R52 Top down motoring tips
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,178
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From: Outside of Phila, PA
Im not sure if I mentioned this or not, but I like keeping the passenger window up, the rear windows up, and the drivers side window down for a sort of simulated wind screen. Anyone have any other suggestions?
6th Gear
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,704
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From: Washington DC- Annapolis MD
I never mix business with pleasure
1st Gear
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 20
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My first top down lesson
Okay, so I just got my first convertible, my first Mini, a purple 05. And I just learned my first important lesson. This probably seems obvious to most. Never store loose CDs on the backseat with the top down. Loose CDs make excellent flying saucers at 50+MPH with the top down.
The other night I was headed home. At a stoplight I grabbed a handful of CDs out of the glovebox, quickly selected one and popped it in as the light went green. No time to put the others back so I tossed them in the backseat. Got on the freeway and heard a rattling sound in the backseat. Glanced back and saw several of the CDs were learning to fly! I'm not sure if any actually got airborne enough to taste freedom but they sure were trying.
I really need to get my iPod going so I can put the CDs back in the closet where they belong.
The other night I was headed home. At a stoplight I grabbed a handful of CDs out of the glovebox, quickly selected one and popped it in as the light went green. No time to put the others back so I tossed them in the backseat. Got on the freeway and heard a rattling sound in the backseat. Glanced back and saw several of the CDs were learning to fly! I'm not sure if any actually got airborne enough to taste freedom but they sure were trying.
I really need to get my iPod going so I can put the CDs back in the closet where they belong.
2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Nothern, VA
Well, that's kind of funny. I avoid cds by just going with the ipod on the aux. Don't forget to put secure the seatbelts back there, otherwise they flop around in the wind and bang up against the interior.
Are there disavantages to a top down mini..?
1st Gear
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
The last two days its been raining here. The top on my Mini is tight. No leaks at all. At highway speeds there might be a bit more noise with the top up than you would have with a hard top. But its not bad.
But, having the ability to put the top down is a huge plus for me. There's nothing like getting out of work at the end of a stressful day, putting the top down and driving home with the wind blowing through your hair and the warmth of the setting sun on your skin.
Of course the perfect solution would be to have two Minis! Or maybe three, the Clubman is pretty cool too.
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 184
Likes: 0
From: Danbury, CT
Likewise with my '03 MINI...hardtop only But I sold it in '06 and got an '06 ragtop, and have never looked back. I got a GREAT price for my hardtop selling it on my own.
It is so much fun. Top goes up and down so easily. Even btwn short stops, I always put it down. (Never leave it down when parked - not so much for theft as for birds!!)
If you live somehwere cold, go for the winter package - heated seats make all the difference. It is NEVER too cold for me - if it is not raining, the top is down, night and day, regardless of temp. Scarves, gloves, earmuffs, and heated seats - woks great!!
Also, the deflector is really a must - absurdly priced, but truly makes a difference in turbulence and temperature in the car.
No disadvantages at all that I have found. I might not want to roll a convertible, but I really don't want to roll any car.
Good luck!
3rd Gear
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 259
Likes: 0
From: Burlington, New Jersey
My 07 MCc is the first convertable that I ever had and if I know how much fun there were I would have gotten a convertable much sooner. If you are in the market for a new car I say go with the convertable. Like others said the rear deflector is a must to extend the top down motoring season.
I'm the MINI cabrio's biggest fan.
That said, there ARE disadvantages:
1) less cargo volume - not nearly as practical for hauling stuff. Though I CAN get enough stuff in the boot for a weekend away for my family of four.
2) more expensive - convertible cost is over $4000 more than a comparably equipped coupe. If you ever need to replace or repair the top out of warranty, it's $$$.
3) chassis is less stiff than the coupe - yields more squeaks and rattles, and less cornering grip without modifications.
4) more road and wind noise inside with the top up.
5) less back seat legroom - the rear seat is moved forward in the 1st gen cabrios by a couple of inches to make room for the folding top. I've heard this isn't an issue in 2nd gen cabrios.
