Hi guys, new to the forum. First of all thank you for all the great info, I have already gone from looking to buy a MCSCa and now have settled on a MCSa. I went down to my local dealer today and they did have a big inventory of 09’s but not exactly what I want. Based on my conversation with the salesman no surprise that I would have more wiggle room on something that they had in stock. Should I build or go for the good deal ? Crazy question I know, has anyone bought from stock and regretted it later.

Here is my build if I go for it, I would be grateful of any input especially if something looks wrong with the build

Thanks in advance

Lightning Blue Body Color
Convenience Package
Premium Package
6-Speed Auto w/Agitronic Mode
Rear Park Distance Control
Chrome Line Interior
Leather/Cloth: Pacific Blue
Computer Nav. System
Alarm System
10-Speaker.
Hi-Fi Sound System
Union Jack Mirror Caps

 

Build!

 

Welcome to NAM!! Yes, if you find a MINI on the lot that is close to what you want, sure buy it. There is no glory in ordering unless you want exactly what you want...no compromises...and that is not on the lot. Now that there is some wiggle room on price (virtually unheard of before) it seems even a better idea. In the end...given the number of options out there, I still seldom see a car on the lot that fits what I want (I tend to order fewer options...no packages), so I have ordered both of my MINIs. Good luck!!!

 

rethink the options you have selected.
Nav?
RearPark?
HiFi Downgrade?
Check these out on a vehicle before you order
You may decide you don't need the "packages" as well

 

Also, if you're building, keep in mind that there are some changes coming in 2009 - Lightning Blue is being replaced with Horizon Blue and, I think, the paddle shifting is going away in the 09 models. I'm not sure on the dates for those, but you might want to check with your dealer.

 

Thank you so much for your replies, looks like I'm going down the building route at some point this comming week. I did borrow and friends 08 MCSa this weekend for an extended "rest drive, using and reading the reports of the nav system on here its not the best so that was one I was thinking of dropping. Also I did not know about the lighting blue so thats good to know (guess im searching around to find what Horizon blue looks like). Is the audio upgrade that bad ? I have read some of the reports, is it not worth the $500.

Thanks again and please continue to point out any holes in the build Im thinking of and of course if I'm missing something.

 

I think the Lightning Blue is around until around March so you shouldn't have a problem with your color choice, your dealer can definitely tell you though.

For the nav, what's your main goal in getting the Nav system? If it's to have a GPS map in the car, then it's waaaay overpriced.

As for the audio, as I heard it from others on NAM, the "HiFi" system is more like "MidFi" for serious audio enthusiasts. Seemed like it's a reasonable buy if you want audio that's better than default, but it wasn't going to win any awards (like the bass being cut to the rear 16x9s; but that's with either system). In my build (in a couple months) I'm tentatively planning on the upgraded audio.

 

Thanks Cameroon, dumb question coming up. If I dont go for the nav system do you lose the iPod integration, I did like the idea of seeing my playlist ect on the screen

 

That's actually one of the things I was testing out on a JCW. If it were me, I would drop the NAV and pick up the 500 Bluetooth/iPod integration, that has a small adapter that plugs into two ports at the bottom of the center stack (below the switches there) and into the iPod. It charges the iPod and loads your playlists, artists, etc. and gives you control via the center controls just like the CD player.

I think they've got an "ipod only" dealer option, but I think that is just through the AUX port and doesn't offer control of the playlist etc. (I've got an iPhone, so the BT integration was a must).

The display obviously isn't as big as the NAV version would be, but I was actually pleasantly surprised. The display was easier to read and control easier to use than I was expecting. I don't make frequent changes to what's playing while I'm motoring anyway, so for me it will work great.

I would definitely check with your dealer and demo your iPod on a non-NAV car, they should have one with the Bluetooth/iPod integration I would think.

 

Thanks for the info. I was looking at the convenience package which I think does include the adaptor that you mentioned. That sounds fine and $2000 is $2000. I must admit the whole iPod intergration thing is really not that clear from the web site (or maybe its just me )

Do the rest of the specs look ok ?

 

It's not just you, the iPod/iPhone integration with the various systems is not clear at all from the online information. Like the Bluetooth integration information (at miniusa.com/bluetooth) says that it does not load the contacts from the SIM for the iPhone. It does load your iPhone address book though, so who knows what they mean.

If your dealer has a car on the lot with the Chrome Line Interior and one with the Anthracite Headliner, you might want to take a look at those. I was planning on the Chrome Interior as well, but my MA was trying to convince me to get the headliner instead (same price). I couldn't imagine how it would really be worth it, given that I'd have a sunroof and all. He was saying that the Chrome Interior just doesn't stand out much and I said "Ok, well, let's go take a look." Turns out that the car I'd been sitting to test the iPod stuff had the Chrome Line Interior - I hadn't even noticed that it did.

I'm going to be getting the Pacific Blue upholstery with the Piano Black surface, so the Anthracite (which is black basically) headliner will tie into that.

Don't take my word for it though, check 'em out yourself I haven't owned a Mini yet either and there a lot of options that just come down to preference.

