2008 MINI Cooper Convertible Features Review

One of the advantages when buying a 2008 MINI Cooper Convertible is the ability to personalize it from the extensive list of additional features available from MINI.

First things first: The convertible Cooper MINI’s make-happy feature is its top. “The soft-top curls back like the canvas sunroof on an old Renault, with the push of a button, a nice touch for semi-open freeway driving,” Motor Trend says of the Convertible top’s sunroof mode. “Keep pressing, and the automatic top folds into a neat accordion in 15 seconds. Raising it doesn't take much longer.” TheCarConnection.com notes that it also has a glass rear window and can be lowered with a touch on the key fob.

In terms of other standard features, Kelley Blue Book mentions the following: "a five-speed manual transmission, manual air conditioning, keyless entry, power windows, locks and mirrors, 15-inch alloy wheels, climate-controlled glove box, AM/FM/CD sound, cloth or leatherette bucket seats and a power canvas top." With the 2008 MINI Cooper S Convertible, you get "a 168-horsepower supercharged engine, six-speed manual transmission, 16-inch run-flat tires, aluminum foot pedals, sport seats and a stiffer suspension."

For those wanting to personalize their Cooper, MINI offers "six different options packages" on the convertible, as noted by Autoblog, ranging "from the $6,000 John Cooper Works kit for the S to the Sport and Premium packages for $1,500 each." Kelley Blue Book especially likes the John Cooper Works kit: "It's not inexpensive, but it delivers 207 horsepower and includes dual exhausts, larger brakes and a limited-slip differential."

Some of the packages seem pretty self-explanatory, like the Cold Weather Package, for instance. However, Autoblog suggests that you "need a degree from MIT to fully understand the restrictions and caveats of the $4,000 Sidewalk package."

If your ideal convertible doesn't fit one of the package configurations available on the Cooper, MINI lets you pick and choose from what ConsumerGuide calls "a dizzying array of personalizing accessories." Autoblog specifies that it's actually "48 stand-alone options," and "quite a few of them come at no charge." They include everything from a white roof to painted wheels to decals to hood stripes and interior trim, all in the name of giving your MINI Cooper Convertible its own character.

Options are high-dollar and high-quality in the Cooper. MINI offers "an upgraded Harman/Kardon audio system, xenon headlights, heated mirrors, automatic climate control, [and] dynamic stability control" in the optional features list, Kelley Blue Book reports. Others include different wheel designs, leather upholstery, keyless entry, color schemes, cruise control, and satellite radio.