This might help someone who is trying to configure their new MINI. Just get a S model. I have a 08 coupe and I get 32+ mpg with about 7000 miles I got back in April. I really like my car a lot. I did a lot of research prior to ordering and had a budget of 25000 to spend. To keep it in that range I couldn't get too extravagant on the options so here is basically what I ordered(hope this helps)A few of the options that come up all the time seem to be rear fogs btw it will fill in all your switches CRUISE CONTROL GET THE MFSW Make sure these options are on your order I've seen people cancel thier order and start over for not ordering some of these options in the first place. ZENONS I sure like mine Anthracite headliner Cold weather pkg LSD DSC I think is standard now I also went with rain sensing wipers auto dimming mirror really cuts down on the glare. Again my budget was 25000. The one thing I missed though is a seat upgrade to get a lumbar seat you have to upgrade your seats to get it they would have been worth the exra money ...............Happy Motoring

 

I got the rear fog lights, because cars should have rear fog lights, I'm not too worried about full toggle banks or not.

I don't want cruise control, I want to drive the car, not it to drive me. So i've never got cruise control, or the MFSW, on any of the MINIs. I don't like Xenons on other cars, so I never bothered with those either.

We have got the Cloth/Leather seats (with lumbar support) in both the latest two, they're the most comfortable seats I've tried. All our MINIs also got automatic A/C I wouldn't do without that, it makes things much more comfortable.

Basically, there are no rules with regard to options, its all personal opinion. You can't say there is a MUST GET option.

 

See, to each his/her own!

Out of all the "must haves" you list, I only have one of them - the Xenons - and I feel like my car is totally perfect for me!

The rear fog lamps were absolutely not necessary to me to just get a cosmetic "toggle switch" upgrade.

Saw no necessity for the anthracite headliner and in Texas, you just don't need a cold weather package.

See, necessities for me were the steering wheel radio controls, full iPod hookups, bluetooth, and a sunroof (I've never had a car with one before and really wanted it.) I ended up with the rain sensing wipers, auto-dimming mirror, and a couple other things by default because they came in a package on the 2008 model. Now I will likely be spoiled, though, and will always have to have them on future cars!

So, it really is so personal customizing every detail of things you want on your Mini. Suggestions can be just that, suggestions. In the end, it's all about your personal preferences and the way you like things while toodling along in the driver's seat.

 

There is only one absolute necessity. Start with a MINI! Beyond that it is all personal preference.

 

When I made the decision to get a Clubman, I had a choice. Load up a "Justa" with all of the cool options that I have always wanted or get a base S. Went with the options. If I don't like it, I'll just trade after a couple of years (gotta love that resale value) and get an S. Or, give my wife the Clubman and go JCW Coupe... Hmmm...

 

I splurged on the lounge leather seats. On my 04 I have cloth, and I find it a bit rough. This will be my first car with leather seats!

 

Just remember that leather requires care to keep it supple. I got the mixed blue leather & black cloth. I've had full leather and it gets hot in the summer and cold in the winter. I got the heated seats to alleviate some of that too.
I got the rear fog light too... the MA sort of suckered me in by saying how the lonely toggle switch on the end would be missing. But I just like having little gadgets in the car. I miss my old '89 Mustang with its map light- an aimable chrome flashlight on the headliner, in addition to the dome light. It was awesome for reading maps and directions.

 

I like the way you think, we also wanted steering wheel controls, bluetooth, ipod, sunroof.

 

Same here. Some things we just wanted and others were just icing on the cake. The things my husband didn't negotiate on, was the Clubman S with 6 speed. For me it was the sunroof and MFSW and iPod hookup. Leather was definitely luxury.

 

The only necessity for us is the 6 speed also. Driving the Mini with a 6 speed manual is how GOD (or who or whatever you believe in) wants it.

My spouse HTClubman was not about to order the Clubman without the Sunroof.

 

Wait a minute... Mine is the perfect MINI - base model, Mellow Yellow, Covenience and Cold Weather packages and the $28.00 dismountable map light which is now sitting in my wife's FJ Cruiser because I needed the cigarette lighter for my electronic toys. All this for $21,700 which exceeded my budget and who the heck cares?