Used MINI Convertible (Mk3, 2014-2024) buyer’s guide: cheap fun in the sun

Verdict

Brits used to buy lots of convertibles, but sales have been dwindling for years, which is why there are far fewer models to choose from on the new-car market. But thankfully MINI has stuck with it, and the fact that the soft-top MINI was our Convertible of the Year six times in a row between 2018 and 2023, and also Carbuyer’s Best Convertible from 2018 until 2024, tells you all you need to know about this drop-top’s all-round desirability. Of course, it’s compromised by its very nature, but when it comes to the amount of fun on offer per pound, there isn’t much that can touch the MINI Convertible, which in its third-generation form is more desirable than ever.

Looking for some cheap fun this summer? If you’re in the market for an open-topped car that’s affordable to buy and run, fun to drive, and stylish into the bargain, the MINI Convertible Mk3 might be the ideal candidate, as long as practicality isn’t a priority.

The original BMW MINI Convertible went on sale in 2004, three years after the rebirth of the MINI brand with the hatchback. Five years later, the second-generation MINI Convertible was launched, with the third take on the formula arriving seven years after that. While the technology has improved along the way, what hasn’t changed is the open-topped MINI’s affordability, or its desirability, for a whole raft of reasons.

History

The MINI Mk3 hatch went on sale in 2014 and the convertible arrived two years later, in spring 2016.

From the outset, there was a choice of 134bhp Cooper, 189bhp Cooper S and 228bhp John Cooper Works editions, while diesel fans could choose the 114bhp Cooper D. A 207bhp Cooper S Works joined the range in October 2017, then in March 2018 a facelifted MINI appeared, with new lights front and rear, improved infotainment, plus more interior and exterior colours and finishes.

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By October 2018, each derivative was offered with three trim levels – Classic, Sport and Exclusive – and there was a longer list of options than ever. Further upgrades in spring 2021 brought a bigger touchscreen (now 8.8 inches) and digital instrumentation, plus new exterior colours and wheel designs.

On the road

When removing the roof, MINI did a superb job of retaining bodyshell stiffness, and the result is a car that handles pretty much as well as the hatchback. That’s quite something, because the engaging driving experience has always been one of the high points of MINI ownership.

The ride is on the firm side though, and the big wheels of the JCW editions can make things uncomfortable, as can the optional 17-inch wheels on lesser models.

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Even the entry-level Cooper edition is nippy, refinement is good and the six-speed manual gearbox is excellent, while the dual-clutch automatic transmission is slick.

Which one should I buy?

The Cooper and Cooper D came with a 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine, while the Cooper S and John Cooper Works editions had a 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit. None of these engines is lacking in terms of smoothness, and all of them are at least reasonably plentiful, apart from the rare Cooper D and Cooper S Works. If you’re tempted by a Cooper D, its Euro 6 engine means it’s exempt from clean air zone charges. Equipment levels changed a lot over time, and at the outset entry-level cars were pretty spartan, although some models have more options fitted than others.

Unlike its predecessor, the Mk3 Convertible brought an electric roof as standard, but air-con still wasn’t standard on the Cooper and Cooper D. Front and rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera were fitted across the range, though, along with a DAB radio. Lots of buyers splashed out on an option pack or two, the cheapest of which was the Pepper Pack, which added automatic headlights and wipers, dual-zone climate control, 16-inch alloys, floor mats and a few other bits. All of these were included in the Chili Pack, which also introduced LED headlights, a multi-function steering wheel, sport seats and 17-inch wheels.

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Alternatives to the MINI Convertible

The Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet has distinctive looks and an upmarket interior, but it’s short of practicality, especially in terms of boot and rear-seat space.

This is also true of the DS3 Cabriolet, while the Fiat 500C is even less practical than the MINI and nothing like as premium, although it looks neat and has low running costs. But like the DS, the Fiat isn’t a true convertible.

The VW Golf Cabriolet is, but this was being phased out as the MINI was being introduced. Good to drive, the Golf is well made, but has cramped rear seats and a small boot. We’d also put the Audi A3 Cabriolet on the shortlist; it’s practical and has a superb cabin.

What to look out for

Automatic choice

A six-speed manual gearbox was standard across the range. At first a six-speed auto was optional, but the 2018 facelift brought the option of a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Tyred out

Regular tyres and no spare wheel were standard, but run-flat tyres could be added at extra cost, as could a space-saver wheel. We’d opt for regular tyres for a comfier ride, and find a car with the spare.

She’s electric

In April 2023 an electric MINI Convertible was introduced. Just 999 were made, 150 for the UK, at £52,500 apiece. All had the same spec and just black and silver finishes were offered. They rarely come up for sale.

Common faults

Roofs are generally reliable, but the hydraulics can leak; this is also true of the clutch. Electronic glitches are the most likely issue, but gear linkages can also go out of adjustment.

Interior

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The dash design evolved over the Convertible’s lifetime, but all iterations work well and the choice of materials is generally very good. The front seats are supportive with plenty of adjustment, but rear-seat and boot space is in short supply. With the roof up, the boot can stow 215 litres, but with it down, this drops to just 160 litres.

Prices

There are hundreds of MINI Convertibles for sale across the UK, so you shouldn’t have to search too hard to find the example of your dreams.

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Running costs

The MINI Convertible has condition-based servicing, which allows up to two years and 18,000 miles between services; there’s no set schedule for when key parts are replaced. An oil and filter change for a MINI Cooper costs £329; for a Cooper S it’s £349. Change the air filter and spark plugs and this pushes the price to £528 or £592. Fresh brake fluid every two years costs £123, but all MINI engines are chain-driven so there’s no cambelt to replace.

Buy a car registered before 1 April 2017 and the VED is based on CO2 emissions. Diesels cost £20 per year, the Cooper costs £35, the Cooper S is £195, and the JCW is £265 (£195 in auto form). Later cars are all the standard passenger car VED rate of £195 per year, while insurance ranges from group 16 (Cooper D) to 33 (JCW); the Cooper is in groups 19-22.

Recalls

The MINI Convertible Mk3 has been the subject of four recalls, split evenly between petrol/diesel models and the EV. The first came in March 2022, because 1,441 cars made in February and March 2022 had faulty seatbelt mechanisms.

In July and September 2024, two recalls were issued, both for the electric MINI Convertible. The first was because water could find its way into the battery pack, necessitating the fitment of new seals, while the second was because of software glitches, requiring a system update.

The most recent recall was issued in September 2024, for the MINI Cooper Convertible specifically. Some cars made between July and November 2023 had faulty brake software, which had to be updated before the car could be driven.

Driver Power owner satisfaction

The MINI Convertible has never appeared in our Driver Power surveys, but the Mk3 hatchback has, most years. It peaked in fifth in 2024, but this year it dropped to 30th, which is still a good result for an obsolete model. A first spot  for performance and second for engine sound are impressive, while eighth for reliability, fifth for front-seat comfort and ninth for the brakes are also good. But owners don’t rate the MINI’s fuel economy, or (predictably) its lack of practicality.