Used 2018 Mini Cooper for sale 

Buyers have so many customization options, their Mini would look similar to another Mini. The 2018 Mini Convertible is a compact convertible that is available in trims- Cooper(base), Cooper S (mid-spec). The Cooper S trim is offered with larger wheels and a performance-oriented 2.0-liter Inline-four engine which can produce a maximum of 189 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. Other features include a hood scoop, dual center-mounted exhaust tips, LED fog-lights, and sport front seats.

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The base Cooper version is actually good for everyday driving and maybe occasional spirited driving. The turbocharged three-cylinder engine is peppy and easy to handle. A lot of features can be added with the Premium for the Technology package. If you are looking to extract the maximum performance from your car, then extra-performing Cooper S or John Cooper Works would be better suited.

The Mini Convertible is offered with a standard 6-speed manual transmission. The 1.5L TwinPower Turbocharged engine produces a nifty 134 horsepower and a healthy 162 ft-lb of torque. The Twin-Turbo engine delivers the peak torque of 162 ft-lbs at just 1,250 rpm. The power is delivered in a linear fashion and readily available throughout the engine’s power curve.

In terms of sheer power, the Mini looks severely underpowered in front of the likes of the Beetle, which has class-leading power and torque figures, which is followed by the Fiat 500C Abarth. The Abarth is also the cheapest offering in this comparison, while the least powered Mini Cooper is the most expensive one of the lot. 

What is the 2018 Mini Cooper Convertible's 0-60 mph Acceleration Performance?

The Mini Cooper Convertible offers an average performance as it takes 7.9 seconds to go from standstill to 60 mph. The engine peak torque is achieved immediately, even then, it takes over 16 seconds to cover the quarter-mile. The performance figures of Mini fail to impress in front of what rivals offer in the segment.

Although the MX-5 does not boast groundbreaking power and torque outputs, it is the fastest of the lot, and that too by a margin. The Abarth 500C takes half a second more than the Miata, while the Beetle and the Mini have identical performance.

What is the 2018 Mini Cooper Convertible's Braking Performance?

Mini Cooper has a predictable brake pedal depression. In the simulated-panic stop, Mini Convertible takes just 112 feet of distance to come to a halt from 60 mph, which is quite impressive in its class. It is also one of the heavier cars in this segment and yet performs well in the braking department. 

Although the Mini Cooper performs exceptionally, the Mazda MX-5 tops the chart as it gives an excellent result in panic brake tests and leaves behind its rivals by taking just 110 feet to come to a halt from 60-0 mph. The Abarth 500C is the worst performer here as it takes around 126 feet to halt from 60 mph..

Has the Ride and Handling of the 2018 Mini Cooper Convertible improved?

Due to its light curb weight and compact size, the Mini Cooper is very agile around the corners. It has nimble steering, which makes maneuvering the vehicle in the right direction effortless. The steering has direct response, which makes the Mini a cool vehicle to drive around in tight spaces. The 2018 Mini Convertible comes with a revised suspension. The adaptive suspension dampers make the ride quite smooth and comfortable. Mini sticks to the tarmac. Additionally, its grippy tires and lightning-fast reflexes give the rider absolute joy and confidence in driving around the car.

The base trim comes with a 1.5-liter engine, which is very frugal. The EPA rates it at 28 mpg in the city and 37 mpg out on the highway, while the combined fuel economy is rated at 32 mpg. The small gas tank is a disappointment though as it can be driven for a maximum of around 350 miles of combined driving, before having to refuel the car.

Surprisingly or not, the Mini Cooper has the most frugal engine in this comparison. The Fiat 500C is second on the list, but both have a rather small fuel tank. The Beetle on the other hand returns a lower fuel efficiency but gets a much larger fuel tank that helps it achieve a much better range. 

With supportive sport seats that offer lumbar and seat-height adjustment, the 2018 Mini Convertible has very spacious front seats, which are comfortable for long-distance trips. In all the trims, the rear seats don't feel spacious and its legroom is a bit compromised too.

The driver's seat is extremely comfortable, and there's a fairly wide range of adjustment as standard, but sometimes to reach some controls, you may need to put some effort.

