R52 Convertible Regrets??
#76
11-02-2007 | 12:16 PM
1st Gear
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Reston, VA
#77
11-02-2007 | 04:13 PM
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 4,556
Likes: 0
Do I love my Cabrio? Yes, I'm a convertible girl
Would I buy another one? I don't know
Since April this is what has been going on with my 2005 one of the first to hit the US Cabrio.......
In April the clutch failed with 30K on it. Towed in. Fixed! Don't tell me it was driver abuse. It wasn't! Clutch failed for no obvious reason according to the dealer.
After 3 roof & rear window replacements in as many years, the sunroof mechanism broke in June. Diagnosis-broken cable. I am seeing new wear marks on the current roof
Entire rear suspension replaced in August.
diagnosis- bushings seized. Trailingbars bent as a result
Started having strange electrical events early summer. Finally battery went dead, no power to passenger rear brake lights etc. Found to be Body control module shorting out. Replaced. Today I was left stranded on a multilevel parking garage. Dead battery again. Back to dealer today
And for the last year it has been backfiring under the hood on cold starts in the morning. No codes being thrown. In multiple times but MINI will do no furthur diagnosing since no codes are thrown. At least it's documented when the engine blows it cork one of these days.
Do I have a lemon?
Maybe Sorry to burst bubbles but there are cabrios out there having multiple problems.
Lois
Would I buy another one? I don't know
Since April this is what has been going on with my 2005 one of the first to hit the US Cabrio.......
In April the clutch failed with 30K on it. Towed in. Fixed! Don't tell me it was driver abuse. It wasn't! Clutch failed for no obvious reason according to the dealer.
After 3 roof & rear window replacements in as many years, the sunroof mechanism broke in June. Diagnosis-broken cable. I am seeing new wear marks on the current roof
Entire rear suspension replaced in August.
diagnosis- bushings seized. Trailingbars bent as a result
Started having strange electrical events early summer. Finally battery went dead, no power to passenger rear brake lights etc. Found to be Body control module shorting out. Replaced. Today I was left stranded on a multilevel parking garage. Dead battery again. Back to dealer today
And for the last year it has been backfiring under the hood on cold starts in the morning. No codes being thrown. In multiple times but MINI will do no furthur diagnosing since no codes are thrown. At least it's documented when the engine blows it cork one of these days.
Do I have a lemon?
Maybe Sorry to burst bubbles but there are cabrios out there having multiple problems.Lois
Last edited by StLouieLo; 11-02-2007 at 04:15 PM.
#78
11-03-2007 | 04:33 AM
1st Gear
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Reston, VA
Do I love my Cabrio? Yes, I'm a convertible girl
Would I buy another one? I don't know
Since April this is what has been going on with my 2005 one of the first to hit the US Cabrio.......
In April the clutch failed with 30K on it. Towed in. Fixed! Don't tell me it was driver abuse. It wasn't! Clutch failed for no obvious reason according to the dealer.
After 3 roof & rear window replacements in as many years, the sunroof mechanism broke in June. Diagnosis-broken cable. I am seeing new wear marks on the current roof
Entire rear suspension replaced in August.
diagnosis- bushings seized. Trailingbars bent as a result
Started having strange electrical events early summer. Finally battery went dead, no power to passenger rear brake lights etc. Found to be Body control module shorting out. Replaced. Today I was left stranded on a multilevel parking garage. Dead battery again. Back to dealer today
And for the last year it has been backfiring under the hood on cold starts in the morning. No codes being thrown. In multiple times but MINI will do no furthur diagnosing since no codes are thrown. At least it's documented when the engine blows it cork one of these days.
Do I have a lemon? Maybe Sorry to burst bubbles but there are cabrios out there having multiple problems.
Lois
Would I buy another one? I don't know
Since April this is what has been going on with my 2005 one of the first to hit the US Cabrio.......
In April the clutch failed with 30K on it. Towed in. Fixed! Don't tell me it was driver abuse. It wasn't! Clutch failed for no obvious reason according to the dealer.
