So there I was, thinking a different vehicle would be a good idea for a number of reasons--practicality, fuel-efficiency, joy of driving, etc.--and the Mini Cooper S popped into my head. Maybe I watch too much TV, or maybe the glowing review provided by a Mini owner on another forum I belong to had something to do with it, but I though, "What the heck? I'll give it a test drive. It will probably be too small, uncomfortable, blah blah blah..."

Yeah, so the test drive was incredible. I've been designing my very own Mini, and I swear I'm about a week from putting down my order and my deposit. We'll see...I'm still on the fence, but I love them anyway, so I figured maybe I'd kick around here for a while, see what I can learn and how convincing you folks might be.

 

Don't mull around to much thinking about it. I got an initial quote for MSRP on my order... then I waited a couple weeks to pull the trigger. Now i'm looking at MSRP + $500 mark-up since they're selling so quickly. Still the best offer I could find in my area. Signed the papers tonight... putting money down tomorrow!

 

Yeah, I won't wait too long. I just need to get the final word on some funds coming through in the fall before I can count on my down payment and the affordability of the monthly payments. But...I'm...so...close...!!!

 

A word of advice if you are looking at the convertible...it may be too late to order for 08. Since there is a re-design for 09, I was told orders for the 09 Cabrio will not be accepted until December.

 

Thanks for the info! I'll be going for the hardtop, though, so I think I'm still in the clear.

 

Be sure to get the DSC and rear fog lamps. You are going to love this car I have had mine 14 months and 23,000 miles and am still looking for reasons to go for a drive

 

I understand why the DSC is needed and I've got that on my order sheet already. I've seen a number of people recommend rear fog lamps? Any particular reason this is needed?

 

I don't think you'll be mulling very long...

Welcome to NAM....

Donna

 

You're right...I emailed my guy and told him I'd be in next week to place my order.

 

Congrats on your impending order!!!!!

 

My MA said it's a good safety feature in low visibility conditions ... turn 'em on and hopefully morons won't rear-end you!

 

When I ordered my MCS I thought the rear fog lights were just a gimmick and "saved" $100 by not ordering them. Then I was following a guy with them on in broad daylight, and even then they could not be ignored.

Around here, people just motor-on at full speed in poor visibility, and I want them to see me while there is still a chance to avoid a crash. So I went on a quest to have the rear fogs installed. Two MINI dealers told me it couldn't be done, or would cost thousands.

Classic MINI in Mentor, Ohio, said they would do it -- the installation and the computer reprogramming. The trip to Mentor, plus the parts, installation, and programming cost me hundreds -- but I do have them, just for those few times when I may need them. It's insurance, I guess.

Other guys hate the fact that without the rear fogs there is a switch missing on the dash. Others hate the black filler caps in the rear fascia with no lamps installed. Neither was a huge issue for me. I say spend the $100 for safety.

You can see the difference in appearance in the online configurator. Click on the rear view image of the MINI with and without the rear fog option selected.

 

Tooling down the interstate about 7:30 this morning with lots of open road, some guy decided to tailgate me at 70 mph, maybe 10 feet off my bumper. I flicked the rear fogs on, and he quickly dropped back 100 feet.

 

The MINI seems to be one of the most fun for the money cars available. The MCS has a lot of low-end torque that makes it feel quite peppy, and the handling is quite good. Usually, with both of those you have to pay a lot more money and gas mileage is poor. The MCS typically gets around 33 mpg on freeway driving, and 26-30 around town.

There are several items that seem to fall into the "regret not ordering" category for a lot of folk on NAM.

Rear Fog Lights:
a) Excellent safety feature if you are in an area that gets pockets of fog. There are places in California where you can be driving along and drop into patch of very dense fog. These cause major multi-car pileups on Hwy 5 and 1.
b) They can be used as reminders to drivers following too closely behind you. I've had several people "get the hint" and back off. Wont help if it is road-rage tailgating.
c) General consensus is that the MCS looks better with the rear fogs than without.
d) A bank of toggle switches has an empty spot if you don't get rear fogs. Some people buy them solely for this reason.

Anthracite Headliner:
This is a charcoal color headliner & pillars. Looks better than stock color with many interior combinations.

LSD:
Limited slip differential. Transfers power from a spinning drive wheel to the non-spinning wheel. This reduces the interference of the electronic ASC system that applies the brake to a spinning wheel or cuts engine power. Can cause the car to seem like it is bogging down on acceleration.

Those are the ones that come to mind. I may be forgetting some.

 

The LSD was one of the first options I selected. The rear fog lamps and anthracite headliner are still in the maybe category, but I've got time to mull it around.

Thanks for the info!!

 

I placed my order today.

Clubman S Chili Red with Black roof, Black leather, Chrome int and ext, Convenience Pkg, Cold weather pkg, sport suspension, LSD, Xenon, Rear fog lamps, white turn-signals.

 

Like it better without rear fogs... but thats just me

 

I'm with you on that one. I spent some time on MINIUSA.com comparing with and without the rear fogs. I just thought it looked better without the foglights.

 

Well, the deed is done...put down my deposit this evening.

 

So what did you get???

 

Sweet! There's just no way to avoid it once you do that test drive Lets hear more details...

 

MCS, '09 model, all black with white bonnet stripes. Limited-slip differential, sport suspension, arm rest, and a smile on my face.

 

Quick update: Just sold my Jeep Wrangler...there's no going back now!!

So excited. Even though I have MONTHS to wait. Will just make it that much better, right??