Used Mini Convertible 2016-2024 reliability

When viewing a used car, always follow our used car buying checklist.

As with most used car purchases, check that all the electrics work as they should, the air-con still throws out cold air and there are no warning lights on the dashboard. The interior is well made and uses quality plastics, but make sure the seat material is in good condition considering it is exposed to the elements more than the regular Mini hatch.

You should pay close attention to the folding soft-top roof, because this is a highly complex part that’ll cost a fortune to repair if it is damaged. Make sure it folds correctly and that there are no rips on seams or any loose stitching. If you want to check for water leaks, head to an automatic car wash – all modern convertibles are designed to handle being washed in such a way and it’s a great opportunity for you to examine all the seals and spot if any water gets past them.

Tie rods: A small number of Convertible models made between 20-21 March 2019 have an issue where the tie rods on the front suspension were not assembled correctly. If your car is affected, it will need to be checked by a Mini dealer and have the fault rectified.

EGR module may leak: A number of diesel-powered Minis built between 3 March 2014 and 17 March 2017 that are fitted with an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) module could have an issue with it leaking. In extreme circumstances, it could cause a fire, so affected cars should be inspected by a Mini dealer to find out if it needs replacing.

Crankshaft sensor: A problem with the crankshaft sensor fitted to some diesel models manufactured between 22 May and 13 June 2018 could result in rough running and an engine malfunction warning light to illuminate. The engine could also stall, too. Speak with your local dealer if you think your car is affected, because it will need a new sensor if it is.

Spare wheel: For early vehicles made from the start of production until 30 September 2014, the emergency spare wheel (if fitted) may work loose from the underside of the car.

Front seat backrest: The front seat backrests on Minis produced between 1 August and 30 September 2014 could have some play in the mechanism. This could, in the event of a collision, lead to injury because the seat may not remain in an upright position.

Click here for more information. Contact your local Mini dealer if you believe your vehicle is involved in a recall.

We consider the Mini Convertible to be a reliable car. In our 2023 What Car? Reliability Survey, the model ranked third out of 15 cars in the sports car class. Its reliability score of 97.1% is very impressive and that meant it ranked higher than the rival Mazda MX-5. The Audi TT proved even more reliable, mind you.

Only 11% of Mini Convertibles we were told about went wrong, with brake, engine or sat-nav/infotainment system issues. Mini paid for all repairs, all cars could still be driven and a third were put right within a day, but the rest took more than a week.

As a car brand, Mini also managed a remarkable third place finish. Its overall score of 97.2% put it above Audi, Porsche, Ford and many more. Only Toyota and Lexus placed higher.

Used Mini Convertible: owners' reliability data

Despite its good ranking within our 2023 survey, some owners did cite issues with the Mini Convertible (2016-2024), particularly in regards to the electrical system and engine warning lights. Some drivers experienced problems with the convertible roof mechanism, which required multiple trips to the dealership for repairs. Faulty sensors and battery-related issues were also common complaints.

Diesel model owners mentioned fewer problems overall, but there were notable concerns about the DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) and occasional turbocharger failures. Despite these issues, some readers highlighted that most problems were resolved efficiently by Mini dealerships.

Dealer service experiences were mixed. While a number of readers praised their dealerships for prompt and courteous service, others were frustrated by long wait times and costly repairs. Some reported having to return multiple times to fully resolve issues.