Hey guys. I just brought home my '11 MCS Cabrio on Friday, and I love it so far. This is my first convertible, so I have one question. I've got a garage, so what I'd really like to do is leave the top down by default, even when parked, and raise it only during rain or colder weather.

Would that cause any damage to the top? I could imagine that keeping it folded long-term could cause it to wrinkle or crack or something. Or is the fabric designed to handle that sort of thing? Does anyone here leave their tops down long-term, who could provide first-hand experience? Thanks.

Dan

 

Mine stays down quite a bit but never more than a week or so at a time. It's been down since last Saturday morning except for an hour's Sat. night drive. They will collect a lot of dust in the outside folds which needs washed off often. It also needs a regular treatment with a good convertible top care product. Look to Detailing 101 in Forums. Here are a couple of threads related to that which you seek.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ght=canvas+top

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ght=canvas+top

PS: Pictures?

And welcome to the world of MINI motoring.

 

I'm in the same boat with you. I picked up a 2010 MCS Cabrio three weeks ago and have been parking mine in the garage with the top down.

I did notice the dust problem myself and with spring starting to hit here in the southeast the pollen is really sticking to it. My fix so far came over the past three days where I had to drive around in torrential rain. That cleaned it up very quickly.

 

Once it gets warm enough in southern Ohio, the only time my top is up is in the rain or for security when parked somewhere.