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2018 MINI Convertible

2018 MINI Convertible
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MSRP range
$26,700 - $36,600
Edmunds Rating
3.5 out of 5.0
Consumer Rating
(1)
2018 MINI Convertible
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New
2019
2018
2017

Pros

  • Three different engines blend speed, thrill and fuel efficiency
  • Excellent handling makes it quick and fun in turns and curves
  • Interior looks classy and upscale
  • Available add-ons offer high degree of personalization

Cons

  • Cargo capacity is very limited
  • More expensive than most rivals
  • Ride quality can be stiff and rough, especially with larger tires
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2018 MINI Convertible pricing

in Ashburn, VA

Which Convertible does Edmunds recommend?

The turbocharged three-cylinder engine in the base Mini Convertible packs surprisingly peppy power, enough for most daily driving and occasional open-road lawlessness. Unless you crave the extra performance of the S or John Cooper Works trims, stick with the base Cooper trim and enhance it with the Premium or the Technology package.

Edmunds' Expert Review

Overall rating

3.5 / 5

As its name suggests, the 2018 Mini Convertible is the drop-top version of the two-door Mini Hardtop. It has the same fun-to-drive nature as the Hardtop, but its power-operated soft top gives you the option of warming up to the sun's rays.

As with all other Minis, the Convertible's base price is just a jumping-off point to a list of seemingly endless options. Check enough boxes and the price escalates with shocking quickness. But the Mini's extensive paint, interior and performance combinations are also what set it apart, giving owners a degree of personalization unlike any others. Want 18-inch wheels, an adaptive suspension, and taillights with an inset Union Jack design? Done.

But at its core, the Mini Convertible is an exceptionally fun car to drive, whether it's powered by the base three-cylinder engine, the 189-horsepower midlevel engine, or the highly caffeinated 228-hp turbo four-cylinder in the John Cooper Works trim. The Mini always feels playful and engaging, its tires firmly embedded in the asphalt. The trade-off is a firm, and at times harsh ride, especially with larger wheels.

And so while no other small convertible can match the Mini's level of customization, there are others worth considering, notably the Fiat 124 Spider, Mazda MX-5 Miata and even the Volkswagen Beetle convertible. But even among this group, the Mini Convertible's charm and likability stand out. It's that good.

Trim levels & features

The 2018 Mini Convertible is a compact convertible that seats four and is available in base (Cooper), Cooper S and high-performance John Cooper Works trims. The base Cooper trim serves as a great starting point for customization, but the attractive base price can escalate quickly as you tack on desirable options. The Cooper S adds larger wheels and more power and performance, while the John Cooper Works is the highest performer of the bunch, with a cranked-up turbo engine and a sport-tuned suspension.

The base Cooper starts with a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine (134 horsepower, 162 pound-feet of torque) paired with a six-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive. A six-speed automatic transmission is optional.

Standard features include a power-operated fabric convertible roof (with sunrooflike function), 15-inch alloy wheels, an electronic limited-slip differential, automatic headlights and wipers, heated mirrors, push-button ignition, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a cooled glovebox, cruise control, premium vinyl upholstery, and 50/50-split folding rear seatbacks. Technology highlights include a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, Bluetooth, smartphone app integration, a 6.5-inch display screen, and a six-speaker sound system with HD radio, a USB port and an auxiliary input jack.

The Cooper S adds a more powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (189 hp, 207 lb-ft of torque), a hood scoop, dual center-mounted exhaust tips, 16-inch wheels with run-flat tires (regular tires are optional), LED foglights and sport front seats.

The John Cooper Works trim ratchets up the performance index with a hotter turbo four-cylinder engine (228 hp, 236 lb-ft), 17-inch wheels, upgraded Brembo front brakes, a sport-tuned suspension, LED headlights, an aerodynamic body kit, a rear spoiler, a sport steering wheel, and special seats with cloth upholstery. The standard suspension is available as a no-cost option for the JCW.

There are many stand-alone options, but most are bundled into packages. The Premium package consists of keyless entry, heated front seats, satellite radio, auto-dimming mirrors, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The Sport package includes adjustable suspension dampers, a choice of 17- or 18-inch wheels, sport seats, and LED headlights and foglights. The Technology package bundles a self-parking system with front and rear parking sensors, a navigation system, a touchpad controller, and an 8.8-inch display screen. The Fully Loaded package combines all three packages. John Cooper Works interior and exterior packages are also available. As the package names suggest, they kit out the two lower trim levels with a choice of leather cabin materials and JCW performance parts.

