I currently own a 2003 CR/W MCS that I'm happy with but having seen the 2005 changes which In my view would make upgrading worth it. Last week, I got to test drive a Mini Cooper S convertible on a bright sunny day and I loved the open top experience but was somewhat dissapointed at the decreased level of structural stiffness especially when going over bumps. Puting that aside, the Mini in its convertible form is very different than the hardtop but still amazingly pleasant.

I started having second thoughts about trading in my CR/W '03 for the Hyperblue MCSC so I considered making the trade-in anyways but for a '05 HB/HB hardtop MCS.

My dilemma is that I do love and want the convertible but being in the Northwest it rains alot but on those sunny january days, I could still drive top down. The exclusivity is also a plus but I'm worried about wear on the canvas top (is that covered by the factory warranty?)

As for me, well I'm definitly a Mini-type driver. I like to take every corner fast, I double-clutch downshift and rev-match all the time so a sporty car that can handle my driving is a requirement so the coupe gets the nod that way.

Anyways, I want your opinions? Should I get the exclusive and very new HB/blue MCS convertible or the hardtop HB/HB MCS? which would fit me best with regards to my driving style?

 

Have fun with whatever you go with

 

Vancooper,

Sounds like it is going to boil down to:

Show or Go.

Show=MCS cabrio. Great looks but compromised performance. If you were in a sunnier place I'd say go for it.

Go= MCS hardtop. Nothing helps the added power and better gearing of the new MCS like a stiff chassis and less weight than the cabrio.

If you are in it for looks and parade quality then go for the cabrio.
But since you sound like a driving enthusiast first then the decision seems clearly for the MCS hardtop.

 

The MCS was originally designed as a hatchback, with the structural integrity of the roof a necessary part of the design. Creating a cabriolet from that platform results in 1) additional weight as panels are re-enforced with more steel and 2) some loss of structural integrity due to the loss of the hardtop, regardless of the amount of re-enforcing done.

I consider the MCS to be primarily a driver's car, hence the cabriolet doesn't appeal much to me because of the loss of rigidity when the roof was removed. I say stick with the hatchback version and if you really need a convertible, find something that was designed as such: a Miata, S2000 or Z4.

 

My opinion?

Convertibles are for show for trendy show-offs. :smile:

but this is just my opinion, so no offense intended.

 

We test drove a Cabrio on labor day.

The deal breaker was rear visibility. I need to have clear view out of the rear (lookin for the fuzz).

 

I have continuously had at least one convertible since 1973, and undoubtedly they are fun when weather permits. But convertibles tend to be kludge solutions. Lots of rubbber pieces and things that rot, stretch, shrink, crack, break, or corrode. The inside of the car invariable gets wet and tends to rot, rust, corrode, or get bleached by the sun.


If you have never owned a convertible, just be aware that if you are a concours de' elegance type guy who is out claying your bonnet very possible chance, a convertible will drive you crazy. Too many knooks, crannies, edges, holes, seams and creases. After the first winter, the car will never again look like new, no mater what you do. The sun is a harsh mistress, and quite frankly, car interiors are designed to be, well, "interior." By exposing the insides of your car to the elements, you can cause some real deterioration.

If, like me, you tend to keep cars a long time and don't mond if towards the end its a little ratty, you'll be happy.

If you trade cars every 3 years, and demand a shiney and perfect car, it may drive you crazy.

Its your life - you decide. No one ever died from lack of a convertible top. No one ever died from having one.

 

:smile: It's totally a personal choice. I like them both - we have an MCS and are now awaiting the arrival of our MCSC.

I have driven a rag top just about all my life - love them - and am used to the limited visibility out the back. It just takes some getting used to and you just learn to use your side mirrors a lot...

Have fun with whatever you decide on....

Chow!

Donna :smile:

 

I'd get an MCS and with the extra $4,000 get a used Miata....

The MCS is available with a HUGE sunroof, and while I love convertibles, that sunfroof will hopefully be enough for me...

 

I too have driven rag tops for quite some time-my 97 Miata has held up quite well-no rotted parts-in fact it is in excellent condition. I don't drive convertibles for show I drive them because I like the open air driving. So don't knock them if you've never tried them But I am a lucky girl, soon I will have the best of both world's. Either choice is good, after all its a MINI

Lois

 

I've had convertibles from 1985 or so until my Miata was sold and my 02 MCS w/ sunroof was acquired 2 years ago. I had an MGB & TR6 before the '93 Miata. I love convertibles and motorcycles for their fabulous open air experience and its not just because I live in San Diego. I used to live in NY and top down in winter with a full moon and fresh snow on the ground and a windy little country road is a treat not to be missed. Convertibles on a crisp fall morning with the leaves changing... I won't get started.

Yes interiors should be interior but I had great luck using car covers (at work top stayed down and I work at an inner city public high school) and touneau covers with the brit cars to keep interiors cool and nice.

That all being said I absolutley love my Mini and am not considering a trade. For me the sunroof and windows open provide 90% of the same experience and the fun factor of my current ride is so great I can't imagine (or afford) much better.

If I were going new from scratch though I'd take a hard look at both as you are, but if structural integrity intruded on fun in the twistys factor I think I'd go for hardtop w/ sunroof. Its a BIG sunroof.

 

Yeah, I can't imagine buying a new car without a sunroof. I use mine all the time. I like to open it in any kind of weather except for rain. I even like to open it in the winter and I blast the heat through the floor vents. The sunroof on my saturn is the kind that sticks up instead of tucking into the roof or gracefully sliding straight back. So, I never could use a roof rack. It also doesn't expose the entire hole in the roof, only about 3/4. Neither of these issues is present with the mini sunroof.

