Hi All - I'm exploring purchasing my first MINI and I'm going back and forth between a Hardtop Cooper S and a Cooper S Convertible (4 seater, not the roadster). I'm in my 40's and I'm currently driving a BMW 135i convertible. I keep reading reviews of the Vert that call it a girls car or a car that steals your masculinity. What say you NAM readers? If you're driving a Vert, are you a man, women, young or old? What color? S or Justa? What about the non-vert readers, what are your impressions of the convertible MINI demographics? Lets figure this one out!
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Get the car you want. It's a free country - we get to drive what we want.

 

+1 ....only thing that makes it a girlie car is if you put hello kitty crap all over it and eyelashes on the headlights and a big pink lipstick kissy thing on the bonnet (or on it's wee butt). Topless motoring is motoring at it's best. Wind in the hair is non-gender.

PS: And get a wind deflector without fail.

PPS: ...and it's easier to throw the clubs in the back seat with the top down too.

 

I'm a man in my forties. I drive a MINI convertible. Fast. I have been married to the same wife for 26 years and have five sons. I am comfortable with my masculinity and do manly things frequently, like wheel the garbage to the street, scratch at inappropriate times, drink black coffee, and wrench on my own cars. I am pretty sure I haven't lost any virility due to my MINI convertible driving. In fact, it rather makes me feel years younger and more alive.

Happy Motoring!

 

Some good answers so far. You'll be fine with either.

I replaced a long-serving Miata (similar "meme" on these as well) with my MCS last year, and went for a Hardtop since we figured we needed another vehicle that could carry four (it does, barely, with everyone being accommodating) and that could take a dog or two with us on trips (that didn't work out: the dogs get car sick!).

I miss the open air. My next MINI will be some type of convertible.

 

Thanks for the feedback - I think we need a vert club started. Btw, Looks like I somehow posted this twin, sorry for the newbie mistake.

 

You can have one, but only if you promise to put the top down. Every time I see a R57 with its top up it makes me sad.

 

that's easy to say when you're in SoCal. I'm in NYC and its two real seasons, spring and fall. Summer nights are pretty great though

 

OK Naylia, pi$$ing contest: Which is sadder, a R52 with it's top up or a R57 with it's top up?

In a small town like ours, it is easy to get a reputation for top down fanaticism. To date, 28° is my record. At my age (68 - so far) any reputation is a welcome thing. Get a drop-head, C-Rex, and start building yours.

 

In the Bay Area the coldest I've had it the top down is 37 F (remind me to get a wind screen before next winter :D ). I'll give the New Yorkers the winters off, but when it's sunny and 75 there are no excuses at all!

 

Ha - Excellent! I'll give it a go when the winter rolls around. Is it your daily driver?

 

This one looks pretty sad - her top is up and she has no stripes to make her go fast.





Should be more like this



Not actually me. I'm much more handsome and my Mini is shinier

 

Went with the Convertible because the back row makes it a convertible that you can use for other things. My dog gets the back seat, in a Roadster he would have to fight my wife for shotgun. Also, it means I can still haul things. Especially with the top down. I picked up like 400lbs of slate at our local stone quarry in my R57 when my wife was away with the Rav4. The guys there thought it was frickin' hilarious. I suspect not many people pick up stone in their convertibles.

Also - at least for me, definitely an S!

And I had to have color, I was pretty much done with the black/white/beige that is all of vehicles in the United States. I wanted a splash of color - any color would do.

Male / Early 30s

 

yes it is. Fastidiously fussed over and detailed regularly but loves to go for a romp.

 

I'm not even gonna start. You have opened and closed the book. All hail the victor!

 

I'm male and have a convertible. I love it, even though I lose structural rigidity because it no longer has a hard top.

Sadly, my R52 top has been up for months -- it's broken. :(

 

I never thought it made a difference.

 

The double posting confused me as I was the first to respond and when I came back to see what others were saying my post in this thread had mysteriously dissapeared...very confused until I noticed this comment.

I had essentially mirrored many of the other posters sentiments...it's going to be your car so go with what feels right. I'd suggest driving both and just buy the one you prefer whether it be a hardtop or a vert. I drive a hardtop and love it but was seriously considering a vert while looking but just happened upon my perfect car

 

Automobiles do not have genitalia.

 

We have a winner!

 

Well, it's true.

 

You have to come to terms with the fact that a fairly significant segment of the population views MINI as being girly or gay. For some guys, being perceived as masculine is everything and they would never consider a MINI. Others feel secure enough about their masculinity that they care more about the car than an image they are trying to project.

 

Therein lies the true fun. MINIs are more underestimated than just about anything on the road except maybe the Gremlin...or was it overestimated...anyway, Ram 4X4 good ol' boy makes a smarta$$ remark then offer him a spirited ride. When the color returns to his face, he's able to pry is shaking hand from the door grip and he checks to see are his nickers still pristine, you'll hear no more foolishness from him or his friends.

 

I've gone from a Miata with lots of power and handling mods to a MINI 'very with same. I'm not worried about my masculinity. You'll find that those that agree into cars will know about handling and other benefits of the MINI. Jerks won't and who cares what they think.

I had to have a loaner and now I'm traveling and have a small SUV rental. I miss the wind.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using NAMotoring

 

I'm 21/male and drive an R52. People always tell me how cool my car is and how awesome it is that I drive it! and as far as the guys that make fun of me, they are usually driving a civic or a V6 mustang and I usually put them to shame with a three or four car length difference.
If you want a cabrio. Just do it! you won't regret it.