MINI Cooper Convertible

Overview: Is the MINI Cooper Convertible a Good Small Convertible?

The MINI Cooper Convertible is a stylish and fun-to-drive small soft-top that has been delighting enthusiasts since its 2005 introduction in the U.S. Based on the iconic MINI Cooper Hardtop, the Convertible offers open-air motoring excitement while retaining the brand's signature go-kart-like handling and quirky charm. The MINI Cooper Convertible has evolved over three generations: the R52 (2005-2008), R57 (2009-2015), and F57 (2016-present), each bringing refinements and updates to the platform. In 2022, the automaker, owned by BMW Group, introduced an electric MINI Cooper Convertible, the MINI Cooper SE. Only 999 were built, so they're hard to find and not part of this overview. The MINI Convertible’s stable mates include the MINI Countryman, Clubman, and Hardtop.

Note: Equipment, features, and trims can vary by model year. Always confirm these details when looking for a used MINI Cooper Convertible for sale.

Find a used MINI Cooper Convertible near me.

Related: The MINI Cooper Convertible Years To Avoid

Key Features

The MINI Cooper Convertible offers:

• Two-door convertible body style
• Three- and four-cylinder engine options (varying by year)
• Front-wheel drive
• Manual or automatic transmissions

Trims

The MINI Cooper Convertible is available in several trim levels, which have varied slightly across generations. Recent trims include the base Cooper, Cooper S, and the high-performance John Cooper Works (JCW).

Comfort, Technology & Cargo

Despite its compact size, the MINI Cooper Convertible's interior is crafted with premium materials and attention to detail. The front seats offer a comfortable driving position, but the rear seat space is best used for children or storage. Over the years, the Convertible has gained advanced infotainment features, such as a touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay compatibility (F57 generation), and an available Harman Kardon premium audio system. The convertible's trunk is understandably small when it comes to cargo capacity, given the space needed for the folding soft top.

How It Drives

The MINI Cooper Convertible's driving dynamics are among the car’s strong points; time behind the wheel is engaging and entertaining. The Convertible, which shares its engines with the Hardtop, starts with a base three-cylinder turbo in new editions and finishes with a potent four-cylinder turbo in Cooper S and JCW models. These powerplants provide zippy acceleration and a satisfying exhaust note, especially with the top down. The Convertible's suspension is tuned for agility and comfort, with the available Dynamic Damper Control system (F57 generation) further enhancing the car's handling prowess. At the same time, quick and precise steering provides excellent feedback, making the Convertible feel nimble and responsive on winding roads.

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) hasn’t evaluated the MINI Cooper Convertible for safety performance.

Reviews

MINI Cooper Convertible reviews on Kelley Blue Book are mostly positive, with scores across all generations averaging 4.5 to 4.6 out of 5. Owners cite reliability, quality, and performance among the Convertible’s best traits.

Learn More: Are MINI Coopers Reliable? A Complete Breakdown

FAQs

How much is the MINI Cooper Convertible?

MINI Cooper Convertible prices range from around $36,000 for a new base Cooper trim to approximately $45,000 for the high-performance John Cooper Works (JCW) model. The MINI Cooper S Convertible begins at nearly $38,000. CoPilot national listings show a used MINI Cooper Convertible costs from $5,000 to $25,000, depending on age, condition, and equipment.

How long do MINI convertibles last?

MINI Cooper Convertibles can last over 100,000 miles with proper maintenance and care. Regular servicing and prompt attention to issues can help ensure a MINI Convertible's long-term reliability.

Are MINI Cooper convertibles noisy?

MINI Cooper Convertibles, like most soft-tops, can experience increased noise levels compared to their hardtop counterparts, particularly at highway speeds. Wind, road, and engine noise may be more noticeable with the top up or down. However, MINI has made improvements to the Convertible's insulation and soft top design over the generations to minimize noise intrusion.

What colors does the MINI Cooper Convertible come in?

The MINI Cooper Convertible is available in a range of exterior colors, allowing owners to personalize their vehicles to their tastes. Some popular color options include:

• Chili Red
• British Racing Green
• Midnight Black
• White Silver
• Electric Blue
• Solaris Orange

MINI also offers various roof colors and interior upholstery options, further enhancing the Convertible's customization possibilities. It's worth noting that available colors may vary by model year and trim.

Check out a used MINI Cooper Convertible for sale.