I got my first MINI back in December of 2003... a hardtop. Love it! But when I made the decision to purchase another one, I thought about the cabrio. I had never owned a convertible before. I thought long and hard before doing it. In the end, I have been thrilled with it. I love riding top down. And yes, the handling isn't as good as the hardtop, but hey, it's a convertible! The noise is not so bad. I can still carry on a conversation or listen to music.

I know you have many concerns, most of which many others have given their opinions on... but one last thing. There is nothing like driving home from work at the end of the day with the top down. Nothing!

 

Amen!

 

I, too, have driven a hard top MINI for three years and confess that I have lots of daydreams about top-down motoring. The flexibility of the roof is really fantastic. Test drives have made me comfortable w/ the trade-offs, which (to me) can be easily accomodated. The cabrio is about fun and open air. We've been concerned about weight, flex, and other technical issues, but I think what the cabrio offers isn't necessarily in that category, as our pint-sized motorers seem to grasp immediately. In the end, that quality is yet another very real facet of what MINIs are all about.

 

That totally sums it up - even when I get home from work at 10 pm and drive home under the stars I still feel like its a magic carpet ride of stress reduction and disconnection from the day - and even at that hour I take the long twisty way home !!

B

 

I second that!

 

We opted out for the following reasons:

#1 long wait time for it to be built

#2 can't carry a surfboard or skis on a convertible

#3 visibility with top up was severely restricted

#4 better aerodynamics and quieter ride

#5 northeast weather isn't usually friendly to soft toppers (i used to be one with my Jeep Wrangler)

Dave

 

The roof rack thing was almost something that led me away from the cabrio - since my old Explorer had racks for 3 bikes and 4 wheels on the roof (and I have often had it full). However, the Sport Link rear mount rack is a very flexible bike rack (though expensive) and I understand that they will soon have a module available for skis as well. This is certainly a more limited and expensive option that calling Yakima or Thule to fit out your MINI roof - but at least there are options.

Bill

 

It's possible: http://www.mini2.com/forum/mini-conv...ml#post2218226

 

- loss of a baseball cap or two each year (more if you're tall)

- loose papers, important or otherwise, gone once you hit 50 mph

- no need to participate in the "top down/windows up" debate

- no decision about OEM bluetooth

- don't need to anguish about spending $400+ on a wind deflector

- don't need to learn how to fold your wind deflector that you will eventually buy

- never need to say to yourself: I'm just going into the store for a few minutes. Should I put the top up?

- when stopped at a traffic light, never need to say to yourself: Do I have time to put the top up (or down)?

- never a factor: Will it fit in the boot?

- don't need to buy sunscreen by the gallon

 

I think the questions comes down to whther you want to give up some traits (More cargo space, better shoulder room for rear passengers, body rigidity, better power to weight ratio, better handling, etc) for the thrill/pleasure of open top motoring.

If you are into convertibles and you still want a somewhat practical machine, the MINI can't be beat IMO. I know someone who recently bought a new Pontiac Solstice..... Gorgeous car, but in comparison to the MINI convertible, the Solstice (and soon to be released Saturn Sky) fall short in many, many areas. The Solstice has almost ZERO trunk space because the gas tank is smack right in the center, so you can only put a few bags in the narrow surrounding. Second the top is manual, which in my opinion sucks if you need to quickly raise it, unlike the fully motorized MINI fabric roof. Third, the car lacks side airbags. Totally unexcusable lack of a crucial safety feature that is offered in most cars in its class. Fourth, the normally aspirated ECOTEC engine sucks. At 170HP it lacks grunt to properl the 2,900+ pound Solstice and sounds like a tractor when pushed. The stock engine doesn't do justice to this car at all. (GM will soon release a turbocharged version to address the poor response of the base engine).

The interior is a mixed bag of acceptable quality plastics and cheap assembly. You'll be the judge.

So again, if your thing is open top motoring and are willing to put up with the added admission price ($5K+ over the regular hardtop) and the other shortcomings over the cheaper, but more solid, better handling and more practical hardtop hatchback, then you will be perfectly happy with your choice.

 

I too thought about the cabrio--but-- the lines are not as nice, its heavier, more $$$, not as safe w/2 fewer airbags, you can do the panaramic roof, its got better visibility and if you weigh more than 115# you cant even sit on the tail gate-----I do love convertibles---for the price of that option you can buy a datsun roadster---mine is a 1966 and I love it as much as my '05 mcs purple haze with aero kit ,JCW, and almost every other option

 

The MINI convertible has side airbags and in fact they are much bigger than the hardtop's because they don't only cover the chest area but the head as well. It is false to say that the MINI convertible does not have side airbags when in fact has one of the most advanced systems available in a mass production convertible.

 

it's a chick car

 

Great thread. When my wife and I went MINI shopping recently, we were all set to buy the convert, but ended up ordering the hard top for several reasons that have all been pretty much hashed and rehashed here (lack of visibility, doesn't look as "classic" or nice, etc.)

During the test drive we loved the sunroof feature and the ability to put the top up/down at a stoplight. The two main reasons we decided against the convert were that we already own a Miata, and also that we wouldn't feel safe letting our two teenaged drivers behind the wheel due to the massive blind spots.

Sure you can use the side mirrors, but that doesn't help with things directly behind you. That's why BMW installs the fancy radar beeping thingy for when you back up.

In the end, you have to decide whether you're a convertible person or not. If you are (and we are,) you can easily live with all the shortcomings mentioned here because when you drop that top it's all worth it. You can decide if you're a convert person by renting one for a day or weekend. It doesn't have to be a MINI -- any convert will give you the feel.

Good luck with your decision.

 

What has this got to do with the price of Gold in Zurich or is it just Bash the Pontiac day?

 

They are ALL chick and Clown cars and CUTE so what your point?

 

Huh?

 

Very true, and the girly car perception of MINI will persist despite the company's best efforts. Even for the GP, they felt a need to run a "Are you man enough" campaign (http://www.aveaword.com/default.aspx). Some of the manly GP owners will go nuts when they show off their car and hear it described as cute. Which it is.

 

Yeah I know...I've got too many new female navigators now!

Another minus, all these "chicks" wanting rides!

 

Yes, the coupe has many technical and practical and even a couple esthetic advantages, but for me, the guy who started this thread, the verdict is:

 

Except when your commute is gridlocked.

 

Congratulations! I see you exercised excellent taste in selecting the colour.

That is one happy kid.

 

I have to agree with ronburton. The Cabrio is the best car I have ever owned and has given me the best driving experience I have ever had. That being said, as much as I love the cabrio with top up or down, I am still buying a new MCS JCW GP this year because I too want the hardtop look (not to mention the performance from the GP!) Then we will have two MINIs...gosh I love these cars!

 

I pretty much prefer the look of the HB, but if all the Cabrio's looked like this, they'd be a lot better off! VERY NICE! (No offense meant to any others)

 

are you kidding me??