Which Years Of Used MINI Cooper Convertibles Are Most Reliable?
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly small car that oozes character, it’s hard to go wrong with the MINI Cooper. The MINI Cooper is a beloved compact car that has become an iconic symbol of British automotive design. It has gained a reputation for its distinctive style, compact size, and agile handling.
One of the most recognizable features of the MINI is undoubtedly its design. It combines a retro aesthetic with modern touches, resulting in a car that just catches attention on the road. Despite its compact size, the MINI Cooper offers a surprisingly spacious interior, featuring high-quality materials and a design philosophy that mixes functionality with style.
With that said, the Convertible model is one of the more popular versions of the MINI Cooper. The MINI Cooper Convertible is a standout model in the lineup because it offers all the charm and performance of the classic Cooper with the added thrill of open-air driving. It features an electrically-powered soft top that can be retracted in 18 seconds, transforming the car from a cozy coupe to a breezy convertible.
For today’s post, we go through generations of this convertible to determine the most reliable MINI Cooper Convertible year and which ones to avoid. Let’s take a look.
2009-2015 MINI Cooper Convertible (2nd Generation)
When buying a used MINI Cooper Convertible, we recommend starting your search in the second generation. The second generation of the MINI Cooper Convertible, introduced in 2009 and produced until 2015, brought a fresh wave of updates and improvements to the already popular model.
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Avoid: 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible
The first production year for a new-generation vehicle rarely comes out problem-free. That certainly applies to the 2009 Cooper Convertible. According to MotorBiscuit, some of the worst MINI Cooper model years seem to coincide with part of the R57 Convertible production run, including the 2009 Convertible.
CarProblemZoo says the worst issue of the 2009 Convertible is the engine problem caused by a faulty timing chain. One owner claimed that the base model of the 2009 Convertible has timing chain issues occurring at around 75,000 miles. This problem is often identified by a well-known noise, referred to as the “death rattle,” which is heard when the engine first starts. Additionally, there have been instances where the oil dipstick does not fully reinsert into the tube, protruding about 4 inches.
And that’s just one of its many issues. With that said, we recommend skipping this model year.
THE MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE YEARS TO AVOID
If you’re interested in this car, it’s critical to get the best. You might wonder - what are the MINI Cooper Convertible years to avoid in the current market?
Avoid: 2010 MINI Cooper Convertible
The 2010 model is also another problematic year for the MINI Convertible. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has documented 74 complaints and three recalls for the 2010 MINI Cooper Convertible. The categories that received the most complaints are the engine, airbags, and electrical systems.
A person has reported experiencing issues with their 2010 MINI, specifically related to the timing chain. They described a random rattling noise from the car (death rattle), which would then abruptly turn off, even in the middle of traffic or at a stop light. The individual also mentioned that the car would skip gears, suggesting potential transmission problems. Upon contacting MINI about these issues, they were informed that the problems were indeed associated with the timing chain.
Avoid: 2011-2012 MINI Cooper Convertible
Although not worse than the previous years, the 2011 and 2012 Convertible years are not exactly problem-free. Both model years struggled with significant mechanical issues involving the engine, powertrain, and electrical issues.
For the 2011 Convertible, the NHTSA documented 54 complaints and three recalls. An owner has voiced concerns about the safety of the 2011 Mini Cooper, particularly about the Car Access System (CAS) module. They pointed out a prevalent issue with the CAS module failing, which could result in the vehicle not starting or unexpectedly stalling while in motion.
Meanwhile, the 2012 Convertible was reportedly prone to water pump leaks. According to one report, the car was taken to the dealer due to a problem, which was diagnosed to be caused by a leak in the water pump. The mechanics stated that water pump failure was common among users, and the defective part had to be replaced.
2016-Present MINI Cooper Convertible (3rd Generation)
The 3rd generation Convertible enjoyed better reliability ratings than the previous generation. Below are some of the notable model years to check out:
Buy: 2017 MINI Cooper Convertible
If you’re looking for the most reliable MINI Cooper Convertible year in the 3rd-gen, the 2017 model might just be it. As of this writing, this model year has no complaint or recall from the NHTSA, which can be a strong sign of its long-term reliability.
Critic reviews have been all-around positive for this model year. MotorTrend describes the 2017 MINI Convertible as a “tiny bundle of open-air fun.” They also mention that the car is larger than its predecessor, providing more cargo capacity. However, a few points were knocked down for its clunky infotainment system and smaller trunk than its competitors.
Meanwhile, CarBuzz gives the 2017 MINI Convertible a 7.9 out of 10 score. They highlight the car’s good fuel economy, sharp handling, and stylish design. However, they also note that the ride can be firm on bumpy road surfaces and that the back seats and trunk are small.
Overall, the 2017 MINI Convertible is an easy recommendation for us. Aside from its lack of significant reliability issues, it’s an overall solid compact car.
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Buy: 2020 MINI Cooper Convertible
For buyers who won’t mind a relatively new convertible, the 2020 MINI Cooper Convertible is worth checking out. Again, we’re hard-pressed to find complaints regarding significant reliable woes for this model. The NHTSA has registered zero recalls for this model as well.
The 2020 Convertible offers three engines and has excellent handling, making it quick and fun in turns and curves. However, most reviews say that the ride quality can be very stiff and more expensive than most of its rivals – which is very on-brand for the MINI.
Owners of the 2020 MINI Convertible have shared their mostly positive experiences on forums like MINIF56.com. They love the convertible roof and the fun driving experience.
Best Year of MINI Cooper Convertible: FAQs
Q: What makes the MINI Cooper Convertible unique?
A: The MINI Cooper Convertible combines the iconic MINI design with open-air driving. It features a retractable soft top that opens in 18 seconds, combining classic style and modern fun. Despite its compact size, it provides a surprisingly spacious interior with high-quality materials.
Q: Are there any MINI Cooper Convertible years that should be avoided?
A: It’s advisable to be cautious about the following model years:
- 2009: Issues include engine problems related to faulty timing chains.
- 2010: Received numerous complaints about engine, airbag, and electrical systems.
- 2011-2012: The engine, powertrain, and electrical systems continued to have mechanical issues. These years are known for the “death rattle” noise, unexpected stalling, and transmission problems.
Q: What is the “death rattle” about some MINI Cooper Convertibles?
A: The “death rattle” is a distinctive noise heard when starting the engine, often indicating problems with the timing chain. It’s most commonly reported in 2009 models, typically occurring around 75,000 miles. If you hear this noise, it’s crucial to have the car inspected by a qualified mechanic immediately.
Q: Which model years are considered the most reliable MINI Cooper Convertibles?
A: Two model years stand out in the third generation:
- 2017: No complaints or recalls from the NHTSA as of writing. Praised for fun driving, good fuel economy, and sharp handling.
- 2020: It also shows promise in reliability, with no NHTSA recalls. It offers three engine options and excellent handling. Both years have received positive owner feedback, particularly regarding the driving experience.
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