6) car is heavier than the coupe by a couple hundred pounds. Makes the car a bit slower.
7) Biggest issue for me - many car club track programs will NOT allow convertibles without an aftermarket rollbar installed, and no such rollbars are commercially available for MINI cabrios. So it limits your track day options considerably. Not an issue for most owners, though.
8) MUCH worse side and rear visibility with the top up than in a coupe.
All that said.... I'm keeping mine FOREVER.
That said, there ARE disadvantages:
1) less cargo volume - not nearly as practical for hauling stuff. Though I CAN get enough stuff in the boot for a weekend away for my family of four.
2) more expensive - convertible cost is over $4000 more than a comparably equipped coupe. If you ever need to replace or repair the top out of warranty, it's $$$.
3) chassis is less stiff than the coupe - yields more squeaks and rattles, and less cornering grip without modifications.
4) more road and wind noise inside with the top up.
5) less back seat legroom - the rear seat is moved forward in the 1st gen cabrios by a couple of inches to make room for the folding top. I've heard this isn't an issue in 2nd gen cabrios.
6) car is heavier than the coupe by a couple hundred pounds. Makes the car a bit slower.
7) Biggest issue for me - many car club track programs will NOT allow convertibles without an aftermarket rollbar installed, and no such rollbars are commercially available for MINI cabrios. So it limits your track day options considerably. Not an issue for most owners, though.
8) MUCH worse side and rear visibility with the top up than in a coupe.
All that said.... I'm keeping mine FOREVER.
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 184
Likes: 0
From: Danbury, CT
Blimey - excellent summation...I agree with all your points, and wish to elaborate on a few...
"1) less cargo volume - not nearly as practical for hauling stuff. Though I CAN get enough stuff in the boot for a weekend away for my family of four."
Other way to look at it - you have unlimted space - I have hauled lots of shrubs and even a small tree back frfom the nursery with top down. But yes, you may have problems if this will be your only car. STILL - I would rent a car/truck for when I need to haul serious stuff.
"4) more road and wind noise inside with the top up."
Easy solution - always have the top down! (BTW - I can use my cell phone at 70 with muy headset...)
"8) MUCH worse side and rear visibility with the top up than in a coupe."
SO TRUE!!!! Solution - again - always have the top down! And set your mirrors right. 
Other way to look at it - you have unlimted space - I have hauled lots of shrubs and even a small tree back frfom the nursery with top down. But yes, you may have problems if this will be your only car. STILL - I would rent a car/truck for when I need to haul serious stuff.
"4) more road and wind noise inside with the top up."
Easy solution - always have the top down! (BTW - I can use my cell phone at 70 with muy headset...)
"8) MUCH worse side and rear visibility with the top up than in a coupe."
SO TRUE!!!! Solution - again - always have the top down! And set your mirrors right.
Last edited by zzMini; Mar 13, 2009 at 04:23 PM.
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 456
Likes: 0
From: Westminster, CO
I'm the MINI cabrio's biggest fan.
That said, there ARE disadvantages:
1) less cargo volume - not nearly as practical for hauling stuff. Though I CAN get enough stuff in the boot for a weekend away for my family of four.
2) more expensive - convertible cost is over $4000 more than a comparably equipped coupe. If you ever need to replace or repair the top out of warranty, it's $$$.
3) chassis is less stiff than the coupe - yields more squeaks and rattles, and less cornering grip without modifications.
4) more road and wind noise inside with the top up.
5) less back seat legroom - the rear seat is moved forward in the 1st gen cabrios by a couple of inches to make room for the folding top. I've heard this isn't an issue in 2nd gen cabrios.
6) car is heavier than the coupe by a couple hundred pounds. Makes the car a bit slower.
7) Biggest issue for me - many car club track programs will NOT allow convertibles without an aftermarket rollbar installed, and no such rollbars are commercially available for MINI cabrios. So it limits your track day options considerably. Not an issue for most owners, though.
