Hello all of you MINIac's! Well, first off, obviously I'm not *too* new to the forum....but cannot yet order a MINI (lack of money, only 16!). Anyway, I *hope* to get an 06' order in before they stop production. So my question is....which one of these MCS' do you think is spec'd better for the money. Obviously, the cheaper the better, but I still wanted a loaded MCS and don't want to regret not getting something.

Here it goes!

06’ Checkmate MCS

Paint it:
HB/S

Packages:
Premium pack (Sunroof, MFSW, Auto AC, On board comp)

Cold pack (Heated front seats, heated mirrors, and heated washer jets)

Checkmate pack (DSC, Checkmate int., Xenon’s, fog lamps, 17” Flame Spoke wheels (205/45R17), Leather steering wheel, space blue dash, bonnet stripes, checkmate graphics)

Performance:
DSC
Front Fog lamps
Xenon’s w/power washers
LSD
Rear fog lamp
Auto wipers/headlamps

Cockpit:
Heated front seats
Auto AC
Dual pane sunroof
On-board comp
MFSW
Anthracite Headliner


$26,800



06’ MCS

Paint it:
HB/B

Packages:
Premium pack (Sunroof, MFSW, Auto AC, On board comp)

Sport pack (DSC, bonnet stripes, Xenon’s w/power washers, front fog lamps, 17” S-lites (205/45R17))

Cold pack (Heated front seats, heated mirrors, and heated washer jets)

Performance:
DSC
Front fog lamps
Xenon’s w/power washers
LSD
Rear Fog Lamp

Cockpit:
Heater front seats
Lapis Blue interior
Interior surface Hyper Blue
Auto AC
Dual Pane Sunroof
On-board computer
MFSW
Anthracite Headliner


$27,300

Which one would you go for, #1 or #2?
Thanks! Any help will be greatly appreciated.
-Cody

Edit* How do I make a poll after starting a thread?

Edit2* I also thought I was dead set on HB/B....but having seen all of these pics of MINI's I just don't know what to choose! Cincinnati MINI is only 10min from my house, thank god! I can always go there whenever I want to checkout the colors. I love HB, because I love blue in general. I also think I might like a blacked out MINI.....or maybe the complete oposite and get something like PW that is cheaper and doesn't show dirt.....AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Go for #2. The checkmate package seems to me like a waste. I like HB/W and I like the HB interior. The flame spoke wheels are blah and if you really like the graphics you can have them put on. the only thing that I like about the checkmate is the steering wheel. It looks cool.

You had better hurry, there REALLY is not much time left of order a car.

Motor On

 

Not much time! Looks like I'll HAVE to either find a used 06' or go for the 07'. :(

-Cody (thanks for the imput)

I have one more question: Is it cheaper to buy the packages, rather than the items individual? I mean, would I be better off going with something like option #2 and getting the Premium, Sport, and Cold, instead of just getting the Premium and Cold, then adding the rest?

 

Blockh102 is right - don't get the Checkmate. I don't want to see any out there with the same packages that I have. Course mine is SB, so maybe they are not completely the same.
Personally, I like the flame spokes - I have them mounted with the snow tires. At the time I ordered the Checkmate, I could only order them with the performance runflats.
I get alot of positive comments on the Checkmate package - it was a toss up between AB with the red tartan interior and the full on Checkmate. Since I'm partial to the color blue, Checkmate it is. I will say this though, the silver cloth on the seats will get dirty and I'm having a hard time cleaning them.

Good luck!

 

Thanks guys, keep em' coming!

 

I vote for #2... just because I'm partial to a black roof

 

I'm off to work for now! Gotta get some more money so I can actually stop dreaming about it and have it!

-Cody

 

Bump, anyone else have any input?

-Cody

 

#2, minus the Cold Package and rear fog light. Saves ya $400. Take out the Lapis Blue interior and you'll save even more.

Also, I've been told by two of my local dealerships that you can still order an '06 until late August/early September. Check with your dealer to be sure.

 

Hrmm...I highly doubt I'll be able to get one on order before then. I could save $1,900 by dropping the int. and cold pack (with the rear lamp).....BUT then I wouldn't have the exact MINI I want, now would I!? I figure, if I'm spending that much anyway, and ordering one....I mise well get exactly the MINI I've dreamed of for 3 years...

Cold pack is a must up here in Ohio. I'm not sure about Va, but in the winter's I have to wear gloves, coats, hats, etc. to keep warm....I would rather get the cold pack for $300 and be toasty warm! And can you retro fit the rear fog lamp? $100 does seem like a lot for a fog lamp....but Imho, it completes the look and helps people see the MINI better. And it just looks cool....

-Cody

Oh, and I *could* drop the LSD for $500, but who would want to do that!? All of these will hopefully help when (god forbid) it comes time to sell (ahh, no way I'm thinking of selling, I don't even have one yet! But I am talking *hopefully long* years down the road).

