Item: Used Mini Convertible 2016-present
Rating: 4
Author: What Car? Team

<p>The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/beetle/sports/used-review/n18171">Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet</a> certainly doesn’t handle as well as the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/mini">Mini</a> and the interior is nowhere near as stylish. But it is cheaper to buy and the boot is bigger.</p>

<p>Both the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/fiat/500/sports/used-review/n956">Fiat 500C</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ds/ds-3/hatchback/used-review/n936">DS 3 Cabrio</a> are a lot cheaper than the Mini, but they are smaller and, in the case of the Fiat, much slower – this explains why they’re cheaper.</p>

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<h2><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars/mini/convertible?nearlynew=true&amp;used=true&amp;yearFrom=2014"><strong>Find a used Mini Convertible with What Car? &gt;&gt;</strong></a></h2>

<p><strong>Page 5 of 5</strong></p>


What is it like?

Ownership cost

Advice for buyers

Our recommendations

Alternatives

<h3><strong>Tie rods</strong></h3>

<p>A small number of Convertible models&nbsp;made between&nbsp;20-21 March&nbsp;2019 have an issue where the tie rods on the front suspension were not assembled correctly. If your car is affected, it&nbsp;will need to be checked by a Mini&nbsp;dealer and have the fault rectified.</p>

<h3 dir="ltr"><strong>EGR module may leak</strong></h3>

<p>A number of diesel-powered Minis built between 3 March 2014 and 17 March 2017&nbsp;that are fitted with an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) module could have an issue with it leaking. In extreme circumstances, it could cause a fire, so affected cars should be inspected by a Mini&nbsp;dealer to find out if it needs replacing.</p>

<h3><strong>Crankshaft sensor</strong></h3>

<p>A problem with the crankshaft sensor fitted to some diesel models manufactured between 22 May&nbsp;and 13&nbsp;June 2018 could result in rough running and an engine malfunction warning light to illuminate. The engine could also stall, too. Speak with your local dealer if you think your car is affected, because it will need a new sensor if it is.</p>

<h3><strong>Spare wheel</strong></h3>

<p>For early vehicles made from the start of production until 30 September 2014, the emergency spare wheel (if fitted) may work loose from the underside of the car.</p>

<h3><strong>Front seat backrest</strong></h3>

<p>The front seat backrests on Minis produced between 1 August&nbsp;and 30 September 2014 could have some play in the mechanism. This could, in the event of a collision, lead to injury because the seat may not remain in an upright position.</p>


<p>The Mini&nbsp;managed to get a decent mid table ranking result of 11th out of 21 value and small cars&nbsp;in our latest What Car? Reliability survey.&nbsp;Mini as a brand finished has been risen up the rankings in recent years and managed a&nbsp;4th place finish out of 31&nbsp;car manufacturers; a great result.</p>

<p>If you would like to see the full reliability list, head to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/2020-what-car-reliability-survey/n20042">What Car? Reliability Survey</a>&nbsp;pages for more information.</p>

<p><strong>Page 3 of 5</strong></p>


Sports

<p dir="ltr">Talk about taking an idea and running with it. The big-selling Mini hatchback is still at the core of the firm’s range, but its cute styling and relatively compact dimensions have been spun off into an estate (the Clubman) and an SUV (the Countryman), as well as a convertible.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Despite its small size, the Mini is a firmly premium product, and the three-door hatchback counts the Audi A1 and Volkswagen Polo among its key rivals.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The fact that Mini is owned by BMW brings some big advantages –&nbsp;not least the fact that its infotainment system is based on BMW’s industry-leading iDrive.</p>


MINI

CONVERTIBLE

<p>Just like the regular three-door hatch, the Mini Convertible is fun to drive and very desirable, with the added benefit of fresh air</p>


Used Mini Convertible 2016-present

<h3><strong>MPG</strong></h3>

<p>Fuel economy and road tax costs for most Mini Convertible models are actually rather good. The 1.5 petrol has a combined figure of 57.6mpg, while the 1.5 diesel has a figure of 70.6mpg.</p>

<p>The Cooper S and JCW versions aren’t quite so cheap to run. The Cooper S has an average figure of 47.1mpg, while the&nbsp;JCW is rated to do&nbsp;43.5mpg - less if you drive it with gusto.</p>

<h3><strong>CO2 emissions</strong></h3>

<p>The Mini with the lowest CO2 output is the 1.5 diesel&nbsp;with 100g/km, which&nbsp;sneaks it into the free car tax band. Up next is the 1.5 petrol with 114g/km, followed by the 2.0 Cooper S with 139g/km. The JCW is the worst, but 152g/km isn't particularly bad compared with some rivals.</p>

<h3><strong>Car tax (VED)</strong></h3>

<p>Road tax for all models registered before 1 April 2017&nbsp;will vary depending upon the emissions the engine produces (see above paragraph), while examples registered after this date will have&nbsp;the same flat rate fee for cars that cost less than £40,000 when new. To find out more about the current <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/car-tax-changes-in-2019-%E2%80%93-what-do-i-need-to-know/n1153">road tax costs, click here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h3><strong>Insurance and servicing costs</strong></h3>

<p>Insurance rates for most versions will be reasonable, although the Cooper S and JCW models will be more costly. Some cars less than three years old may still have some services left under the Mini TLC servicing package that new owners could buy with the car. After three years, Mini has a fixed-price value service scheme with prices that are published on their website.</p>

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Just like the regular three-door hatch, the Mini Convertible is fun to drive and very desirable, with the added benefit of fresh air