After 3 roof & rear window replacements in as many years, the sunroof mechanism broke in June. Diagnosis-broken cable. I am seeing new wear marks on the current roof
Entire rear suspension replaced in August.
diagnosis- bushings seized. Trailingbars bent as a result
Started having strange electrical events early summer. Finally battery went dead, no power to passenger rear brake lights etc. Found to be Body control module shorting out. Replaced. Today I was left stranded on a multilevel parking garage. Dead battery again. Back to dealer today
And for the last year it has been backfiring under the hood on cold starts in the morning. No codes being thrown. In multiple times but MINI will do no furthur diagnosing since no codes are thrown. At least it's documented when the engine blows it cork one of these days.
Do I have a lemon?
Maybe Sorry to burst bubbles but there are cabrios out there having multiple problems.Lois
#79
11-03-2007 | 04:50 AM
OVERDRIVE
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 12,326
Likes: 6
From: PA
Do I love my Cabrio? Yes, I'm a convertible girl
Would I buy another one? I don't know
Since April this is what has been going on with my 2005 one of the first to hit the US Cabrio.......
In April the clutch failed with 30K on it. Towed in. Fixed! Don't tell me it was driver abuse. It wasn't! Clutch failed for no obvious reason according to the dealer.
After 3 roof & rear window replacements in as many years, the sunroof mechanism broke in June. Diagnosis-broken cable. I am seeing new wear marks on the current roof
Entire rear suspension replaced in August.
diagnosis- bushings seized. Trailingbars bent as a result
Started having strange electrical events early summer. Finally battery went dead, no power to passenger rear brake lights etc. Found to be Body control module shorting out. Replaced. Today I was left stranded on a multilevel parking garage. Dead battery again. Back to dealer today
And for the last year it has been backfiring under the hood on cold starts in the morning. No codes being thrown. In multiple times but MINI will do no furthur diagnosing since no codes are thrown. At least it's documented when the engine blows it cork one of these days.
Do I have a lemon? Maybe Sorry to burst bubbles but there are cabrios out there having multiple problems.
Lois
Would I buy another one? I don't know
Since April this is what has been going on with my 2005 one of the first to hit the US Cabrio.......
In April the clutch failed with 30K on it. Towed in. Fixed! Don't tell me it was driver abuse. It wasn't! Clutch failed for no obvious reason according to the dealer.
After 3 roof & rear window replacements in as many years, the sunroof mechanism broke in June. Diagnosis-broken cable. I am seeing new wear marks on the current roof
Entire rear suspension replaced in August.
diagnosis- bushings seized. Trailingbars bent as a result
Started having strange electrical events early summer. Finally battery went dead, no power to passenger rear brake lights etc. Found to be Body control module shorting out. Replaced. Today I was left stranded on a multilevel parking garage. Dead battery again. Back to dealer today
And for the last year it has been backfiring under the hood on cold starts in the morning. No codes being thrown. In multiple times but MINI will do no furthur diagnosing since no codes are thrown. At least it's documented when the engine blows it cork one of these days.
Do I have a lemon?
Maybe Sorry to burst bubbles but there are cabrios out there having multiple problems.Lois
Yeah, that's a lot of stuff, and it sucks, but you may have had similar problems in a tin top.
Sorry your MINI is giving you so many problems !
#80
11-03-2007 | 08:51 AM
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 4,556
Likes: 0
Speaking of which, I have a 07 CR Cabrio sitting in my driveway with only 600 miles on it
As far as I'm concerned they can keep mine until pigs fly
Lois
(Can Pigs Fly)
#84
11-03-2007 | 10:00 AM
2nd Gear
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
From: Monterey
Trading in my Cabrio
I have had my '05 PH/B MCSc for three years now and I will be trading it in on a '07 MCS once it arrives (one month to go!) I love my '05, however, I have had several issues with the top over the years, and decided to trade it in before the parts warranty is over. Also, it turns out I'm not much of a convertible person, I guess, so I'll go back to driving a car with a real roof. 