8) MUCH worse side and rear visibility with the top up than in a coupe.
All that said.... I'm keeping mine FOREVER.
That said, there ARE disadvantages:
1) less cargo volume - not nearly as practical for hauling stuff. Though I CAN get enough stuff in the boot for a weekend away for my family of four.
2) more expensive - convertible cost is over $4000 more than a comparably equipped coupe. If you ever need to replace or repair the top out of warranty, it's $$$.
3) chassis is less stiff than the coupe - yields more squeaks and rattles, and less cornering grip without modifications.
4) more road and wind noise inside with the top up.
5) less back seat legroom - the rear seat is moved forward in the 1st gen cabrios by a couple of inches to make room for the folding top. I've heard this isn't an issue in 2nd gen cabrios.
6) car is heavier than the coupe by a couple hundred pounds. Makes the car a bit slower.
7) Biggest issue for me - many car club track programs will NOT allow convertibles without an aftermarket rollbar installed, and no such rollbars are commercially available for MINI cabrios. So it limits your track day options considerably. Not an issue for most owners, though.
8) MUCH worse side and rear visibility with the top up than in a coupe.
All that said.... I'm keeping mine FOREVER.
1st Gear
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
listening to ipod
Can you tell me how you listen through the aux?
My mini came with the Harmon Karman ipod adapter. I love it! Except sometimes it doesn't work...it either skips or doesn't play at all...possibly a short in a wire..I'm not sure.
Thanks!
1st Gear
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
My cabrio carried a BBQ earlier this summer. It's also carried a small lemon tree and a wheelbarrow. It's my farm vehicle
Since I have gotten mine I've put in 8 oz water bottles I get off of planes (I travel a lot) and they fit nice in all the cupholders. I just reuse them. I have a pair of airline blankets behind the seats for those who are cold. I keep mini tissues in just in case, and a spare do-rag for those who want to keep their hair from flying about.
Since I have gotten mine I've put in 8 oz water bottles I get off of planes (I travel a lot) and they fit nice in all the cupholders. I just reuse them. I have a pair of airline blankets behind the seats for those who are cold. I keep mini tissues in just in case, and a spare do-rag for those who want to keep their hair from flying about.
2nd Gear
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
From: campbell, ca
I just recently started using the aux, so i can use the pandora app on my iphone. I went to the local electronic supply store and purchased a aux cable, it plugs into the aux headphone jack on the iphone, and then u control it through the device, not the stereo. So now i don't have to worry about making MINI mixes, i can just play whatever i want straight from the library.
Neutral
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
"Disadvantages" to convertible
I have had a convertible since 1995 - Camaro Z28 6-speed for 7 years, and a very unreliable Sebring for 7 years. Got my 06 MINI a week ago today!! I don't think I'll ever own a hardtop again.
I have medium length hair, too short for a ponytail, so I keep a scarf in the car and tie it around my head a la Jackie O. ha ha. Keeps the sun and wind from damaging your hair and really doesn't affect your 'do. Also sunglasses and.....hmm....that's all I really need for top down motoring.
My 2 cents below.
I have medium length hair, too short for a ponytail, so I keep a scarf in the car and tie it around my head a la Jackie O. ha ha. Keeps the sun and wind from damaging your hair and really doesn't affect your 'do. Also sunglasses and.....hmm....that's all I really need for top down motoring.
My 2 cents below.
I'm the MINI cabrio's biggest fan.
That said, there ARE disadvantages:
1) less cargo volume - not nearly as practical for hauling stuff. Though I CAN get enough stuff in the boot for a weekend away for my family of four.
As zzMini said, you can carry very tall things - I've carried bbqs, butterfly bushesm hydrangeas and other things that don't fit in many trunks. Seats down, plenty of room for beach chairs, cooler, umbrellas etc.
2) more expensive - convertible cost is over $4000 more than a comparably equipped coupe. If you ever need to replace or repair the top out of warranty, it's $$$.