Almost all the cars here are 4 seaters only whereas the Mazda MX-5 is the only car that gives you a true sports car feel with its 2-seater configuration. It is also one of the most spacious cars here in terms of front seats. At the back, almost all have similar space but the Abarth 500C surprisingly offers the most space amongst the cars present here. Few key interior features include-

• Premium Synthetic Leather Seats with optional Heating functionality
• Leather Steering Wheel
• Multi-Zone Automatic Climate Control
• Optional Automatic Parking
• Universal Garage Door Opener
• Keyless Entry and Keyless Start

How is the 2018 Mini Cooper Convertible’s infotainment system?

The infotainment system on the Mini Convertible is unique. The Mini JCW comes with a standard high resolution 6.5 or optional 8.8-inch display. The infotainment system can be controlled by a knob behind the shifter and gets no touch input. Apple CarPlay comes in as standard, but there is no Android Auto compatibility. HD Radio, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and Head-up display are optional as customization is the key feature in any Mini. Major infotainment features available are-

• 6.5-inch infotainment system
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio and HD Radio
• Premium Sound System
• Hard Disk Drive Media Storage
• Heads up display
• Apple CarPlay
• Wireless phone charging
• Navigation System

How much is the 2018 Mini Cooper Convertible’s Cargo capacity?

A convertible compromise on cargo space, and thus, the Mini only offers a limited cargo volume of only 5.7 cu-ft when the roof is down. But once you close the roof, one can get a 7.6 cu-ft of space, which is not substantial but much more usable. Mini manages to offer better space than the rivals in the segment.

The Mazda Miata’s fun nature and sporty outlook make it the least practical in terms of storage capacity as there is hardly anything there. The Fiat too has a marginally larger capacity, but the Beetle offers the maximum cargo capacity as standard. Although, the Mini Cooper offers slightly more space provided you do not open up the roof.

The 2018 Mini hasn't really made overhauling changes in its exterior. It still carries the classic modern-retro design. However, it gives you the option to choose the theme like the Union Jack flag at the top and herringbone-patterned detailing. Eight different upholsteries are offered, including a new Malt Brown leather.

With horizontal themes, you can make various changes too like their rear flip-down tailgate gives the rear of the vehicle a different retro-look, which makes it very similar to the Coupes

The Beetle is the largest car in this comparison in all the possible dimensions while the Abarth 500C is exactly on the other end of the spectrum, being the most petite and tiny car here. The Fiat also rides the lowest to the ground while the Beetle offers the best ground clearance. 

The NHTSA hasn’t crash-tested the 2018 Mini Cooper yet, but the IIHS has rated the Mini as ‘Good’ in most aspects of its test. The fully loaded Mini Convertible offers safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high beams, all to provide a cushion of luxury and safety. Other substantial features are listed below.

• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) And Driveline Traction Control
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Automatic Parking
• Dual-Stage Airbags
• Rear Parking Sensors with Back-Up Camera
• Low Tire Pressure Warning
• Airbag Occupancy Sensor

Mini Cooper Convertible vs Volkswagen Beetle convertible

Given its huge line of reputation, the Volkswagen Beetle convertible is a very practical and comfortable car. Its twin-turbo engine provides a good mix of power and fuel economy, giving it an edge over its peers. It has a very stylish design, but it lacks rear visibility. Just like most of the drop-tops, it also suffers from cramped storage capacity. Overall, it is the closest rival to the Mini Cooper and is also priced similarly. 

Mini Cooper Convertible vs Mazda MX-5 Miata

Even at low speeds, Mazda MX-5 Miata is an extremely fun and engaging car to drive. One of the best things about this car is that its manual soft top is very easy to lower and close, limiting the hassle that is usually faced by convertible owners. However, it doesn't offer much stretch room inside, making it uncomfortable even for average-size occupants. Its cabin also gets quite loud on highway speed even with the top-up on. So unless you are a true MX-5 fan, owning it as a daily one could become cumbersome. 

Mini Cooper Convertible vs Fiat 500C Abarth Convertible

The 500C might seem like a tiny car from the outside but it offers more legroom than the Mini while also having a powerful engine that provides for a better performance than the Mini Cooper’s engine. Although it isn’t as efficient as the Mini and luggage space is a bit tight, the $5,000 price difference between the two makes you wonder if you really need the Mini Cooper to have some fun. 

With a great number of optional features available, Mini Cooper Convertible makes one of the most personalized cars in this segment. The interior is very high quality and looks classy, just like its exterior design. However, you'll not be pleased with its limited cargo space and higher price range compared to its rivals. You can consider this convertible with various options in mind and choose the one that is best suited for you.