2007 MINI Cooper Convertible

Pros

Great Fuel Economy, Styling & Handling, Automatic convertible top

Cons

Automatic Transmission a little twitchy in lower gears, blind spots with top up

This is my first Mini - got the '07 Red Convertible with Automatic transmission, premium & cold weather packages.
I am about 1 week into ownership.

I love the way the car looks and feels with the top down. It's so much fun! The convertible top is 100% automatic with no latches, etc. and has an awesome feature where you can have a sun roof if you don't want the top down all the way.

I got this car as a commuter car so the gas mileage has not disappointed me. I commute ~45 miles RT each day and I was able to commute the whole week/weekend without refilling. I'm getting around 30mpg. I am also able to get 2 car seats in the back which is great. However, keeping the car seats in the back prevents me from dropping them so trunk space cannot be expanded. I'll save the big shopping trips with the kids for my SUV.

My learnings so far are the automatic txmn is a little sputtery in lower gears - the sport mode is much smoother at lower gears but you sacrifice some fuel efficiency.
Visibility is not great thru the rear view mirror - the roll bars are right in my field of vision. When the top is up there are a lot of blind spots. Definitely learn to drive using your side mirrors.
Also, the convertible offers a feature where the stereo volume will adjust up & down based on speed which is fantastic. However, with the premium package, the Harmon Kardon stereo system does not have this feature - seems a little illogical that the better stereo doesn't offer this feature.
I'm nervous about service since there is nothing VERY close to my area. I really wish the BMW dealerships could service the MINI's too since there are far more of those in my area.

Finally, the comments are true that there is no negotiating price.
The convertibles especially are in such high-demand that you need to wait ~8 wks if you want a custom-built right now. You are not a poor negotiator if you have to pay retail. Even retail is not a bad price for this car - people think it costs way more than it does. For convertibles in the same price range, VW Beetle, etc - it is a great value/performer.