Notable stand-alone options include adaptive cruise control, a head-up display, and various combinations of cloth or leather upholstery. Even more personalization is available through a large selection of custom details such as hood stripes, mirror cap choices and special interior trim pieces.

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2016 Mini Cooper S Convertible (turbo 2.0L inline-4 | 6-speed manual | FWD).

NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current Mini Convertible has received only minor revisions. Our findings remain applicable to this year's Mini Convertible.

Driving

4
The turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine might not boast impressive stats on paper (189 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque), but the Mini's relatively light weight makes it feel quick. There's not much body roll, and you can chuck it around tight turns in classic Mini fashion.

Acceleration

3
Since peak torque output occurs very low in the rev range, the Cooper S always feels like a quick squeeze of the gas is all you need to shoot through a gap or overtake a vehicle on the highway. It feels stronger than our so-so 0-60 mph track time of 6.8 seconds, which was limited by traction issues.

Braking

5
The Cooper slows smoothly thanks to a predictable and progressive brake pedal. Our simulated-panic stop from 60 mph netted a remarkably short stopping distance of 101 feet. That's a similar distance to true sports cars such as the Porsche Boxster S.

Steering

3.5
The steering effort is light in Normal drive mode, graduating to a heavier weight in Sport mode. The steering response is quick and direct, which is great in parking lots and tight corners alike. But those quick responses do make the Mini feel a bit darty on the highway.

Handling

4.5
This is why you bought a Mini. Its short footprint, quick reflexes and grippy tires make it an absolute joy to toss around a corner. The excellent stability control calibration lets you explore the limits of the Mini's grip before it gently reins you in.

Drivability

3
Although it requires a light amount of effort to modulate, the clutch makes it somewhat difficult to find the engagement point. The tall shifter is easy to grab, but throws are unusually long and the shift gates aren't well defined.

Comfort

3.5
Though no Mini could ever truly be called comfortable, the Cooper S Convertible isn't punishing given its level of performance. The adaptive suspension dampers help smooth out the ride, and there's ample seat cushioning. Great efforts have been made to keep the cabin quiet, even at highway speeds.

Seat comfort

4.5
The wonderfully supportive sport seats offer lumbar and seat-height adjustments, and there's even an extendable thigh cushion. Long-distance trips will be no problem. Larger drivers might feel confined by the narrow side bolsters.

Ride comfort

3
The ride in the Cooper S is predictably short-legged and stiff, more so than the base model. We can forgive the Cooper S somewhat since it is the sportier model and the ride matches its intentions. Caution: It would be even worse if the wheels were larger than our tester's 17-inch alloys.

Noise & vibration

3
Lifting off the gas in Sport mode produces a satisfying burble from the exhaust. There's some wind and tire noise, but the Mini is very quiet for a convertible. We're quite impressed with the Mini's rigid body structure. It feels very stout even when driving over bumps and train tracks.

Climate control

3.5
Dual-zone automatic climate control is standard across the board, and the fans aren't overly loud as they work to keep the cabin at a comfortable temperature. Strangely, temperature adjustments can be made only in 2-degree increments.

Interior

3.5
Its high roof and height-adjustable front seats mean that even taller occupants can fit in the Mini without difficulty — in the front anyway. There's almost no rear legroom. Since you won't be using the back seat much, it's best to remove those headrests for a better view out the small rear window.

Ease of use

3
Controls are all within the driver's reach, and the instrument panel tilts with the steering wheel so the driver information screen is always visible. The low-mounted infotainment controller is difficult to use, especially with the center armrest obstructing access.

Getting in/getting out

4
The doors open wide, and the opening is tall and squared-off, so most people won't have trouble getting in or out of the front seats. Those seats don't fold forward much, however, so getting into the back with the top up is a challenge.

Driving position

4.5
Given the wide range of seat adjustments, it's easy to find a suitable driving position. The steering wheel telescopes a fair amount, and there's plenty of seat travel. Taller drivers won't have headroom issues with the seats lowered to the floor.

Roominess

2.5
As its name suggests, the Mini's cabin is quite compact. There's enough head- and legroom up front for tall occupants to relax without feeling confined, but they will have to cozy up side to side. Rear legroom is nearly nonexistent, so the back is really suitable only for small children.

Visibility

3
Visibility out the front and sides is excellent thanks to an upright windshield and tall windows. But the Convertible's undersized rear window and visually intrusive backseat headrests limit the view out the back. The top folds into a small hump that also cuts into rear visibility.

Quality

3
The interior materials are better than what you'll find in other compact cars. There's extensive use of soft-touch plastic and the leather upholstery feels BMW-grade. But when the Mini Convertible hits bumps, certain elements of the cabin respond with rattles and quakes.