 

For comparison, and 'cause my friends & family are tired of hearing about my future car , here's what my build's looking like:

MCS
Laser Blue w/ White Roof
Premium and Cold Weather packages
Manual
Anthracite Headliner
HiFi audio upgrade
iPod/Bluetooth integration
Rear Fog Lamps - $100 and completes the bumper and fills in what would otherwise be a "hole" in the dash switches
DTC and LSD (yes, both though I'm not 100% set on the LSD)

Sure the dealers want you to buy off the lot, but I figure, given a car with the number of options that you can choose and that getting "deals" for off the lot cars is rare, why settle for something that almost matches what you want?

 

Now that you bring up the iPod /bluetooth issue, for me it came down to reading of all the problems people were having with this adapter or that ,the charging questions, accessibility for all systems. For me, I came to the conclusion that the gadgets would distract me from driving, and I complain of others doing these things on the road while they should be driving. The technology is evolving all the time and there will be new phone connectivity options soon enough. But to each their own, and I am sure you will be lovin' whatever you end up with.

 

Make sure you add the following at the dealer, or you will regret it later:

Rear Fog Lamps
Anthracite Headliner
MFSW

Congrats and good luck

 

I think, for any ipod/bluetooth integration questions the only solution is to try it out at the dealer before selecting the option. I'm 100% glad that I did, since it confirmed that everything worked as it was supposed to.

Also, for the audio stuff - here's a thread you might want to check out: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...tem-specs.html

They didn't come to any overall conclusions, but it seemed like the standard "OEM stuff sucks compared to what you can get aftermarket." - which is true, but didn't really compare the two systems. It does have the specifications though, including total power output, so that might help if you're on the fence about the audio.

 

I don't know, there's something to be said for instant vs. delayed gratification!

You don't say where you are, but our local MINI dealer (Baron MINI in KC) has probably 60 new cars of all types and stripes on the ground right now, so not only could you get a car now and start enjoying it right away, you might be able to save some green along the way.

 

Wow I cant imagine what a mess I would have been at the dealer without you guys So this is where I think I'm at :

MCSa
Black Roof/Mirrors
Lightning Blue Body Color
Cold Weather Package
Convenience Package
Premium Package
Rear Fog Lamp
6-Speed Auto w/Agitronic Mode
Anthracite Headliner
Leather/Cloth: Pacific Blue
Alarm System
Interior Surface Piano Black
Hi-Fi

Union Jack Mirror Caps
Sport Stripes - black

 

Ditch the alarm system. They are annoying as hell and nobody pays attention to them anyway. They were a great idea at first but should be relegated to the same rubbish bin as the "Baby On Board" signs.

 

I notice you didn't say "sunroof" but I know it is in the Premium package. It does add a little weight, take up a little Ceiling height, and may be a little less rigid due to the loss of a little sheer strength. Do a Search for it as there were some issues regarding opening, amount of light. These are all things to consider where you plan to drive the car, track,street,mountains or desert...

 

MINIdave, I'm in the Easy Bay in Northern CA

Fly'n Brick I know what you mean about the alarm, its funny I swapped cars with a friend who has a MCSa to test drive this weekend and my car (which has an alarm) got broken into at her house. Also I like the use of rubbish are you a fellow transplant like me ?

Surfink, my wife(for different reason of course) just said do you need the sun roof ?, get the Union Jack on top.

 

I have all three main packages, the nav, rear backup and more. Perfectly happy with all!!! Main advice is to get any that can only be installed at the factory now, you won't be able to add them later!!! I believe it was the last two sections which had components that could be added later!! Have fun choosing!!
PS the nav is much more than a navigation system, it's integrated with a couple of the other functions like the rear parking and so on, well worth it!!

 

No transplant. The same old weed in the same corner of the garden for the past 60+ years. Two excuses, though: We hosted an AFS exchange student from NZ a few years ago and have made two trips to same since and love the place, a bit of the culture stuck. (Sure wish we had a MINI while driving all over that place! There are dang few straight roads.) Second, a rather churlish rejoinder to the "Motion to cease and desist the 'faux Brit speak'" forum.

 

The official start production for Horizon Blue is 01/09 Lightning Blue stops 01/09. There will most likely be a slight overlay as there was for Astro Black and Midnight Black, but order soon. I got the HiFi and love it, but I am not an audio-phile. I at first got the alarm, but was talked out of it; all it does it make sound.
Purchasing the Mini alarm gives you:
1)A beautiful, flashing red light on the tachometer top.
2)A movement sensor INSIDE the MINI, so AFTER someone breaks a window, the alarm will go off. The flashing red light is to deter a thief.
All MINI's have an engine immobilizer.

Most of all have fun, welcome to the insanity and good luck

 

Well its crazy how fast things move, just got back from the dealer and I pulled the trigger. Thank you all so much for your help and suggestions. I looking at a delivery date towards the end of Feb

 

Oo, congrats! So what did you end up ordering, after all of the discussion?

And welcome! Did you buy from East Bay? That's where my MINI is from (we refer to East Bay as "The Mothership" )!