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2008 MINI Cooper Convertible Quality Review

November 5, 2008

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

sufficient headroom
ConsumerGuide

surprisingly spacious
Edmunds

The 2008 MINI Cooper Convertible offers much in the way of passenger room and an easily operated top, but reviewers from different sources noted some issues with build quality.

Interior space almost equals the Cooper's; MINI’s convertible has a backseat that’s more than snug with the front seats positioned where the driver and front passenger would likely have them. Headroom is, of course, no problem. The convertible loses none of the functionality of the sedan and even adds some since the trunk has a small tailgate.

TheCarConnection.com finds that the 2008 MINI Cooper Convertible provides quite a bit of space for the front passengers. Edmunds says, "even those taller than 6 feet will find a comfortable seating position" due to the available space for maneuvering seats to adjust legroom. In the backseat of the Cooper, MINI passengers will have plenty of headroom, but the knee space might be compromised, even if the front seats are barely moved back--and when they're "fully rearward," says ConsumerGuide, legroom "disappears."

Cars.com points out “sport bucket seats are standard on the S trim level and optional on the base convertible. But all versions of the front seats, driver and passenger, include manual seat-height adjustments.” They add, “the seats are supportive and comfortable in the European tradition. I could use a center armrest, and apparently others have asked for the same.”

Storage space is slightly limited in the 2008 MINI Cooper Convertible, although the rear seats fold down 50/50, allowing for more cargo room.

ConsumerGuide says the "interior decor is a distinctive, complex blend of colors, shapes, and textures, all with solid workmanship," and Edmunds says the 2008 MINI Cooper Convertible has “solid-as-a-block-of-steel rigidity.” However, Cars.com’s test machine had issues with quality construction. “It rattles,” they write. “And squeaks. A lot.”

Conclusion

Comfort and quality offered by the 2008 MINI Cooper convertible are only limited if you are sitting in the backseat.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:sufficient headroomConsumerGuidesurprisingly spaciousEdmunds The 2008 MINI Cooper Convertible offers much in the way of passenger room and an easily operated top, but reviewers from different sources noted some issues with build quality. Interior space almost equals the Cooper's; MINI’s convertible has a backseat that’s more than snug with the front seats positioned where the driver and front passenger would likely have them. Headroom is, of course, no problem. The convertible loses none of the functionality of the sedan and even adds some since the trunk has a small tailgate. TheCarConnection.com finds that the 2008 MINI Cooper Convertible provides quite a bit of space for the front passengers. Edmunds says, "even those taller than 6 feet will find a comfortable seating position" due to the available space for maneuvering seats to adjust legroom. In the backseat of the Cooper, MINI passengers will have plenty of headroom, but the knee space might be compromised, even if the front seats are barely moved back--and when they're "fully rearward," says ConsumerGuide, legroom "disappears." Cars.com points out “sport bucket seats are standard on the S trim level and optional on the base convertible. But all versions of the front seats, driver and passenger, include manual seat-height adjustments.” They add, “the seats are supportive and comfortable in the European tradition. I could use a center armrest, and apparently others have asked for the same.” Storage space is slightly limited in the 2008 MINI Cooper Convertible, although the rear seats fold down 50/50, allowing for more cargo room. ConsumerGuide says the "interior decor is a distinctive, complex blend of colors, shapes, and textures, all with solid workmanship," and Edmunds says the 2008 MINI Cooper Convertible has “solid-as-a-block-of-steel rigidity.” However, Cars.com’s test machine had issues with quality construction. “It rattles,” they write. “And squeaks. A lot.” ConclusionComfort and quality offered by the 2008 MINI Cooper convertible are only limited if you are sitting in the backseat. 2008 MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE STYLING | [10 out of 10] Edmunds: "Replete with British charm" Car and Driver: "Snappy styling" Autoblog: "Fashionable" TheCarConnection.com's editors award top honors to the 2008 MINI Cooper Convertible for its styling and design. The Convertible ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The list of car nameplates with decades-long histories is short. Along with the 2008 MINI Cooper Convertible, the Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible waxes nostalgic but offers modern-day conveniences like turbocharged engines, a choice of transmissions, a nifty convertible top, and good safety performance. The Ford Mustang Convertible is also offered with a V-8 engine and comes in many special editions, like the new Bullitt. The Porsche Boxster is far pricier than the MINI Cooper, but harks back to the Porsche Spyders of the 1950s and injects modern power with a flat-six engine.

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See the MINI Cooper Convertible in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005

Comments (1 total)

  1. By nike hamilton #1, Posted: 9/20/2008

    potential customer

    Love the green and the grey mini convertible. Looing for a car in 2009 to go witih my brand new image!!!!

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