Convertible top

4
Press and hold the interior toggle switch to fold the Mini's soft top back to a sunroof-size opening. Release and hold it again to drop the soft top completely. The folding operation can also be completed with the key fob, but the signal range is short.

Utility

2.5
You shouldn't buy a Mini Convertible if practicality is a deciding factor. Storage space in the cabin and trunk is very limited, and even fitting small suitcases will be a challenge with the rear seats up. Maximize your carrying capacity by treating the rear bench as a cargo shelf.

Small-item storage

2
There are three cupholders in the cabin: two in front of the shifter and one between the rear seats. There's not much room in the door pockets, central armrest or glovebox. The dashboard cubby on the hardtop is nonfunctional in the Convertible.

Cargo space

2
The cargo area is very small, and it gets even smaller when you put the top down. The small trunklid folds down to create access, and the rear edge of the soft top can be unlatched and hinged up to increase the size of the opening.

Child safety seat accommodation

4.5
The back row has two pairs of LATCH anchors and two hooks on the seatbacks. The anchors are concealed under easily accessible and removable plastic covers. The main difficulty comes with trying to mount or access the car seat if the top is up.

Technology

You control the infotainment system through a control knob, which is derived from BMW's iDrive. The system is easy to use and features crisp graphics. But any now common safety aids such as blind-spot and lane departure warning are absent, as is Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration.

Top consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the 2018 MINI Convertible.

1 reviews
My other Mini
Mario Sanders,07/04/2018
This is my second Mini convertible. I bought a 2018 Mini convertible Aqua blue. It has great performance and the color stands out. We have a 2017 Mini Clubman also as it performs great as well. My Mini Convertible top can open halfway like a sunroof. Most convertible vehicles don't open like this. This is a great size for a little car and can fit into small spaces very well. With back up camera and warning signals helps a lot into small spaces. My 2005 Mini Convertible did not have such features. It handles very well with the top open and even when top is down we just love to ride in the country. It is very good on gas mileage. It is hard to decide which mini to drive the next day. The Clubman or the Convertible. Both handles very well.
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Features & Specs

MSRP
$30,400
MPG
23 city / 32 hwy
Seats 4
6-speed manual
Gas
189 hp @ 4700 rpm
MSRP
$26,700
MPG
28 city / 37 hwy
Seats 4
6-speed manual
Gas
134 hp @ 4400 rpm
MSRP
$36,600
MPG
22 city / 31 hwy
Seats 4
6-speed manual
Gas
228 hp @ 5200 rpm
See all 2018 MINI Convertible features & specs

Safety

Our experts’ favorite Convertible safety features:

Parking Assistant
Finds an available parallel parking spot and guides the Mini into the space with minimal driver input.
Front and Rear Park Distance Control
Sounds an alert as the Mini approaches an object in front of or behind the vehicle.
Active Driving Assistant
Maintains a set distance between the Mini and the vehicle in front while the cruise control system is active.

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2018 MINI Convertible for Sale

MINI Convertible 2018 Cooper S 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
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Est.Loan: $574/mo
Fair Deal!Fair Deal!
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Dealer Notes
***NAVIGATION SYSTEM***TECHNOLOGY/ WIRED/ PREMIUM/ SPORT PACKAGES***FULLY LOADED***$37,750 MSRP***Comfort Access Keyless Entry, Convertible Wind Deflector, Dynamic Damper Control, Fully Loaded, harman/kardon Logic 7 Digital Surround, Heated Front Seats, LED Fog Lights, LED Headlights, MINI Connected XL, Navigation System, Parking Assistant w/Front & Rear PDC, Premium Package, Real Time Traffic Information, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Sport Package, Technology Package, Wheels: 17 x 7 Tentacle Spoke Silver (Style 500), Wired Package. Clean CARFAX. CARFAX One-Owner. 2018 MINI Cooper S Caribbean Aqua Metallic# 1 Pre-Owned MINI Dealer in the USA! If we don't have it in stock, we can probably find it for you. Call today!
MINI Convertible 2018 Cooper S 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
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53.3 mi away
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Est.Loan: $546/mo
Good Deal!Good Deal!
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MINI Convertible 2018 Cooper 2dr Convertible (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 6M)
974 miles
Used 2018
MINI Convertible
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Jack Winegardner Chevrolet
33.5 mi away
ListNot Listed
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Dealer Notes
\"\"

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More about the 2018 MINI Convertible

There are a lot of reasons to like the Mini Convertible: It's good fun to drive, easy to park and cheap to run, and its cabin offers a near-luxury experience. Plus, the roof folds down, which makes any car more enjoyable. But what really sets the Mini Convertible apart are the options for customization. Whether you want leather seats, an adaptive suspension or sideview mirrors painted up like the British flag, Mini is happy to oblige. When it comes to having it your way, no other small convertible can match the Mini. The possible combinations number in the millions, and they are limited only by your budget.

