Personally I'm not a fan of the convertable.
They're heavier, noisy inside, less secure and more expensive to buy.
But hey, I'm one of them people that doesn't really like the wind in my hair because I get cold and sunburnt, on the 2 days a year I'd actually have the top down.

Much prefer my big sunroof. All the benefits of a hard top car but still lets in plenty of sunshine when I want.

I am not a fan of the automatic Rovers either.... but i still have one... ROFL.

I drove a hire car convertible with only 300kms on it and it was a dream. Sure there was no back seat really and the auto box was a little all over the place, but i thought it was an OK package - if it was cheaper.

I would love a 2005 Cooper S with modified exhaust and suspension, stripped out interiro and two big fixed back bucket seats, roll cage and harnesses.

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

So would I but legally not allowed because the factory seats have airbags in them and you aren't supposed to remove them.

Unless its engineered surely....

Not likely to happen (but can vary state to state).

Reason is the car is considered unroadworthy if any factory fitted / standard safety features are removed or not working without being upgraded.

Years ago you could go to BMW and sign a statutory declaration and a heap of other paperwork and they'd disable the airbag computer so seats could be changed, but they don't do it anymore.

hmmm... interesting

*considers another dream crumbling away due to beaurocracy*

Just put in some JCW seats...

http://www.minigenuineparts.co.uk/mini-parts/info_BM52.10.0.446.775.html

_________________
In the garage:
1970 Morris Cooper S MK2 | 2010 MINI Cooper JCW Challenge Edition

Now with new owners:
1964 Morris 850 Van | 1965 Morris Cooper S MK1 | 1976 Leyland Mini | 1999 Rover Mini Cooper Classic | 2006 MINI Cooper JCW

I love them!

with the 02-04 minis check under the lower door seals and boot seals for rust. many of them do and i think mini changed those seals from 05 onwards but not sure if that solved it or not. www.northamericanmotoring.com has heaps of info.