2012 MINI Cooper Roadster Priced From $24,350

The MINI Roadster is poised to become the most fun you can have in a front-wheel drive, two-seat convertible, in part because it's the only one in the U.S. that we can think of off the top of our heads. Unique market position aside, the Roadster's entry pricing is attractive, starting at just $24,350 plus $700 destination and handling.

Upgrading to the Cooper S Roadster will cost $3,000 more, while the John Cooper Works Roadster will run a cool $34,500 just to get in the door (plus destination and handling).

As with any MINI, the customization and upgrades are nearly limitless, but you'd best watch the bottom line: the MINI Yours Soda package adds $2,250 to the base Roadster's price, while the John Cooper Works appearance package costs another $2,000; the Premium package is available on all models and adds rain-sensing wipers, automatic climate control, anti-theft alarm, keyless entry and more for $1,750; and both the base and Cooper S models can add a $1,500 sport package.

There are literally dozens and dozens of other options--available in likely millions of possible combinations--that add $250 here and $750 there, including a $750 semi-automatic soft-top, chrome-line interior and exterior ($250 each), sport stripes (another $250), plus wheels, upholstery, and other options.

In other words, it's not nearly as hard to get a MINI Roadster over $40,000 as you'd think.

For even more details or to build your own, head over to the official MINI USA site.