Getting ready to pull the trigger.....

I amchallenged with finding the "have to have" versus the "nice to have". I'm not too concerned with color, but do find others retrofitted with upgrades that are more striking on certain colors.

My questions are: Premium versus Sport package? I've found one with the sport package and other than the headlights, I'm not too excited about the upgrade on wheels. I'll be putting new shoes on and don't see the need for OEM wheel upgrade. Any suggestions on shoe size - 16, 17 or 18? Not sure if lowering will be an option.

Also the only enhancement on the premium is the sunroof/moonrood. I live in Texas and the top will stay closed most of the time. So....is it worth it? Pros. vs. cons? Any weight difference with moonroof versus non-moon?

Sorry for the long dialog - it's important for me to choose the right vehicle as I'll be handing it to my daughter in a few years.

Thanks for the responses....

Texas Cooper

 

I would use aftermarket tires and wheels. They are generally less expensive, better selection, and you choose the quality. And a big you get to keep the oem tires and wheels (sell them and reduce your cost even more).

Try:
Tire Rack -- http://www.tirerack.com/
Discount Tires -- http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/home.do
Both sites have cool feature where you seen the wheels pictured on your car.

 

Schedule a 2pm test drive in a car with the premium package.






I did, and ordered mine with the solid roof/no premium package.



Maybe you're ok with it... but when we went under an underpass, and the car became cooler for that couple seconds, I knew that wasn't the choice for me.

 

Texas Cooper,

I was in your shoes not so long ago. I played with the Mini USA configurator for months. I convinced my self that I had to have a Clubman with the Sport Package, the Cold Weather Package, and Limited Slip Differential. I didn't want the premium package because it just fruff fruff stuff. This all
before I actual driven a mini or really looked at one in person (besides the ones I saw in parking lots). One week after I discovered the new mini dealer in my area. After a two test drives One Cooper S with Automatic and one with 6-speed. Brought one home. I ended up with a Mini Cooper S, 6-spd, Premium Package, Heated Seats, 16" rims. I'm thrilled. The dealer didn't have one with my criteria (Sport, and Cold Weather). That became meaning less after I drove the 6-spd. Sure I would like the 17" rims, but the black 16" rims look great too. I've also enjoyed the sunroof, the one I thought I didn't need.
These cars come nicely equipped and preform well as base models, the rest of the stuff is like icing on the cake.

Here's my newborn she's 4 days old