#85
11-03-2007 | 06:29 PM
Neutral
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Mexico, MO
regrets?-----hardly
Have put over 54,000 miles on our 05.....about 80 per cent with the top down......from a high temp of over 100 to a low temp of 22.....without a doubt, the most fun car I have ever owned......I you think there's not enough room for your stuff....you need to rethink your priorities.....Have had numerous road trips to FL, OH, CO, KS, etc...always had room enough....Put your top down and feel the wind and smell the road!!!!!!!!!!!
#87
11-06-2007 | 01:17 PM
1st Gear
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
pictures needed!
I would love to see some pictures. It was one of our favourite color combos.
-Jetta
#88
11-06-2007 | 04:14 PM
Neutral
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Nova Scotia Canada
VW Rabbit convertible to a MCSC
I went from a 84 Rabbit Convertible (17 years) to a 05 MCSC. WOW ! What a change 21 years of technology can make. Quite a difference. The Cooper is so much more than I thought it would be. I put 7000 Kilometres on it in less than two months. It's too much fun to drive. If you have the weather and cash go for it. You won't regret it. Best of luck!
#89
11-06-2007 | 08:50 PM
2nd Gear
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
From: OC, California
I started taking helicopter lessons a few months ago. My instructor and I fly with the doors off. It's fun and exhilarating.
Had my 2005 Chili Red MCSC for well over 2 years. It matches the fun in the helicopter. And it's easier to maneuver and much less expensive.
Besides the being an absolute blast to drive, there is another important reason to get a cabrio. When you're shopping for something that might fit in an SUV or standard sized car, but not your MINI, you just don't buy it. You probably didn't need it anyway. Or, you pay for delivery and prevent any lower back problems. (I just turned 58 --that's an important factor!) Cabrio owners should get discounts on health insurance!!
Once a week about 10 PM, My wife and I bundle up and drive down to PCH and go from Huntington or Newport to Laguna Beach. Back up Laguna Canyon Road to the 405 freeway. Windows down. Some nights the heat and seat heaters are on. Rarely any traffic. It's a great drive.
The only reason I might want a tin top is to get one of those heliport roof graphics. Someday I might want to land on one.
Had my 2005 Chili Red MCSC for well over 2 years. It matches the fun in the helicopter. And it's easier to maneuver and much less expensive.
Besides the being an absolute blast to drive, there is another important reason to get a cabrio. When you're shopping for something that might fit in an SUV or standard sized car, but not your MINI, you just don't buy it. You probably didn't need it anyway. Or, you pay for delivery and prevent any lower back problems. (I just turned 58 --that's an important factor!) Cabrio owners should get discounts on health insurance!!
Once a week about 10 PM, My wife and I bundle up and drive down to PCH and go from Huntington or Newport to Laguna Beach. Back up Laguna Canyon Road to the 405 freeway. Windows down. Some nights the heat and seat heaters are on. Rarely any traffic. It's a great drive.
The only reason I might want a tin top is to get one of those heliport roof graphics. Someday I might want to land on one.
#90
11-07-2007 | 01:49 PM
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,533
Likes: 0
From: Fernandina Beach, FL
Jeeps to Mini's
I have always owned one type of convertible or another.
In High School I drove a motorcycle (a type of permanent convertible with no trunk space). After high school I have owned several Jeeps all of which were
convertibles. Most of my Jeeps had little or no trunk space and you had to
put the top down manually . In the case of my hard top Jeep, I had to leave the top at home and hope that I wouldn't get caught in one of those Florida rain showers
.
When I bought my mini it was a dream come true , it gets better gas mileage than my old Jeep, it has more trunk room than my Jeep, it has an automatic top that my Jeep did not have and I don't have to listen to all the noise that Jeeps tend to make with MONSTER Mudders.
The loaners that I get from my dealer during service are all hardtops and that should be illegal, but it does help me appreciate my baby even more when I get her back .
Something that they say amonst Jeep owners might very well apply here:
"It's a convertible thing"
Here's to the top down, windows up and heater on during those 30 degree days .
