Hi all. First time poster here....

I'm getting ready to order my Mini, and I thought I would post the options I'm choosing to get some thoughts and also ask a couple of questions.

First of all, I'm trying to keep my price to under $26k. At first I figured I would go for the "S", and just a few options, but after driving them, I think the regular non-S is just fine for me, and I'd rather load it up with options. Even the non-S is still a blast to drive. So here is my list so far:

Pepper White
Body color Roof/Mirrors
Chrome Line Exterior w/Chrome Miror Caps
White Turn Signals

Cold Weather Package
Convenience Package

DSC
Front Fog Lamps
Rear Fog Lamp
6-speed Manual
15" 5-Star Spooler wheels

Sports Seats
Chrome Line Interior
Anthracite Header
Dark Grey Color Line
Lounge Carbon Black Leather
Piano Black Interior Surface

Chrome Gas Filler Cap
Wheel Locks

Total = $24,844

Now the options I'm not sure about:

Sports Package -- The dealer did not have a non-S with the sports package for me to drive. I drove the regular one without the sports package, and surprisingly the car handled very well around the twisties with minimal body sway. And this is coming from someone who has owned both an Acura NSX and a Toyota MR2 Spyder in the last 5 years. So my standards are pretty high. I'm already adding DSC ($500) and sport seats ($250), so we are talking another $750 for the sports package. Is the handling difference going to be noticeable or will I be simply stiffining up the ride so that going over rough road will be very harsh? The roads around here are not so great (I live in the metro NYC area), so I was thinking maybe I should just stay with the regular 15" wheels. Any thoughts?

Auto Climate Control -- my last 2 cars had this, although it came standard on both of them. I like the idea of setting a temperature I like and leaving it alone and not having to do anything when you get into and out of the car. Does the Mini auto climate control work well? Any thoughts if it's worth $500?

Hifi audio system -- I listened to the regular stereo and it seemed fine. Is the hifi system so much better that it's worth $500, or is it only margainally better? On my last car (a BMW), I opted not to get their premium system because the difference in quality was not very big.

Sirius -- $1000 seems very expensive, but then again, if I keep the car a while, it will become worth it. I've never had Sirius, but I used to have XM in a previous car. Also, will this add to the resale value of the car?

Thanks for any input.

Eric

 

you can have the dealer install sirius for 599 but it comes with a one year subscription rather than a lifetime

 

LSD!!! (is it available for the new mini's) if so GET IT!!!

oh and reconcider the S the regular is fine but you will want that extra power very soon (had my 02 Cooper for about 2 years went to a 02 Prowler then got an 05 S and couldnt be happyer )

 

Sounds like a sweet Mini!

I opted for a JustaCooper too. I prefer the ride and like the response of the non-turbo engine. I know most S drivers will think I'm crazy but its a completely different feel when you depress the gas pedal. Smooth on the Justa. Touchy on the S. Am very happy with my choice.

I have the premium hifi and like it. I compared both and for me the additional speakers made for a richer surround sound feel. May upgrade the door speakers later but for the time being am completely happy.

Auto AC... so far I like it. Only got the car on Wednesday so haven't had much of a chance to try it out.

 

The R56 Cooper engine does have more low end torque available and may actually feel perfectly acceptable/matched to the car. I've had two Coopers and have never, ever wanted for more power, but then again that's me.

 

I'm also thinking maybe I should add silver bonnet stripes as a dealer installed accessory. I definately don't want black stripes, or the black top. I wasn't sure how the pepper white/silver stripes would look, but just found a pic and it looks pretty good:



Opinions??

 

There are a ton of aftermarket options for stripes-- check out the vendor's section. I LOVE the stripes I got and installed from AC. I do like silver on PW-- but before you have the dealer do it, shop around a little. My stripes were a cinch to install on the boot and bonnet.

The hifi and the climate control were worth it for me-- but only because I knew I was getting the sunroof, so I went ahead and got the package.
I don't usually even mess with the air-- it comes on and off and hi or low on it's own. I noticed a difference in the stereos, but the base model wouldn't have been a deal breaker.

Sounds like a great build. Welcome to the cult of insanity. My poor husband was forced to look at a million configurations before I ordered mine.