 

I, like you, drove myself crazy trying to whittle out any and all features that i could live without.

Here's 1 tip: I dropped the premium package but kept the MFSW and sunroof. cost = $1150. you lose the OBC and auto-climate control (but i didn't want either of those) but you save $250.

EDIT: I'd keep the LSD for sure

 

Option 2 seems more appealing to me.

 

I'm deffinitly leaning towards option #2. There is a friend of mine that is going to do some research and see what prices and used MCS' are going for. I'll let you guys know. I'm just praying I can order one before they stop production!

-Cody

 

Alright, I have yet another delema guys! My truck is currenty crapping out on me....so I'm in a situation where I can buy a MINI now....but there are also downsides.

My father does not want me to get an S, simply because it's more expsensive and it's Supercharged.

He wants me to either find a used MC or buy a brand new MC now. Sure, new car, Great! But it's not what I want, and why spend $20k on a car that I'm 100% I'm regret getting?

Buy a used MCS. Currently I'm looking at two MCS':

03' MCS, IB/B - Cold pack, stock everything else, NO SUNROOF! (AHHHH) That is a BIG HIT. I've never owned a car with a sunroof, so should I pass up the relitivly good deal ($18,400 OBO, 19,500 miles) and try to get the sunroof, or get the car now, and drive it for 1-2 years until hopefully I can (if I still love MINI's, by then) get an 08' or 09' new MCS?

The other MCS is an 02' DS/W, don't know what packages though. 40k miles, has seen winters (the 03' has NEVER seen winters) and he wants $17,800 for it.

The only plus I can see of getting the 02' is black interior and the sunroof. The DS/W one has the sunroof, which the 03' does not. The 03' also has the "space grey" leather, which I don't hate, but dislike very much. And as for that, I think I would get used to it....but I don't know.

Ahhhh!!!! Which one!?? I've told my dad over and over again I don't want a regular MC, and just an FYI, I'm paying for EVERYTHING on this car, so wasting $18-20k obviously is not an option.

Remember, I think the 03' is a better deal, BUT what about the sunroof? And like I said, I'll probably sell it in 1-2 years. Another thing is the 03' has a warrenty left for a little while, and it's a year newer car. By the time I would purchase the 02', the warrenty would be gone.

Thanks! I hope to be a MINIAC soon!
-Cody

BTW: If anyone is wondering, dealer markup is 12% on MINI's. Cheers!

 

Update: I just went to go see the MINI and check it out.

Pros:

Color I want (IB/B) Indi Blue/Black

Only 20k miles

MCS like I want

DSC/auto AC and Cold Pack

Stiff clutch, and he is a truck driver (kinda hill billy ish) so he KNOWS how to drive a manual car

$18k cash (trade out for him)

Cons:

No Sunroof

No Xenon's

No Anthracite Headliner

Dirty! Needs to be cleaned....I have a feeling he wasn't a MINIAC...

Unsure about:

"DIY" tint job on the back. It had bubbles, etc. Tint shade looked great, but not so much for the job done!

It had Cloth seats! I was sure it was leather....but I found out they were cloth. I'm unsure as to if this is a pro or con. I do love the leather seats, but the cloth seats "sat" you inplace better, but the color I'm unsure of (silver) and the comfort was ok, but less than the leather.

Anything else I should check out? If I do purchase this MINI, should I run it down to Cincinnati MINI and have them run the codes? I had someone run me a carfax report and they said it came back clean.


Summary: Basicly, I like the car but is it straight out forth $18k for?

03' MCS
IB/B
Cold Pack
Auto AC
DSC
NO SUNROOF
Cloth seats (heated)

Everything else is stock.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
-Cody

BTW Guys: I took my friend up to look at the car. Note, he has never liked MINI's and think's there a girls car, ugly, small, underpowered, etc. Also note, he drives a Mustang!

Anyway, we got up there and he sat in it a said "I want this." That made my day! He told me he just wanted to whip it around! He turned over the car (started it) and he commented on the very nice exhaust note it had.

Hopefully that will be a start of my many MINI adventures!

 

I was gonna say definitely get the rear fog since it's just $100 but you've already buzzed right on past that

 

Yea, well I didn't expect my truck to start crapping out, and it's also a saftey hazard. Brake lines leak, it's old, tires suck (sqeal at 10mph around a turn), 114k miles, and it doesn't have ABS - thus I almost hit another car when it was raining (I was leaving plenty of room, I'm a good driver) and the car infront of me stopped suddenly....without ABS my truck slide back and worth (once almost in the oncoming lane into a car).

