Was wondering how many have gone from the hardtop (with or without the sunroof) to the convertible or possibly the other way around and had any regrets, comments or other thoughts on the subject.

 

I can't comment on this topic but I will say that I took my first long distance MINI run since I became an owner through the back roads of Northwestern PA (Alleghany National Forest and area) and had an absolute blast - great roads to wind the MINI up on there....

OK - back on topic...

B

 

I had an 03 MCS and went to an 05 MCSC. My only regret is that I miss the luggage/storage space. Soft-sided duffel bags are a must when traveling. But I love the open-air ride

MsBrit
CROC #35

 

Some people don't like the Cabrio at all - reasons being - rear visibility takes some getting used to for sure. Some say it's noisy inside with the top up - I disagree. We have both models and love them both...but the Cabrio is mine... The wind blocker is fantastic....

Donna

 

2 for us as well, I drive the cabrio, hers is the hardtop.

We can pack her car and keep things inside easier. But We also got the pottery barn rug in the cabrio with the roof down, don't think we could have done it with the hard top.

Rear visibility is big difference, I use my side mirrors much more since the blind spot is big.

I love my Cab and she loves her hardtop.... So gee did that help?

 

I sold my 2003 MCS for a 2006 MCSc - and no regrets at all. I loved the 2003, and this one is even better. There are two main disadvantages to the cabrio, both already mentioned here - there is less luggage space, and you have to get used to the rear visibility. But neither are real issues for me - and the ability to drop the top far is great!

I'm glad I switched.

 

I had a 2005 PT Cruiser convertible and traded it in for a 2006 Liquid Yellow, MC with a sunroof. That was in February 2006. I live in Cleveland Ohio and figured that a convertible really is not all that practical here in the north.
and i really did not think i would miss the open air feeling of a convertible. And i thought the sunroof would be enough for me ........
Well, Well here we are in May 2006 and guess what I just did this week
Traded in my MiniCooper with the sunroof for the Chilly Red MC cabrio and I could not be happier .... So i guess my name should be (My3rdmini)
Nothing beats the open sky I believe once you own a convertible its hard to not own a convertible....

 

We have both! A 05 coupe and 06 cabrio. The coupe is my daily driver and the cabrio is my wife's. We love both cars and they both fulfill a need. WIth the weather as nice as it has been most of the miles have been put on the cabrio... only complaint about the cabrio is storage space- but we knew that before we bought it.

 

Hey Jersey_Bill you were in my neck of the woods. There are some great roads in that area. Did you happen to drive Rt 666 (yes, the Devil's Tail) thru the Allegheny National Forest? 33 miles of dips, curves and great scenery (though it's a little intense to pay much attention). It is a blast (I was just on it this weekend with some of my old Miata buddies). Let me know when your back in the area and we can hit some of these.

 

Donna,

Is that the factory wind blocker you are speaking of?

Is that the only one available and/or is the factory windblocker available any cheaper that $450 form any source you know of?

Thanks...

--

Bill

2005 Cabrio

 

NAM sponser Classic MINI is in the middle of a 25% off sale.

 

No regrets. Switched from an 03 MC hardtop to an 05 MCSC in Oct of 04. I have NEVER looked back.

 

I never owned a hard-top MINI, but I had a loaner MCS for a few days. With rear visibility a non-issue on the hard-top, you can really dart in and out of traffic with ease... something you can't really do -- well at least I can't -- with the convertible top up.

 

Traded my MCS '03 Dark Silver for a Dark Silver MCSC. I like the convertible a lot (wind deflector is a MUST) but I have limited visibility, smaller boot and cat hair on my balck top. The Cabrio is fun for summer but I do miss my hardtop in the winter and at the autocross (Cabrio much heavier) .

It's a hard decision b/t hardtop and cabrio... so I am thinking of ordering a new MCS coupe for the winter and for autocross...and to keep the Cabrio for summer

MD STREGA2

 

Is that because it is so hard to see out the back?

 

Hehe I was going to make a joke about that (saying no pun intended or something).

 

No regrets!!

 

Same here.....love the Convertible!

 

Biggest regret is my 03 MCS was EB and the cabrio is not made in EB at least not in 05. I went from EB to MDS in color. As for the quality difference the cabrio seems stiffer in the corners. Needless to say I just received my frost side panel flames from Cooper Flags and after 10am I will no longer have have a naked MCSC

 

After waving goodbye to my 05 Coupe and we pulled out of garage to drive down the intercoastal waterway in my wife's 06 Cabrio.... I would say no regrets... well other than letting my wife drive

 

Waved a fond farewell to the '04 MCS PW/B after two years and happily driving the '05 MCSDT BRG/B below. First time I have ever purchased the same type of vehicle after owning one, though I must say the convertible feels like a whole new experience.

My sig says it...

OUT WITH THE OLD...



IN WITH THE NEW!!!

 

Wow...both those cars are GOOD looking.

You have good taste.