<p>An early 2016 Cooper model with the 1.5 petrol engine starts at around £11,000 for something with lots of miles on it, while lower mileage examples ones start at £12,000. The more sprightly Cooper S is more expensive again, with prices starting at £14,500, while the JCW range-topper is the most expensive <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/mini">Mini</a> Convertible you can buy at £17,000 for something that doesn't have a history of accident damage or high mileage.</p>

<p><strong>Check the value of a used Mini hatch&nbsp;with <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/valuations/">What Car? Valuations</a></strong></p>


<h3><strong>Engine</strong></h3>

<p>Unless you really want to do lots of miles in a convertible <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/mini">Mini</a>, there isn’t much point going for the diesel model. The Cooper S and JCW models are fun but aren’t quite as good to drive as their equivalent hatch versions, so we’d suggest sticking with the standard 1.5 petrol. It is a very impressive engine in its own right and it’s quite economical, too.</p>

<h3><strong>Specification</strong></h3>

<p>This also means we’d stick with the entry-level Cooper model, because that’s the only trim that the 1.5 petrol comes with. However, we’d recommend looking out for cars fitted with the Pepper Pack, because of the extra equipment you get for a little more money. Also, stick with the manual version; it’s a slick gearbox and adds to the fun of driving a Mini.</p>

<p><strong>Our favourite Mini Convertible</strong> 1.5 Cooper Pepper Pack</p>

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<p>What we're looking for:</p><ul><li>Wind-in-the-hair excitement</li> <li>Roof that’s quick and easy to raise and lower</li> <li>Comfortable seating for four adults</li> <li>Sufficient practicality for everyday use</li> <li>Little wind buffeting</li> <li>Quietness, whether the roof is up or down</li> <li>Minimal shaking and shimmying over bumps</li></ul>

<p>Despite the British weather, UK car buyers are among the biggest enthusiasts for wind-in-your-hair motoring, so convertibles have always been surprisingly popular here. It’s best to be able to react to the fickle climate, though, so we’re after a roof that opens (and closes) slickly and quickly and good top-down cruising refinement.</p>

<p>There are precious few bespoke drop-tops these days, so your choice of models is generally limited to soft-top&nbsp;versions of existing models. Mini will sell you a drop-top version of its style-focused hatchback, if you’re after a bit of flair. The Audi A5&nbsp;Cabriolet, meanwhile, brings all of the benefits of the regular A5&nbsp;– refined engines and a beautifully finished interior. Alternatively, the much more expensive Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet is one of the most luxurious convertibles on sale.</p>

Convertible

<p>As with most used car purchases, check that all the electrics work as they should, the air-con still throws out cold air and there are no warning lights on the dashboard. The interior is well made and uses quality plastics, but make sure the seat material is in good condition considering it is exposed to the elements more than the regular <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/mini">Mini</a> hatch.</p>

<p>You should pay close attention to the folding soft-top roof, because this is a highly complex part that’ll cost a fortune to repair if it is damaged. Make sure it folds correctly and that there are no rips on seams or any loose stitching. If you want to check for water leaks, head to an automatic car wash – all modern convertibles are designed to handle being washed in such a way and it’s a great opportunity for you to examine all the seals and spot if any water gets past them.</p>


<p>We like convertibles in this country despite our changeable climate, but it seems like poor value to pay full price for a new one when you can't drive with the top down. Instead, you should go for a used one, like this Mini Convertible because you'll get a stylish, well-made drop top with a classy interior filled with lots of up-to-the-minute tech for a fraction of what it cost new.</p>

<p>There isn’t a bad option in the Mini Convertible engine range. The entry-level turbocharged 136bhp 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol is a particularly good one because it’s smooth in everyday driving, quiet and economical. The 192bhp 2.0-litre in the Cooper S is a bit livelier, while the high-performance 231bhp John Cooper Works model is a good laugh. For the economy-minded, there is the 116bhp 1.5-litre three-cylinder diesel that's very frugal and refinement is pretty good, too.</p>

<p>Cooper models come with enough equipment to get by, but the Pepper Pack improves things dramatically because it adds rear parking sensors, dual-zone climate control, a sports steering wheel and auto lights and wipers.</p>

<p>Out on the open road,&nbsp;the Mini Convertible is much nicer to drive than the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/fiat/500/sports/used-review/n956">Fiat 500C</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ds/ds-3/sports/review/n17186">DS 3 Cabrio</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;has a finely balanced ride that soaks up the worst of the bumps and potholes&nbsp;but is still firm enough that it doesn’t roll badly in bends. You’ll notice a bit of shudder through the chassis on rougher bits of road, but that is to be expected on a car with no fixed roof. The steering is just as quick as the regular Mini, although its 90kg weight disadvantage over the regular three-door hatch means the convertible model isn’t as agile.</p>

<p>Just like the standard Mini, rear passengers will feel cramped and the boot is more of a letterbox slot. Also, overall load capacity is heavily compromised with the roof down because the roof and its mechanism robs space. You can, at least, fold the back seats down to increase cargo capacity. Up front, occupants are well catered for, since there’s lots of adjustment in both the steering wheel and seats to allow even the tallest people to find a comfortable position.</p>

<p>If you're interested in finding a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars/mini/convertible?nearlynew=true&amp;used=true&amp;yearFrom=2014">used Mini Convertible</a>, or any of the other cars mentioned here, head over to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars">Used Car Buying</a>&nbsp;pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at a great price.</p>

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Used Mini Convertible 2016-present review

Alternatives

What alternatives should I consider to a used Mini Convertible sports?