 

FWIW, I used to pooh-pooh convertibles - tops wear out, they're impractical, etc. etc. Then a friend bought a miata. Since then I've had a Fiat Spyder and two miatas and loved every minute of them. Then again, I also live in northern California.:smile: Those with the poser comments have obviously never been around Thunderhill racetrack in a miata. Fun, fun, fun. As a purpose built platform, it doesn't suffer from the lack of a roof as much as converted platforms.

Speaking of... The MCS with sunroof is as close as you're going to get to a convertible while still having decent size storage room. The tops don't wear out all that fast (covering helps) but are definitely not covered by warranty. I'd second idrivecavalier and get the MCS and buy a nice used miata with the savings over the MCSC.

 

Unless you are lucky and live in a climate like northern California, convertibles are not very practical for daily drivers unless you get a Lexus SC430. I am trying to talk my wife in getting one, but she wants a Lexus SC430, and I refuse to spend 60k for a non daily driver, at least not until she tells me she wants it or else!

I haven't seen one yet in person, but I got the little convertible advertising pamphlet, and the lust was powerful. Nothing better than a convertible on a beautiful fall or spring day or summer night.

jc

 

Seems to me anyone who buys a Mini is a show off sooooo go S Cabrio.
Larry

 

Whenever anyone talks about that convertible that is never a problem, I bet that it is a garaged car. It makes a big difference if a convertible is garaged or not - much more than with a normal car. A Miata kept in a No Cal garage will last pretty long, but exposed in the snow and salt and muck of most climates - look out. If you do not have a garage to keep it in, I vote no.

 

The reviews on the '05 MCSC's performance are all very positive. The extra weight is offset by the xtra ponies and new gearing. Absent the track, the driving experience is reviewed as very similar to the tintop. While the MCS sunroof is very large, there can be NO comparison to the open air of an MCSC. Rear visibility is an issue, but I plan to be looking everywhere but back.

Of course I live in sunny southern California!!!

Both cars rock, given a choice, I always prefer TOPLESS!!!

1 week away from my drop top,
Mike

 

Is cost a factor? If not, I'd go for the Cabrio. Top-down motoring is not to be dismissed. While I love the XL MINI sunroof, it's not the same as going topless, IMHO. And whatever you lose in weight and rigidity will be more than compensated for in FUN.

I think if you get the Cabrio, you'll be psyched no matter what. If you get another MCS, you'll always think "What if?"

2 cents!

 

VanCooper, Think of it this way. Since you live in the Northwest, and have only a few valuable days of sun, shouldn't you take full advantage of those days?! I went to the mini dealer to check out the convertible. Top up/ to down really is so simple and fast. No unlatching, rolling down windows, storing covers... Drive with the top down, and when rain comes, quick put the top up - one button. But I am biased. I've had a convertible for years, and will only ever buy one again. Driving becomes so much more when your senses are stimulated by the convertible's openness. It's a beautiful experience.
Does anyone already have their MCC? It would be great to hear what people think of them.

 

I live in St Louis-ice & snow in the winter-my Miata was my daily driver for 6 years until I bought my MINI. But then I take very good care of my cars-including the rag top which needs some extra care to keep it nice looking. The Miata even has the vinyl back window & after 8 years has very few scratches. So the bottom line is if you take care of your car it will look nice-convertible or not

Lois

 

Thanks for all your advices, I'm gonna go ahead and get the convertible based on the fact that the fun factor when the top is down will more than make up for the heavier body and loss of structural stiffness. I just know that whenever it'll be dry out, I'll be driving top down. (I'll also carry a jacket and a beanie for sunny winter days)

To correct the stiffness problem, I will immediately buy a front strut tower brace and that will undoubtly help keeping the front end stiffened up. As for power, well I plan on taking the CAI on my '03 Mini and puting it in the Cabrio so already I will be compensating for the heavier weight with more power.

I will of course post pics as a thank you note for your advices when I get it!

P.S. The MCSC will be garaged at ALL time

 

This was exactly my thinking. I had a hardtop ordered. But I wanted the cabrio even though I knew it was going to be a brand new design. Switched to the cabrio and have never looked back. FUN factor cannot be denied !

Mike

 

You might want to consider getting the heated sport seats. It should make the ride much more comfortable. You might as well get your money's worth! :smile:

 

I currently own an MC and had an MCS loaner car back in March...needless to say I fell in love. Prior to driving the S I had always intended to get a MINI convertible (an S if I could afford it) when the lease on my current MINI was up. After driving the S loaner I immediately went and spoke to my MA about terminating the lease on my MC early. Because of finacial issues, and knowing I ultimately wanted the convertible I didn't order back in March. I am so glad I didn't...
Tuesday I went and ordered my MCSC. Got an amazing deal on trading in my current MC and even got $300 off MSRP on the new MINI (I know it's not much but it covers the cost of the accessories I want). I don't have a production number yet, but my MA seems to think the car should be here by the end of October.
My very first car was a convertible and I have missed the open feel ever since I got rid of it. I have had sunroofs in all my cars since, but it just doesn't compare.
As far as the MCSC not being as "performancy" (is that even a word) as the MCS, I am not worried. I have been driving an MC (for a year and a half now) and have been getting more then enough power out of it. I am sure the MCSC will be enough of a difference for me. Just my opinion...good luck with the waiting. I'll be waiting right there along with you.

 

I think convertibles look soooo cool, but I would worry about the appearence of the rag top over time, plus the idea that it can be pretty easily damaged by vandals, or the car broken into easily. I like having a hard roof over me, feel much safer. On the other hand, I do have a sunroof, which is always open at night on the drive home from work. It's wonderful for star-gazing!