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BMW has been very clever with the MINI\u2019s design, because from the outset it has been evolutionary. Those in the know can distinguish the three generations of MINI Convertible that we\u2019ve had so far, yet to the casual onlooker they look much the same. As a result, you can buy one of these second-generation MINIs and many people won\u2019t know how old it is. And thanks to their decent build quality, these are also cars that wear their age very well. With plenty of cherished examples on the market to choose from, buying a MINI Convertible needn\u2019t be that much of a gamble if you do your homework; the biggest disappointment for many owners is the poor practicality. But accept that before buying and you should love the MINI ownership experience.<\/strong><\/p>\n Few cars have enjoyed the enormous sales success of the BMW MINI since it first arrived in 2001. Seen by many buyers as a baby BMW, there\u2019s nothing exclusive about the model, yet this is a car with a following that rivals haven\u2019t been able to emulate.<\/p>\n Much of that is down to the feel-good factor conjured up by the cheeky styling inside and out, although the go kart-like handling also goes some way to explaining why the MINI is so popular.<\/p>\n Another reason is the wide model range, which from 2004 included a convertible. Stylish and fun to drive, just like the hatch, the Convertible Mk2 from 2009 was even better, and it\u2019s one of the most affordable drop-tops on the second-hand market.<\/p>\n The second-generation MINI hatch arrived in 2006, but it would take another three years for its open-topped sibling to arrive. Launched in March 2009, the Convertible Mk2 was offered from the outset in 118bhp Cooper and 172bhp Cooper S forms, priced at \u00a315,995 and \u00a318,995 respectively, and both powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine. For power junkies, the 208bhp John Cooper Works (JCW) was also available for \u00a323,470.<\/p>\n At the other end of the spectrum was the 97bhp MINI One, which joined the range in May 2010; the 111bhp diesel-engined Cooper D followed three months later, with the 141bhp Cooper SD being added in March 2011. Incidentally, the original MINI Convertible was known as the R52, whereas its successor covered here, was codenamed R57 by BMW; the Mk3 is the F57.<\/p>\n The MINI One feels a bit lacklustre with its 97bhp engine, so we\u2019d avoid this entry-level model, which is also quite spartan. The Cooper is more appealing, while the Cooper S is more fun. Don\u2019t overlook the diesels, which are punchy and economical, although none of them complies with clean-air zones.<\/p>\n The One only comes with 15-inch steel wheels but does have air-con, an electric roof, DAB radio and rear parking sensors. The Cooper\/Cooper D adds 17-inch alloys, stop\/start and extra chrome trim, while the Cooper S\/SD has 16-inch alloys, a sports steering wheel and sports seats.<\/p>\n Most MINIs come with at least one option pack (Salt, Pepper, Chili, Media, Vision, Convertible, Sport), so pin down what extras are fitted to get the most for your money.<\/p>\n In terms of chic, distinctive design, the Fiat 500C and Volkswagen Beetle are the MINI\u2019s greatest threats, although they\u2019re just as impractical in terms of cabin and boot space.<\/p>\n More positively, the build quality is good, the design is funky and the seats are comfortable. However, the car\u2019s ride is poor, especially on big wheels with the optional run-flat tyres.<\/p>\n We found more than 350 MINI Convertible Mk2s for sale. At this end of the market the derivative doesn\u2019t really matter; Ones, Coopers and Cooper Ss are all within reach. Just one in 10 MINIs is an auto.<\/p>\n To check prices on a specific\u00a0model head over to our\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>valuation tool<\/strong><\/em>.<\/p>\n All MINI Convertibles have variable servicing, which allows up to two years or 16,000-20,000 miles between services. The schedule alternates between minor and major (called Inspection 1 and Inspection 2 in MINI terms), and these are priced at \u00a3133 and \u00a3257 respectively. Inspection 1 is an oil and filter change, while Inspection 2 also includes a replacement air filter and either a set of spark plugs for petrol-engined cars, or a fuel filter if the car has a diesel engine.<\/p>\n Fresh brake fluid is required every two years (at \u00a342), while the air-conditioning is checked at every service; regassing it typically costs around \u00a380. Because all MINI engines are chain-driven, there are no cambelts to replace, which helps trim costs a little. Most MINIs were sold with a TLC all-inclusive servicing package, which transfers between owners and can be extended to up to 10 years after the car was registered.<\/p>\n There have been three recalls so far for the MINI Convertible Mk2, the first of which was issued in April 2012. It affected only Cooper S and John Cooper Works editions, some of which were fitted with a circuit board for the turbocharger\u2019s water pump that could short circuit, leading to a fire; the solution was to fit a new water pump complete with circuit board.<\/p>\n In November 2014, some MINIs made earlier that year were recalled due to faulty seat mechanisms that meant that the back rest didn\u2019t latch properly; an adjustment was all that was required. The most recent recall, in March 2019, was down to the same problem as the first recall: the water pump\u2019s circuit board catching fire. But this time it affected a wider range of BMW models, including the MINI Convertible Mk2.<\/p>\n The MINI Mk2\u2019s last entry in a new-car survey was in 2015, when it came 110th out of 150 cars. The last time a MINI Mk2 appeared in a used-car survey was in 2018, when it (hatchback and convertible combined) came 35th out of 100; the previous year it came 63rd. Owners loved the ride and handling, running costs, reliability and build quality. Practicality and comfort got the thumbs down though.<\/p>\nMore reviews <\/h4>\n
In-depth reviews<\/h5>\n
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Road tests<\/h5>\n
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History<\/h2>\n
Which one should I buy?<\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\nAlternatives to the MINI Convertible<\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\nPrices<\/h2>\n
Running costs<\/h2>\n
Recalls<\/h2>\n
Driver Power owner satisfaction<\/h2>\n