINI's I test drove one last week. I was completely sold and ready to pack the Jeep up and trade in....UNTIL I spoke to two people who currently drive MINI'S. They both expressed how poorly this car handles snow and sleet, which living in New England (Cape Cod area) made me double and triple think my MINI decision. However, both folks said car was the funnest and best car they've ever owned.

How bad is it in snow? I realize with it's low clearance it's not plowing through 6 inches of snow, but what is it's traction like?

Also, how reliable are these cars? I've read horror stories online about constant repairs, etc. I've also read about MINI owners never wanting to own anything else.

So confused.

 

Can't really speak for the S model, but all the "Cooper" models seem to be a little more stout. Snow shouldn't be a problem with a set of winter tires. It gives you a good excuse to change up the look of your vehicle every winter season!

 

I don't think snow should be a problem. The minis are FWD which generally handles much better in snow than a RWD. Just put on snow tires.

However if I were you I would seriously consider the Cooper S Roadster over the Cooper S Convertible. It is slightly less expensive, it is a newer design, the frame is much better built for a convertible. The standard S convertible suffers badly from cowl shake (reverberation of the upper body, just look at the rear view mirror, it shakes badly). The Roadster is better looking, has much more trunk storage space, and is IMO more practical than a cooper S Convertible.

 

I previously had a Mini Clubman and it was amazing at driving on snowy icy roads. The cars light weight and if you get 15in rims narrow tires make driving in slick conditions easy.

I currently have a Toyota Land Cruiser which is great at driving in snow the Mini would just be to low to get through. Having said that, if you are driving in the city or on curvy twisty roads with elevation changes or need to stop quickly this is where the Mini excels because there is not much weight that can get away from you.

In theory for light slick snow conditions the Mini should out perform your Wrangler in the snow.

 

Welcome! FWD plus winter tires make it a winning combination for excellent traction.

Reliability is good with proper maintenance and then some small supplemental stuff. Reliability is even better with the non-S models. Search around the R56 section for more insight.

They both share the same R56 platform... they aren't different designs. One is just more chopped on top than the other. How is having 2 seats more practical than 4? Kind of also wondering how having significantly reduced rearward visibility of the roadster is practical. I do agree that a larger trunk from the roadster is nice, but I believe having 3 of your friends along for the ride instead of 1 is much more fun! And... the roadster being better looking is definitely a debatable topic.