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Well, I',m a couple of days away from ordering a Mini (Basic). Most of the questions have been answered on the Mini web site but I hope I can joggle your elbows for a query or two.
It seems that the DSC is a must -- especially in the snow and wet. I'm also considering the 16" wheels w/ run-flat tires. What brand do they generally supply? Do they wear well and, when they wear out, will it cost me fortune to replace them?
Since I'm going for DSC and 16" wheels, the helpful web site has suggested that I pop another $250 and get the Sport package. This gets me a spoiler (big deal), fog lamps (ho-hum) and the "6-way sports seats". The latter are the only item that seems relatively worthwhile -- and something I can't add later on (at least, not without big expense). Does anyone have any pros or cons to offer on this subject?
Also -- is there anything that you are really kicking yourself for not ordering with your Mini?
Peace,
Mark Pemburn
Glen Arm, MD
(Oh, yes -- I'm ordering it in Indi Blue w/ white roof. It'll match my '86 Fender Strat beautifully!) :smile:
I have a Cooper w/Sport package - the seats are wonderful. I have the sport cloth since i personally do not prefer leather and I also went with the 16" runflats, AC, onboard computer/steering wheel - but NO sunroof - so it was the Premium package minus the sunroof. The DSC is great.
I really love my car and look forward to driving every chance I get - I live in LA so that says a LOT The handling is wonderful and responsive and it does have a lot of get up and go considering it's 115 hp - the weight factor is a bonus - 1000 lbs lighter than the Jetta GLS i drove. I haven't driven a 5speed in 3 years, but there was no problem getting back into it and I really love it, I don't notice it at all actually.
I will be upgrading my stereo system soon and I wanted to change the ignition wires and add an exhaust kit - but am waiting a little longer to see what else comes out.
Welcome to MCO! Like you, I bought a standard Mini, but it did include some of the features that you indicated, including the traction control, 16" Wheels, but no run flats. I also have the spoiler and sun roof. I LOVE the sunroof! Let me tell you this, you are going to LOVE YOUR MINI ALSO! If you've barely read through some of the topics here, you've noticed the enthusiasm, way past the buyer's remorse period (Previous car buys).
There have been a few who have experienced some 1st year bugs, but I have not. 3,300 miles and nothing but smiles. Be prepared to stop traffic, and cause fast food window folks to ask you a bunch of questions about the car. If you frequent grocery stores, Walmart, it's the same. I don't mind it, and usually find the conversations pleasant. For me, it has been really a good experience. Take the plunge, the water is fine.
Jim
__________________ Still looking back after I get out....
Cooperman
Welcome to MCO! I got most of the stuff in the Sports package but ordered them individually - the seats are a must if you want to stay in them when you corner, a leather wheel feels good and means you don't always have to wear gloves, the fog lamps are more useful than you might think at first (I use mine alot).
I didn't get the DSC but have wondered since if I missed something (I'm told one can always switch it off if it's not needed or wanted), and the Sports+ suspension feels great, but after reading other threads about aftermarket springs and swaybars, I'm kinda kicking myself - upgrading from stock is one thing, but upgrading from an upgrade ... well, I gotta save the pennies for that one ...
I'd have to second the vote for the multi-function steering wheel. I love having the cruise and audio controls on the steering wheel.
Since my MCS was loaded I got everything I wanted. I really like the sports seats in leather and only got them because they came with the car that was on the dealers showroom floor, but I'm really happy with them. Sunroof is awesome, but some people that are interested in autocrossing their cars seem to prefer no sunroof. I like my 17" S-Lite wheels and run flats, but I'm looking around for something in 16x6.5 for stock auto-cross events (summer) and snowtires (winter.)
I am not impressed with the run-flats. In fact, on another thread, I have written about an incident I had recently with a large pot hole. The rim was ruined, but the tire was driveable. I drove it flat about 1 mile, and the handling was attrocious. Couldn't bring myself to go over 10 or 15 mph because it felt flat. But I did make it home and the run flat is still running fine. But on the Cooper, you will get a spare and a jack. Albeit a mini MINI spare. The run flats are really expensive ($235 each if I remember correctly) and they cannot be mixed with regular tires. So when one goes, you either buy one run flat at 235 or a whole new set of regulars for 400 or so. I have almost 4K on my MC, and will get rid of the run flats as soon as I can.
I wouldn't buy run-flats on a MC. Why when you have room for a spare? Runflats are for the most part heavier, and do not perform as well as the equal tire in non-runflat.
First off, I can't quite recall, but if it's really 250 more for the seats, lamps and spoiler, I'd get it. I didn't get the sport package, as I opted for the 15"ers, and I just had visions of my lamps being busted or torn of by some kids hopped up on pcp or something.
My DSC kicks in going through slush, especially when I'm turning. I can't tell exactly how much it's helping...I just know that it comes on. I live in a snowy area, and haven't had any problems at all but then again, whether it's 3 feet of snow or 4 inches, the streets are always plowed to a salty grimy slushy slippery goo.
I also didn't get the runflats because I like having a spare and a can of fix-a-flat handy.
