I bought a 2006 Cooper S Convertible a month ago. I have ZERO shade unfortunately, and it is amazing how quickly this thing is deteriorating SOmehow someone kept it nice for 6 years and I'm destroying it in a month!

I need advice on care and maintenance -- I have searched, most posts are on mechanical issues.

Has anyone used Renovo products? Also, MINI sells a kit of products for the top, anyone used?

Lastly, I was considering taking it to a dealership to get their advice - of course they want $140 bucks just to look at it. THink it's worth it? Part of me thinks they're just going to tell me to keep it in a garage, which I don't have.

Thanks all.

 

Take a look at the RaggTopp product line for cleaning and care.

 

Thanks jkapinos. Also noticing now some posts suggesting this: http://www.superiorcarcare.net/303fa...FYM65Qodp1n4KQ

 

Interesting that Haartz (maker of the fabric I think) endorse RaggTopp. Not sure if that means anything...

 

Well I use RaggTopp and when it rains the top beads like crazy. Also if in the sun all the time, it might be time to look at a good quality car cover. The one I have claims to block 100% of the UV.

 

Just adding more info in case someone else searches on this topic. Good discussion here: http://www.autopia.org/forum/car-det...vs-others.html

And with that, I believe I'll end this conversation with myself

 

jkapinos - do you have a cover for the entire car? I saw one for just the top somewhere, it was made to fit the mini specifically. FOr the life of me I can't find it again! Was thinking it might be easier - could throw it on at work maybe...

 

Yes I ordered a custom cover from cover craft. It's the Ultra'tect one. I have a roadster, but that doesnt matter they make them for all the mini's. Takes about three weeks to get it. I buy all my car care stuff from Autogeek and ask them ?'s all the time. That's who told me about RaggTopp.

 

Whole car cover. A caution. I left my convertible covered for three weeks in an Oregon winter. When I got back and got in the car the interior was very humid, making me think mildew was a possibility. Then I started the car and the dreaded check engine lit up with an O2 code. I pondered it for a moment and hoped it was just condensation on the O2. Drove around and the light went out. Maybe I was right.

 

Obviously a cover has it's purpose, but the problems you experienced are exactly why they need to be used sparingly. One of those plastic garage like things will give cover but a full open area around the car. They may not be practical for all applications I know. Covers will trap moisture underneath and for a car left for long periods, will cause problems as you have experienced. Imagine a long term covered car. Moisture trapped underneath working its way into all the electronics and causing accelerated rust and moisture damage. And we won't even mention the probabilities of chafe wear to the finish of the car~~

 

I use the 303 stuff, it costs less than Raggtop and works great. Water beads, top stays clean and dust comes off with a garden hose spray.

 

What Aspen said ^^^^^ x2...