I thought this would be both a fun and instructive topic to discuss…


The roadster is our first convertible car and to tell you the truth it is a little bit of an adjustment…
We love driving it top open as much as we can. So far, 2 weeks into it, we have over 24hrs on the “openometer” which pretty much account for 99.9% of the time we drove it thus far.

We found that 55mph is about just fine with wind and road noise (windows up). We slide windows up around 45/50mph. Above 65 it gets a little windy. And above 65/75 it gets both windy and loud but we kept it open anyway… it was mostly hard not to get tired having to speak loudly. I’m trying not to drive as fast because of that, which is just as well I think. It helps mpg too

Now both, my wife and I, have fair skins (I know, too bad for us…). We did have a harder time not getting sun burns. I’m still peeling off from the first long drive we took.
We started to use sun cream more heavily but it gets hard not to put sun cream everywhere in the car interior, especially if we don’t plan ahead of time for the sun cream to absorb a little. Last weekend I had to clean the interior with a little bit of alcohol to remove sun cream marks. I’d rather not have to do that all the time. I don’t want to damage the interior…
Plus my wife doesn't have enough patience to make sure she's well covered
We don’t usually wear hats a lot and we know we need to get some. Maybe some MINI hats...

Lastly, it felt a little counter intuitive at first but last weekend, after reading the manual, I put the automatic AC on and it really helped not being too hot in traffic.

I also know we'll have to learn how to drive in cooler weather soon ...


So how do you guys ride your roadster?
What tricks do you guys use to keep it fun and yet be comfortable?
What type of clothe do you wear in various conditions?
Bad and good anecdotes?


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I have a little over 100 hours since December, however most of them were in the last couple months with the good weather we have had in the NW. I have discovered that I don't seem that prone to burning on my commutes despite them being 1 hour or so.

However, I was in Montana a few weeks ago and drove from Missoula to Helena with the top down and both me and my friend had cooked a bit. Not quite to the point of painful, but peeling. I would say arms and face/ears/neck would be enough to counteract the bad spots (hat if you need it).

The last leg of my commute is a 70MPH zone and I actually love zooming down that at 80MPH with the top down, windows up with the mesh windstopper in place. Right at about 65-70 I sometimes have buffeting if theres any breeze, but 75-80 seems to punch through smoothly. It's loud but it's an even loudness without being occasionally blasted with a wind gust to the face lol

 

I'm awaiting delivery of my new Roadster, but have put over 35K miles on my Convertible S in 3 1/2 years, only driving from April - December, over 90% with the top down (almost 700 hours on the openometer). The only time the top goes up is when it's raining (but if you keep the speed over 45 in light to moderate rain, the aerodynamics usually keep the rain out of the car anyway!)

I always wear a cap (I keep a MINI cap in the back seat), and use sunscreen if I'm driving in the midafternoon (11 - 3) when the sun is usually highest and hottest. The windows go up when the temp is below 60 degree, or when driving over 65 mph on an expressway to reduce the wind noise. A/C is on when the temps are above 80, and the heated seats and/or heat when it's below 45. I keep a packable windbreaker and extra sweatshirt in the boot for when it unexpectedly cools off at night.

 

I drive top down nearly 100% of the time when the temperature is between 50F and 110F. If I am going to be in the car more than 20 minutes on high UV days, I apply spray on sunscreen which I carry in the car. I also carry a jacket for cool drives. I should carry a hat in the car but I am not a hat person. Concerning the windows, they stay down except when I am on the highway.

For me, a convertible is most enjoyable at speeds below 50 mph. Conversation is easy and wind is very manageable. Higher speeds do detract from conversation and to some extent, comfort.

 

Many of the points covered are valid, especially regarding headgear and sunscreen. I find that most of my daily drives are under 40 minutes each way, and even thought I'm fair, I am tanning. I'm not finding it hot enough to engage the AC, even though it was 90 today. As long as there is a breeze, I'm fine.

I usually ride with the windows up and the wind screen in place. I've been in the Roadster highway driving over 80 mph and it is fine. I'm so enjoying the top down experience, I hate to think about the coming fall and winter. I'm taking into consideration how to top down drive in those conditions. My goal is to try and keep my top down drive time percentage as high as possible.

 

I ride at any speed with the windows down and no windscreen between the roll bars. I am a purist. My first car was a convertible, and the only things that make me put the top up are a driving rain or snow.

 

I'm with you RodSpindler. If the top is down, then the windows have to be down. I think ragtops look (sorry about this) hideous with the top down and the windows up. As for the screen that goes between the chrome roll bars, I can't see, or fell what difference it makes. So it is left in the boot. Just my opinion of course.

Bill

 

Oh yes, I have my 37 Mini hat, but I'm still getting a tan/burn on my face. My top is usually down at lunch time going home and after the work commute. And when I'm driving by myself. My wife doesn't appreciate the top down sensation. Olga's comment usually is: Can we put the top back up now? No, she's not a Roadster woman. But, she didn't like the looks of the coupe, so Roadster it is

Bill

 

This is fun... I like the variety

I also prefer the windows down as much as I can when I'm by myself but it's a bit more civilized when two people are in the car at higher speeds

The wind deflector does help a little at higher speed, passed 65, again especially when your lady is by your side . . .