-Cody

 

It's difficult to chime in on some options because:
1. Location plays a part in what you may want (ie. heated seats in Florida?)
2. Personal preference and driving style.
Having qualified my suggestions, and disclosing I'm in central KY, here's some thoughts.
1. Don't give in and buy a MC. While I'm sure they are great cars, you seem to be more after the perfomance piece. I drove both before purchasing (took delivery late February) and it was a no brainer. I don't mean to offend any MC owners but the reason most owners cite for their choice is gas mileage and driveability in city traffic. I can't give a opinion on daily driving in city traffic since I don't have to deal with that.
2. Most of the cars I've owned (about a dozen) have had sunroofs. After a couple weeks, they were never used. None of the cars had a sunroof like the Mini's but, I doubt that would have made a difference.
3. When I ordered mine I wanted cloth seats, as opposed to leatherette, but it added about a month to the delivery date. Something about low stock in cloth (still not sure about that one.) My reason for wanting cloth was to avoid the burning sensation of getting into a car that's been sitting in 100 degree heat - you know the OUCH! effect. Settled on leatherette. Definately didn't want real leather because I've never had luck keeping it looking great.
4. DSC was a must, LSD wasn't. Not much snow around here so LSD wasn't woth the extra $.
5. Heated seats: Never had them, cold seats haven't caused any pain, didn't get em.
6. Xenon headlights are nice, there on mine, but can't see them being a big factor in your decision.
7. Auto AC: The manual controls are right at your fingertips.
8. On board computer: The main reason it's on mine is because I didn't like the location of the speedometer in the middle of the car (to easy for my wife and 17 year old daugher to let me know I'm going to fast) however, I like the information provided by the additional gauges.
9. Tint can be taken off and re-done even though it can take time to do it correctly.
Hope this helps. Whatever you end up with, as long as it's a Mini, you will be happy. Good luck.

 

Thanks Hud. I've decided to go for it. The guy should have all of the paper work and everything worked out by Wensday. So soon I'll be a proud owner of an 03' IB/B MCS and I'll be sure to post pics when I get it. Like I said, the car is VERY dirty, so I will also be taking before/after pics of the car.

After waiting 3 years for a MINI, I can't wait to finally motor. I'm very excited at this point, BUT I'm still weary, and will be until I have the keys and it's mine!

Cheers! Motor On!
-Cody

Oh, and another quesion: I was wondering if someone could make me a sig MINI logo that says Indi Blue on it. Like this but instead of saying "Hyper Blue" it will say "Indi Blue" It can be the same color text, because IB and HB are so close. Oh, and I need the roof black!
THANKS!



Sneak peak of teh MINI:

 

Great to see you're joining the Mini club. If it's any consolation, your wait hasn't been the longest. I've wanted one since the first car magazine reviews. As you can see, it took 5 years.
As far as cleaning it up, there are lots of cleaning tips posted elsewhere on NAM's website. I was amazed at how detailed (pardon the pun) these are. Had a problem with residual white wax on the fender skirts and thought no-one could give good advise. Wrong! There were multiple strings just on this subject alone (btw, peanut butter worked.) Sure there is help out there to get your new car looking "new" again.
As far as the sticker, I've seen people on NAM who can do it but you may want to post your question outside of 1st gear.

 

Sorry, had to go back and look at the location. Under "Forum" go to "detailing 101."

 

Glade to see it is going to happen for you polizei. If you still want a ride at the May 28 AUTOX look me up the offer still stands even if you enter.

 

Oh heck yea I do! My parent's are going "Restricive" on me.....! They're trying to tell me I have to leave the license plate on....and I can't mod it till it's payed for! I think going from a 93' Dodge Dakota truck to an MCS......I think I'll be fine for a while in the power-wise state.

Draggonmann, hopefully my parent's will sign off to let me ride along with you. I'll deffinitly be there in my MCS, but my parent's will not let me run...obviously until I pay them (they are loaning me the $7k instead of "through the bank" so I won't have to pay as much interest)! Needless to say I already have my list of mods!

-Cody

 

Can't wait to see it. If your parents want to they can talk to me about it. I take my boys for rides so if I didn't think it was safe they wouldn't be in the car with me.

 

Cool! I'll be sure to tell them! Oh my god I can't wait....I've been waiting just under an hour "knowing" that I'm getting the car for sure.....I cannot comprehend waiting the long wait to buy a new one! OMG I think I would roll over and seize up....!LOL!

-Cody

Edit* Dragon, did you go to the Cincinnati MINI event today at the dealer? I went with my dad and he fell in love with Hyper Blue.....Looks like he had fun, and looks like he is liking the cars a little bit more.

Oh, and a funny thing...my mom thinks she can take it whenever she wants! AHHHHAHAHAH I would be SOOOOOOOOO pissed! I told her the comp. notes all of the milage, but do the 03's have the comp? And if it was an option, how do I figure out if this one comes with it or not?

Edit2** Dragon, are you cominig to the ones on the 20th and 21st?