Besides customization, there are a lot of reasons to recommend the Mini Convertible, chief among them the powertrain lineup. Engine choices include a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder that produces 134 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque and a turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder tuned for 189 hp and 207 lb-ft in the Cooper S. In the John Cooper Works edition, the 2.0-liter engine packs 228 hp and 236 lb-ft. All provide plenty of power and all are reasonably fuel-efficient, with EPA ratings ranging from a high of 32 mpg combined (28 city/37 highway) for the manual-equipped base model down to 25 mpg combined for the manual-equipped John Cooper Works.

And the Mini offers plenty of grip to go with its zip. Some cars hug the road; the Mini feels as if it was glued there. Small and light, the Mini Convertible is a big-time smile generator in the curves and very easy to park in town. The Convertible is surprisingly quiet with the top down. The one caveat is that the ride can be very harsh, especially if you order your Mini Convertible with larger wheels or the sport-tuned suspension or both. The John Cooper Works model is particularly hard-riding, but the optional adaptive suspension helps a great deal.

The cabin is nicely finished, built with materials significantly better than what we're used to seeing in a subcompact car. The gauges are crisp, and we love the big 8-inch central display screen. The front seating is excellent. But this being a convertible, there are trade-offs: The back seat and the trunk are tiny. Visibility to the rear is restricted when the top is up.

Mini offers the Convertible in three trim levels. The Cooper is nicely outfitted and affordable, provided you go easy on the options. The Cooper S adds more power and a sportier demeanor. The John Cooper Works turns the Mini Convertible into a road-going racer. From there, you'll have a plethora of stand-alone options available to create the Mini of your dreams. And let Edmunds help find your perfect 2018 Mini Convertible.

2018 MINI Convertible Overview

The 2018 MINI Convertible is offered in the following styles: Cooper S 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M), Cooper 2dr Convertible (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 6M), and John Cooper Works 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M).

What do people think of the 2018 MINI Convertible?

Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2018 MINI Convertible and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2018 Convertible 5 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2018 Convertible.

Edmunds Expert Reviews

Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 MINI Convertible and all model years in our database. Our rich analysis includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 Convertible featuring deep dives into trim levels including Cooper S, Cooper, John Cooper Works, etc. with careful analysis around pricing, features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving and performance. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.

Read our full review of the 2018 MINI Convertible here.

Edmunds Scorecard

Overall3.5 / 5.0

Driving

4.0 / 5.0

Acceleration3.0 / 5.0
Braking5.0 / 5.0
Steering3.5 / 5.0
Handling4.5 / 5.0
Drivability3.0 / 5.0

Comfort

3.5 / 5.0

Seat comfort4.5 / 5.0
Ride comfort3.0 / 5.0
Noise & vibration3.0 / 5.0
Climate control3.5 / 5.0

Interior

3.5 / 5.0

Ease of use3.0 / 5.0
Getting in/getting out4.0 / 5.0
Driving position4.5 / 5.0
Roominess2.5 / 5.0
Visibility3.0 / 5.0
Quality3.0 / 5.0

Utility

2.5 / 5.0

Small-item storage2.0 / 5.0
Cargo space2.0 / 5.0
Our Review Process

This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.

We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.

What's a good price for a New 2018 MINI Convertible?

Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on new cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.

Which 2018 MINI Convertibles are available in my area?

2018 MINI Convertible Listings and Inventory

Simply research the type of used car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap used cars for sale near you. Once you have identified a vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and Autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2018 MINI Convertible.

Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2018 MINI Convertible for sale near you.

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Find a new MINI Convertible for sale - 4 great deals out of 10 listings starting at $9,712.

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Why trust Edmunds?

Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including all models of the 2018 MINI Convertible and all available trim types: Cooper S, John Cooper Works, Cooper. Rich, trim-level features & specs and options data tracked for the 2018 MINI Convertible include (but are not limited to): MSRP, available incentives and deals, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (interior and exterior color, upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, cruise control, parking assistance, lane sensing, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy and MPG (city, highway, and combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (interior cabin space, vehicle length and width, seating capacity, cargo space). Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds expert review, safety rating, and color.

Should I lease or buy a 2018 MINI Convertible?

Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.

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