 

That's just sad Bill
The roadster is actually my wife's car (except on weekends and evenings ) When we were throwing the idea of a convertible around I made sure that she would be okay driving the top down with the wind, the sun, the heat, etc... I didn't expect she would have it down all the time but she totally surprised me.

I know she will be more sensitive to the colder temperature so I'd expect she will be putting the top up when it starts to get chilly outside. Personally I'll just have to get the right clothe.

 

I cannot see myself driving with the windows up except during an extended freeway drive. The deflector is fine. But I really prefer the windows down whenever possible.

I test drove the Roadster and a Convertible. I did not find the wind excessive without the deflector in place or the windows down.

 

I should have added that I tend to have the top down and windows up when the wife is riding. She's usually not a "wind in her hair" type, but likes the top down/windows up for the reduced turbulence at 55+ mph. While I wouldn't say the look is "hideous", it's a reasonable compromise.

 

I find the deflector really helps when it's around 30-40 degrees...

 

I think it does help keep the back draft down (particularly in spiney-like temps)...and since the automatic spoiler blocks the light sensor on my auto-dimming RVM it also helps in one more way, by diffusing the glare of headlights from following vehicles. Ergo, I leave mine in place all of the time -- top-up or top-down.

I go side windows in the "up" position on the freeway.

 

I was inspired by all the "window down" comments and thought I'd make a comparison tonight on my way home. Much, much windier with the windows down. The wind cups around the pillar and hits you in the chest area. Not really comfortable when you're driving at 50 to 75 mph. Windows down is comfortable with speeds under 40 mpg.

Windows up is most comfortable for me. I understand the esthetic and agree with it myself but not sure if it's a looks over practicality issue we are discussing.

 

I think we are discussing, or exploring, the different ways to best enjoy R59s . . . no wrong answers here in my opinion.

 

Top down and windows down as much as possible. I do not mind the wind or noise on the freeway; too busy enjoying the wind in my hair (which I hope to have for a few more years), and I generally play my music at fairly loud volumes, so road noise doesn't matter much to me. It all depends on your driving style.

I will say that the only times that the top is up when I would have it down is either in 90+ temps, or when my girlfriend is in the car. She also appreciates top down if the windows are up and the wind deflector is in place.

Btw, the lounge leather gets pretty roasty-toasty in higher temps. Need to figure out a good solution for that sweaty-ness.

 

My comfort zone with the top down is between 37F and 100F. Almost never gets over 100 degrees here in Massachusetts.

although at 37 degrees there needs to be some sun. Heater is on and the heated seats are on 3.

I'll keep the top down in light rain and put it up when I can't see through my glasses..

Windows are up and down. My feeling is that they are there for my convenience not anyone elses...

Depends on how fast I'm going, how cold it is and if I want to share my music with others. When the windows are down I need to crank up the volume. I can get pretty loud for an old guy.

I always have the auto air on at 70 degrees F, even in the winter, except when the temps get in the mid to upper 90's.

I'm getting quite the tan... I know, I know but I hate that greasy stuff. I put a hat on when I'm driving into the sun then I take it off.


I found out a long time ago that I'm a roadster guy, doesn't matter if it's a MGB, TR6, Midget, Austin Healey, Sunbeam Alpine, Miata, Spider... even a Jeep with the top and doors off.. Of course I wouldn't mind if it was a Factory Five Cobra!!!

Anyway, every time I get out of my MINI Roadster I say wow that was a blast...............

Andy

 

Not to get too technical but were're not taking any chances. That's what we use . . .
http://www.neutrogena.com/product/ul...ortby=ourPicks

It's not greasy but you have to plan ahead (10/15 minutes) before getting in the car so it's dry to the touch. Wash hands after applying is a must imo.

 

Top down most of the time 40-100 degress. Windscreen is always in and up. windows up at night or below 60 degrees on highways. If its real cold heated seats go on

Hat is a must for me just to keep hair out of my eyes. Blackjack ball cap for sun. Knit watch cap for winter.

Honestly I'm kinda fair skinned so I haven't left home with out bare minimum SPF on my face since i was a teensger.
lol i love my roadster but I refuse to wrinkle!

 

For me, the top is down at 40 degrees or higher. Sometimes with heat and windows up, sometimes with a/c on high. But the top is almost always down. The rule is, if I'm driving, the top is down. If you don't like it down, you drive me in your car. I also discovered that you can drive through RAIN at 56 mph or higher. Any slower and you get wet. Only once did I have to stop to put the top up in an absolute downpour. I'm glad the top only takes 3 seconds to put the manual top up. As for noise, I like the muffler sound with the sport button activated. Therefore there is not much need for conversation. Just crank up the music and go.

Enjoy your car any way you see fit. It is one great, fun little car.

 

You guys are hardcore. . .

It is so counter intuitive for me right now to drive in the rain with the top down. I can't help but worry about having our nice interior soaked

 

I only do it if I'm on the Garden State Parkway or NJ Turnpike where you can easily stay above the magic number of 56 mph. Unless it's a crazy downpour, you and the interior won't get wet. Of course, the faster the better. Just not 55, or you'll get wet.

 

56 yes / 55 no, you make it sounds extremely scientific
What then, when that big truck surprise you and passes you

 

Exactly!