In High School I drove a motorcycle (a type of permanent convertible with no trunk space). After high school I have owned several Jeeps all of which were
convertibles. Most of my Jeeps had little or no trunk space and you had to
put the top down manually
. In the case of my hard top Jeep, I had to leave the top at home and hope that I wouldn't get caught in one of those Florida rain showers . When I bought my mini it was a dream come true
, it gets better gas mileage than my old Jeep, it has more trunk room than my Jeep, it has an automatic top that my Jeep did not have and I don't have to listen to all the noise that Jeeps tend to make with MONSTER Mudders.The loaners that I get from my dealer during service are all hardtops and that should be illegal
, but it does help me appreciate my baby even more when I get her back .Something that they say amonst Jeep owners might very well apply here:
"It's a convertible thing"
Here's to the top down, windows up and heater on during those 30 degree days
.
#93
11-16-2007 | 05:42 AM
OVERDRIVE
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 12,326
Likes: 6
From: PA
Of course, having lived outside of Memphis for 3 years, I can attest that this doesn't leave out too much motoring time as the daily high temps don't fall below 60 but for maybe 20 days of the year.
#94
11-16-2007 | 08:54 AM
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,178
Likes: 0
From: Outside of Phila, PA
That IS the only bad thing... I'm eventually getting a tin top for that purpose.
But I LUUUVVVV my cabrio, and will NEVER part with it. And that's not a joke. I'll be my classic in the garage in 15 years...
Have you had a convertible before? Or had a friend or family member who owned one where you got to spend lots of time with it?
The reason I ask - is that you are one of three kinds of drivers:
1) a convertible person
2) a non-convertible person
3) a convertible person who doesn't know it yet
SOME people get a convertible, and from the day they get it, they see nothing but compromises. It's louder. It's not as comfy. It's not as rigid. It's heavier. It's not as fast. It's not as practical. It won't haul as much. It has poor rearward visibility. It's more expensive. You can't drive it on the track. It has more things that can break. And cost a LOT to fix when they do. These folks will never "get" what other people think is so great about having the top down. It's just hot and windy. Better to have a sunroof.
But some of us will NEVER be without a convertible for the rest of our days. I'm one of those people. For me, there's a visceral experience to driving a twisty road (fast) with the top down that nothing else can match. And I see the fixed top as the ONE compromise I'm not willing to live with... at least not all the time.
But you have to find out, are you or aren't you? Because all the folks who posted above ARE, at least they are NOW.
But I LUUUVVVV my cabrio, and will NEVER part with it. And that's not a joke. I'll be my classic in the garage in 15 years...
Have you had a convertible before? Or had a friend or family member who owned one where you got to spend lots of time with it?
The reason I ask - is that you are one of three kinds of drivers:
1) a convertible person
2) a non-convertible person
3) a convertible person who doesn't know it yet
SOME people get a convertible, and from the day they get it, they see nothing but compromises. It's louder. It's not as comfy. It's not as rigid. It's heavier. It's not as fast. It's not as practical. It won't haul as much. It has poor rearward visibility. It's more expensive. You can't drive it on the track. It has more things that can break. And cost a LOT to fix when they do. These folks will never "get" what other people think is so great about having the top down. It's just hot and windy. Better to have a sunroof.
But some of us will NEVER be without a convertible for the rest of our days. I'm one of those people. For me, there's a visceral experience to driving a twisty road (fast) with the top down that nothing else can match. And I see the fixed top as the ONE compromise I'm not willing to live with... at least not all the time.
But you have to find out, are you or aren't you? Because all the folks who posted above ARE, at least they are NOW.
#95
11-16-2007 | 11:02 AM
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,533
Likes: 0
From: Fernandina Beach, FL
Driving with the top down and the heat up.
so we drove to a higher elevation and kept the top down the whole time with the heat blasting .Lowest temperature reached was 28f with flurries
.I had a great time but my friend looked like something from the movie "Planes, Trains and Automoblies".
I don't think he'll ever ask to see snow again.
I only kept the top down so that he could see the snow flurries coming down
.
#96
11-26-2007 | 03:43 AM
2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
From: Florida
Top's up only when my Honey of 35 years has to keep her hairs in place 
Cabbie is the only way to go Mini....BTW: I'm a "Senior" Cabbie Driver...circa 1948!
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