True, but driving on perfect 80 degree days, or mild star lit nights with crickets singing on country roads is priceless.
3) chassis is less stiff than the coupe - yields more squeaks and rattles, and less cornering grip without modifications.
This car has much less twist and squeaks than my last 2 convertibles. Feels like a regular car to me.
4) more road and wind noise inside with the top up.
Again, much better than my Sebring - MINI has a really solid roof for a ragtop. Turn up the tunes, or put the top down. heh heh
5) less back seat legroom - the rear seat is moved forward in the 1st gen cabrios by a couple of inches to make room for the folding top. I've heard this isn't an issue in 2nd gen cabrios.
Can't argue this one, but since it's just me and my dog, I don't need to drive anyone else anywhere. Besides, I bought the car for me, not some future passengers I may chauffer some day.
6) car is heavier than the coupe by a couple hundred pounds. Makes the car a bit slower.
Haven't noticed that, but did find that my other convertibles handled the snow pretty well because of the extra weight over the rear wheels. Even the rear-wheel drive Camaro was "good" in the snow.
7) Biggest issue for me - many car club track programs will NOT allow convertibles without an aftermarket rollbar installed, and no such rollbars are commercially available for MINI cabrios. So it limits your track day options considerably. Not an issue for most owners, though.
Hmm, don't belong to one, so I'll take your word for it. Drag if you are banned from clubs.
8) MUCH worse side and rear visibility with the top up than in a coupe.
Used to this after 14 previous years. But, my car came with little mirrors that you stick on the side mirrors, and they work really well.
All that said.... I'm keeping mine FOREVER.
That said, there ARE disadvantages:
1) less cargo volume - not nearly as practical for hauling stuff. Though I CAN get enough stuff in the boot for a weekend away for my family of four.
As zzMini said, you can carry very tall things - I've carried bbqs, butterfly bushesm hydrangeas and other things that don't fit in many trunks. Seats down, plenty of room for beach chairs, cooler, umbrellas etc.
2) more expensive - convertible cost is over $4000 more than a comparably equipped coupe. If you ever need to replace or repair the top out of warranty, it's $$$.
True, but driving on perfect 80 degree days, or mild star lit nights with crickets singing on country roads is priceless.
3) chassis is less stiff than the coupe - yields more squeaks and rattles, and less cornering grip without modifications.
This car has much less twist and squeaks than my last 2 convertibles. Feels like a regular car to me.
4) more road and wind noise inside with the top up.
Again, much better than my Sebring - MINI has a really solid roof for a ragtop. Turn up the tunes, or put the top down. heh heh
5) less back seat legroom - the rear seat is moved forward in the 1st gen cabrios by a couple of inches to make room for the folding top. I've heard this isn't an issue in 2nd gen cabrios.
Can't argue this one, but since it's just me and my dog, I don't need to drive anyone else anywhere. Besides, I bought the car for me, not some future passengers I may chauffer some day.
6) car is heavier than the coupe by a couple hundred pounds. Makes the car a bit slower.
Haven't noticed that, but did find that my other convertibles handled the snow pretty well because of the extra weight over the rear wheels. Even the rear-wheel drive Camaro was "good" in the snow.
7) Biggest issue for me - many car club track programs will NOT allow convertibles without an aftermarket rollbar installed, and no such rollbars are commercially available for MINI cabrios. So it limits your track day options considerably. Not an issue for most owners, though.
Hmm, don't belong to one, so I'll take your word for it. Drag if you are banned from clubs.
8) MUCH worse side and rear visibility with the top up than in a coupe.
Used to this after 14 previous years. But, my car came with little mirrors that you stick on the side mirrors, and they work really well.
All that said.... I'm keeping mine FOREVER.
2nd Gear
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
My lovely wife finds endless joy in her first convertable, topless. This Mini has truely captured her heart. The drawbacks may be many, but they are easy to overlook. If she needs the cargo space, she takes her swedish station wagon out and shakes a few layers of dust off of it.