Hi Mark, I ordered a MCS with both the sport and premium packages. Dont think of the fog lites as Ho Hum! If you havent driven in the rain and fog with the Xenon lights and fog lights, I must say that it is superb. These fog lamps are not just for show, they really are excellent!!!! The sport seats are super!!! You will apreciate all of thes little goodies, believe me!! First 2000 miles in 1 month!! I love this car Flawless operation. Go for it all!!!! Carl;
Aloha, Mark.
I had the same dilema before we ordered our MC. I mainly wanted the sport seats, DSC, and the roof spoiler(IMO-better looking then the MCS). But with a few $bills$ more,opted for the sport package. No fog in Hawaii, sometimes VOG, fog conditions caused by volcanic smoke Not too worried about run-flats because ya can't go very far in Hawaii
__________________
'03 MC 2004 2nd Place HS
'03 MC 2005 HAWAII Region HS Champ
'05 MC Convertible 2006 #2 HS
'07 MCS 2007 #2 GS
'07 MCS 2008 #2 DSP
>>Ditto with bob and 2minis, but also get the MFSW. You'll love it.
The MFSW is probably my favorite option on my MC. In addition to being quite funtional, I think it adds a certain amount of 'class' to the interior. As others have said, You'll love it.
So, we're going to the dealer tomorrow to order. I'm going to get the DSC and pass on the run-flats, then Prolly the fog lamps too. The MFSW sounds like a good thing though I haven't used cruise control since we drove our F-150 home from Texas three years ago. (This, by the way, is what the mini is replacing as my ride. We'll keep it but just for haulin' stuff).
I'm on the fence about the sport seats: I am a pretty staid driver and can't imagine cornering abruptly enough on a regular basis to need glue to hold me in the seat.
Now comes the waiting . . . (I am well known for my patience)
>>Okey-dokey! Thanks for all the feedback.
>>
>>The MFSW sounds like a good thing though I haven't used cruise control since we drove our F-150 home from Texas three years ago.
>>
Just in case it wasn't clear - the MFSW offers radio controls as well (Volume up/down, channel (or track) seek/scan, and cd/radio switching) in addition to the Cruise Control. I never expected that I would use the radio controls nearly as much I do!
Not to make your decision any more difficult, just trying to make sure you have all the info!
And be prepared to keep changing your mind a few hundred times more! 6000 miles, and I still keep going over things, like all black with the red interior :smile:
I do love my BRG baby though.
Noted and logged. I guess I'll have to wait until I can sit in the two different seats to compare them tonight when we go to order. But, honestly, I hope I got all my ya-yas out when I was a young man -- I have stated often and loudly that driving is too dangerous to be a fun activity. I've had a number of "fun" accidents to help solidify that position. Also: I truly revile the impression of driving portrayed in television commercials -- and the effect that it realizes in the form of testosterone-laden morons zipping across three lanes without signaling, etc.
That said, why the heck would a guy like me want to buy a cute, sporty little car like the Mini? This goes back a ways:
In the mid '70's, I needed to replace my car because someone that I'd lent it to had lent it to someone else who'd gotten drunk and missed a bridge across a dry wash in the mountains above San Bernardino, CA. I got some money from insurance to replace it and, after paying the back rent and so on, I had only about $500 left over. I searched the classified for a suitable ride for that price and found one for an Austin Mini in a nearby town.
I bummed a lift to check it out the next day. The guy wanted more than I had to spend but I hoped I could talk him down. No such luck. He needed the money for something and wouldn't budge an inch. I went away in a wistful state and ended up buying a Renault Dauphine with a lunched transmission. I bicycled a lot after that.
Anyhow, here I am now in my fifties and I have pretty much disdained cars and driving for the last 25 years. Wasteful, smelly, dangerous. Then, about 6 months ago, I saw a Mini in the parking lot of the local Safeway. I didn't get a real good look at it 'cuz I was in a hurry that day. I thought it looked a bit odd -- it should have had wheels the size of Krispy Kreme donuts, right? Maybe it had just been "customized". I soon discovered the truth, as we know it.
It has been apparent for a while that I needed to get a new ride -- the ancient, foul smelling F-150 pickup is a pain to drive and uses an enormous amount of fuel. My wife and I have been talking about getting me a car since my business is starting to pick up and it involves a bit of traveling around to visit clients (I'm a computer consultant who makes house calls). She knows how much I hate cars so, when I told her that the Mini was the first car in a long time that I actually had the hots for, she said, "Then you should buy one." The journey was thus begun. Who knows where it will lead?
Sports Seats are not only for keeping you in your seat. They are way more comfortable and offer better support. But hey...if you want to sit on a cardboard box, go ahead. Just for the sake of God, sit in a MINI with SS, and one without. You're a*& will help you decide.
The handling is wonderful and responsive and it does have a lot of get up and go considering it's 115 hp - the weight factor is a bonus - 1000 lbs lighter than the Jetta GLS i drove. I haven't driven a 5speed in 3 years, but there was no problem getting back into it and I really love it, I don't notice it at all actually. 
Just for the sake of God, sit in a MINI with SS, and one without. You're a*& will help you decide.
