Especially for first time roadster drivers... Any regrets, at all ? The roadster experience is unique . I know a person who was intrigued by the exotic, bought a roadster , but over 9 months of driving ,determined that it wasn't for him ... He dumped it for a sports coupe ... For you more experienced drivers, would you buy another one?

 

None yet, but ask me again in 6 months.

 

This is my third convertible. Started with an S2000, moved to a 135i and now the Roadster S. I am addicted to the top down driving experience expecially when the weather is nice - Personal preference. The only regret is having a convertible as both my daily driver and fun car. I would prefer having a beater to drive on rainy, cold or extreme heat days.

 

My first car was a 69 caddy convertible ( and yes I still have it)
So I really enjoy the roadster as my commuter nothing better than working long hot day in NYC subway putting the top down and driving home. Feels like the car just blows the ick right off of me.

 

I'll let you know after a North East winter on winter tyres...

 

For me, the Roadster is a return to my youth, my first real car (not counting a 2nd-hand VW during college), a 1967 Austin Healey 3000. Supposedly a four-seater, but the rear seats were included only to cut insurance rates, not for anyone actually to use.

After a lifetime driving sedans and minivans, even a MINI hatchback, I've celebrated my retirement by returning full circle. A British convertible. And this one has a fuel pump that actually works!

No regrets!

 

None.....I love it more each day. Course, I have another car that's my daily driver ;-)

 

This raises an interesting question...how do insurance rates today compare? What's the difference between rates on a MINI 4-seater and the comparable Roadster (whether justa, S or JCW)?

 

My 12 JCW Roadster is 30 bucks more a month than my wife's 09 MCS hardtop. Would be less of a difference if she was the primary driver of my car...since she's female

 

I think we're in a similar boat. I'm primary on the Roadster S, my wife is primary on her '12 justa Clubman, and we're secondary on each other's cars with no other drivers, and both are about the same price.

 

Insurance: I was very surprised that I'm paying the same for my MCS Roadster as I am for my Fiat. I expected to pay more.

 

No regrets. As others have mentioned, I'll know more after my first winter. I do suspect with a proper set of snow/ice tires I will love playing in the snow as much as I do on dry pavement. This is by far the most engaging automobile I have had the pleasure of owning


-Steven

 

Not bad...especially when you consider that the replacement value of the Roadster is higher. Thanks for the replies.

 

No regrets. I am probably in my car 10-15 hours per week. When I walk out to the parking lot and see my roadster it brings a smile to my face and I look forward to the time I can spend behind the wheel. That's a great feeling. I drive top down quite a bit but I love it either way...depends on my mood, weather, etc.

I was worried about the car being noisy (based on the reviews) and I don't think it is at all. Maybe a little louder than a hard top but barely noticeable.

 

You bring up a good point dillo, I was worried about noise with a single layer canvas roof, but not so. The Roadster is actually quieter inside than my previous R52 Cabrio.


-Steven

 

After reading what the car magazines had to say about the roadster I admit it gave me some second thoughts. There were complaints about noise, space, ride and the like. After test driving the R59S I wondered what they were talking about.

The only really legitimate complaint is the visibility (or lack there of) with the top up. Even after looking twice both ways, I admit to saying a little prayer when I back out of my driveway if the top is up. Obviously, no problem at all with the top down.

 

My insurance went from $137 a month with a 2007 S2000 to $87 a month with the JCW roadster.

As for regrets, with the exception of a 2000 celiac gts, all my cars have been of the top down variety. I don't hear the wind noise the critics are complaining about. I love the damn thing. No regrets here.