Opinions on convertibles
#1
Opinions on convertibles
My wife wants an older convertible & I prefer project cars. I've been reading about the issues with Mini's that some have had with the various gens. Most reviews say avoid the convertibles but don't offer an explanation as to why. So whats the deal with them? Costly to repair when the mechanism craps out? Parts unavailable?
#2
Warning, the comments in this post are not impartial.
The only thing better than a MINI is a MINI vert. I do advise anybody that partakes in spirited driving with a vert do so with some type of racing designed harness. On issues, most cars all break down and anybody that buys one thinking otherwise IMO is foolish.
The only thing better than a MINI is a MINI vert. I do advise anybody that partakes in spirited driving with a vert do so with some type of racing designed harness. On issues, most cars all break down and anybody that buys one thinking otherwise IMO is foolish.
#5
My wife wants an older convertible & I prefer project cars. I've been reading about the issues with Mini's that some have had with the various gens. Most reviews say avoid the convertibles but don't offer an explanation as to why. So whats the deal with them? Costly to repair when the mechanism craps out? Parts unavailable?
Buy an NA Miata, it is always the answer. Plus, you can get two birds stoned at once as it is a convertible and old enough to be a project.
MINIs are not reliable cars. They can be expensive and complicated to repair, and the convertibles (like most convertibles) are flimsy.
I advise that you do not run a racing harness regularly on the street because basilar skull fractures.
#6
Thanks for all your input so far.
The only things I don't do yet is bodywork and paint.. Thinking about trying paint once I retire. I've done bodywork in the past but didn't have the patience to feather the bondo correctly. Now that I'm older I have the patience, just need to keep the coffee brewing or it's nap time.
The only things I don't do yet is bodywork and paint.. Thinking about trying paint once I retire. I've done bodywork in the past but didn't have the patience to feather the bondo correctly. Now that I'm older I have the patience, just need to keep the coffee brewing or it's nap time.
Last edited by stamp11127; 05-17-2018 at 10:25 AM. Reason: Additions
#7
Finest Kind
A very partial view about R52 S vert
Nothing finer then a full moon drive, along the beach, headed to the north shore
or a sunny afternoon drive going no where, just to be motoring
or a semi cloudy morning top down and enjoying the time with your best friend.
Driving in Hawaii means never driving with the top up, unless it is raining hard enough that I worry about drowning.
A MINI vert is the way to go.
Nothing finer then a full moon drive, along the beach, headed to the north shore
or a sunny afternoon drive going no where, just to be motoring
or a semi cloudy morning top down and enjoying the time with your best friend.
Driving in Hawaii means never driving with the top up, unless it is raining hard enough that I worry about drowning.
A MINI vert is the way to go.
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#8
#10
This is also not impartial.
Buy an NA Miata, it is always the answer. Plus, you can get two birds stoned at once as it is a convertible and old enough to be a project.
MINIs are not reliable cars. They can be expensive and complicated to repair, and the convertibles (like most convertibles) are flimsy.
I advise that you do not run a racing harness regularly on the street because basilar skull fractures.
Buy an NA Miata, it is always the answer. Plus, you can get two birds stoned at once as it is a convertible and old enough to be a project.
MINIs are not reliable cars. They can be expensive and complicated to repair, and the convertibles (like most convertibles) are flimsy.
I advise that you do not run a racing harness regularly on the street because basilar skull fractures.
On the harness, my C3 and C5 ruptured when a lady hit me in my Blazer and it rolled. I don't want to even think about rolling a convertible but at least with the harness I am staying in the car.
#11
#13
#14
NA Miata's is the perfect convertible.
Parts are widely available and are extremely cheap.
It's very easy to work on and are very reliable.
The only downside is that if you're taller than 5"6, your knees will suffer.
Mini parts are expensive and are challenging to work on.
If you have the money and patience, go for the Mini.
Parts are widely available and are extremely cheap.
It's very easy to work on and are very reliable.
The only downside is that if you're taller than 5"6, your knees will suffer.
Mini parts are expensive and are challenging to work on.
If you have the money and patience, go for the Mini.
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billzebub (09-14-2018)
#15
I have a serious love hate relationship with these cars. I won't sell mine but I'll never tell someone to buy one.
#16
#18
1. Raining
2. Snowing (not a concern in FL)
3. Co-pilot complaining about being too hot or too cold (cold not a FL concern either)
4. A bunch of drunks throwing empty beer cans in the back seat and didn't invite me.
Otherwise, top down.
#19
#20
But the ride is completely different in a Miata. No ABS and rear wheel drive!
#21
I would get a convertible again. Mine has a ton of miles and I would get one again. The MINI convertible has about the most connected feeling to the outdoors and the street in my opinion. I really like my R58 JCW but my R52 Cooper w/JCW kit is a different experience.
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MINI Guru/ MINI Owner Since 2004 | NEW Lifetime Part Replacement | Local Pickup
Milltek | Genuine MINI | Forge Motorsport | NM Engineering | ECS Performance | M7 Speed
Customer Service Hours: 8am-8pm EST|Sales Team Hours: 8am-11pm | SAT 10am-7pm 800.924.5172
#22
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#25
There have pictures posted in the past of some horrendous car crashes (almost called them accidents) where the MINI remained upright though it's little nose was mushed in, but, the important thing was that drivers and passengers were standing on the curb like the one with the engine laying off to the side. They are tough little cars and one of the common complaints is the near vertical windscreen. That's part of the MINI convertible 'roll cage'.