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Which used MINI Convertible should you buy?
The current MINI Convertible arrived in 2015, before being refreshed in 2018. It was updated again in 2021, with a significant redesign, an upgraded interior and more equipment as standard.
Before you select a trim level, it’s important to choose the right engine. The entry-level 1.5-litre petrol engine in the MINI Convertible Cooper is by no means the poor relation, because it offers peppy acceleration and low running costs. It’s perfect if you enjoy whizzing around, but are keen to keep your fuel bills down.
The 2.0-litre petrol engine in the MINI Convertible Cooper S offers enhanced performance and a playful popping noise from the exhaust when you lift off the accelerator. It feels like a hot hatchback, with excellent acceleration and a higher top speed.
Finally, there’s the MINI Convertible John Cooper Works, which comes with the same 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, but with the power turned up to 11. It’s terrific fun, but it might be a bit hardcore for everyday use for some.
The MINI Convertible Diesel has been discontinued, but it could be a wise choice as a used car if you spend most of your time on the motorway, as it offers strong fuel economy.
Read on for our guide to the different used versions of the MINI Convertible.
Read our full MINI Convertible review
What used MINI Convertible trim levels are available?
There’s a range of MINI Convertible trims, but it’s worth remembering two things. Firstly, the list of standard equipment changed with every update, so a Classic model registered in 2015 might differ from one registered in 2018 or 2021. Always double-check what’s included on individual models.
Secondly, the standard specification on each trim level is only half the story. MINI takes personalisation to the next level, so a Convertible is unlikely to leave a showroom without one or two options fitted. Bear that in mind as we guide you through the main trim levels.
MINI Convertible Cooper / Cooper S Classic
The MINI Convertible Cooper Classic with a manual gearbox is the most affordable soft-top MINI you can buy. Classic trim is available with both the Cooper and Cooper S engines, along with a choice of manual or automatic gearboxes. Specification includes:
- LED headlights
- LED rear lights with a Union Jack design
- 8.8-inch touchscreen media system
- Manual air-conditioning
- Folding rear sears
- Keyless go
- Digital radio
- Moonwalk Grey paint
- 15-inch alloy wheels (Cooper)
- 16-inch alloy wheels (Cooper S)
- Sports leather steering wheel
- Piano black interior trim
- Sports seats (Cooper S)
MINI Convertible Sport
The mid-range MINI Convertible Sport trim delivers some of the cosmetic benefits of the MINI Convertible John Cooper Works (JCW) performance edition, but without the expense. Among the highlights are:
- Chili red paint
- 17-inch alloy wheels in black
- JCW badges and aerodynamic kit
- JCW seats
- Upgraded steering wheel
- Ambient lighting
- Cruise control
- Driving modes
- Adaptive suspension
MINI Convertible Exclusive
The MINI Convertible Exclusive trim trades a little sporting character for a touch of class. Prices are in line with the MINI Convertible Sport above, so it all comes down to personal preference. Standard specification is listed below.
Options include the Comfort Pack (£700 when new) which has climate control, heated seats, additional storage compartments and a centre armrest. There is also the Navigation Pack (£900 when new) which has sat-nav, Apple CarPlay and real-time traffic information.
- Enigmatic Black paint
- Union Jack soft-top
- 17-inch or 18-inch alloy wheels
- MINI Yours interior upgrades
- Cruise control
- Driving modes
MINI John Cooper Works
The MINI John Cooper Works isn’t so much a trim level as a standalone model in its own right. There’s only one engine, the uprated 2.0-litre unit from the MINI Cooper S, along with a choice of manual and automatic gearboxes. Key highlights are:
- Rebel Green paint
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Sports suspension
- JCW aerodynamic kit
- Sports exhaust
Is a used MINI Convertible a good buy?
The MINI Convertible is one of the smallest soft-top cars you can get, with rivals including the Fiat 500C, and France’s stylish DS 3 Cabrio.
There are many good reasons to choose a MINI Convertible, chief of which is how easy it is to go topless. The fabric roof folds electronically in 18 seconds at speeds of up to 20mph, so there’s no need to stop if you get caught in a downpour.
There’s room in the back for a couple of teenage children or adults, provided they’re not too tall, and while the boot is a good size, you’ll have to pack a little lighter with the roof down.
All versions benefit from MINI’s famed ‘go-kart’ style handling. The highest praise we can give the soft-top MINI is that it’s as fun to drive as the metal-roofed MINI Hatchback, as it darts around corners with agility.
Whether you’re posing in town or enjoying a country road, the MINI Convertible should put a smile on your face.