If all goes right, I'll be trading in my 2016 Hardtop 4 door (regular engine) for an upgrade this summer. For basically the same price, built to my specifications - there's a $50 difference - I can build a Convertible S or a Hardtop 2 door JCW.

Obviously, the answer is, "whichever you like better." Just as obviously, never having driven an S, JCW, or convertible, I have no idea which I like better. I'll try to test drive both options, but I still want to put the question out to the community.

Relevant Information:

• This will be my only vehicle.
• It'll be my every day commuter.
• It's just me and my dog right now (although hopefully my dog isn't the only woman in my life forever, ya know?).
• I probably won't have a garage, either at home (50/50) or at work (definitely not).
• My county has speed cameras.
• I live in Maryland, so summers are blazing hot, spring and early fall are nice, and winters can range from brutal to "what winter?" (see 2016-17)

I've never owned a convertible and I've never owned a sports car. I'm interested in hearing how the community would judge this decision.

Much appreciated.

 

I would vote for getting a regular S with sunroof and taking the extra money saved from not get a JCW and get a Miata . Fellow Marylander with 3 2006 JCW's (with sunroof)

 

I am hard core top down. My first two motors were English roadsters. What you are describing calls for a hard top. I don't think I'd sleep well knowing that canvas was on the street all night every night. The sunroof would be enjoyable in nice weather. On the other hand; a drop head could go a long way towards attracting a less hairy co-pilot.

 

Soft top street parking overnight seems to attract slashers. Also leaving visible items invites theft. As much as I like soft top, I'd only own one as a fun driving car.

 

If you've never had a convertible in your life, it's time to get one. Only then will you know if you ever want another one or not.

 

I like the outside feeling and sound of the convertible. I have a hardtop and the convertible. The convertible you can hear more. If you have garage, that helps with the convertible safety. But the JCW is so much fun and has a great sound also. Good luck.

 

I had a Miata for 11 years. Losing my garage is what eroded the car away. I don't suggest a Miata without a garage. I have no experience with MINI convertibles, though I kind of wish I had found one when I got Rupert.

 

Unless you are spending money so your heirs don't get it all, and unless you gotta have the power, I think a maxed out S hardtop is the way to go.

I am planning on a maxed out JCW this summer because I fall into reason 1 above. I have had AMG Mercedes and S Porsches, but I have to tell you the S is no slouch. I have a 2013 S now. If I could get the red trimmed seats and the red roof/ white silver on a S, that's the way I'd go.

But, in all candor I haven't driven s JCW, so take my advice with a grain of salt.

And, finally, with no garage I think a convertible would be a regrettable choice.

 

I've had a few convertibles over the years none mini. For me, about 1 trip out of 20 was convertible weather or worth it. And, as someone mentioned, thieves love to poke around in them.

If it were me, I'd get the hardtop. I have a sunroof now, but decided it is probably my last. Just lets in too much heat in South Texas.

 

You're single and your budget is around $30-35K? There is a lot of options there.

Convertibles are eh. They flex like crazy and/or are heavier. I had an NA Miata and I bought a factory hardtop for it within a month. I ran the hardtop most of the time and used to run the soft top up with the back window unzipped on occasion. If you really like the idea of a convertible, you'll sacrifice some performance for that luxury. I only had one because they don't make Miatas in a fixed hardtop.

I definitely would not own a soft top only car in a cold weather climate without a garage. Just sounds awful.

 

I'm totally biased but I'd say why compromise. Find a JCW roadster.
The roadster has one of the best chassis of all Gen 2 mini. Stiffer than a hard top, believe it or not... It is a little stiffer on your kidneys

We have a soft top and the car is driven all year long, and top down when ever permits (even in the winter). We drove with the top down about 60% of the time and we get bitter cold and snowy winter. But I would agree with Derek and others. We also have a garage which is a big deal for softtop longevity for sure through out the winter, and I would argue summer as well, with UV harsh effect.