What is everyone's feeling on the Premium Package? Is it something worth getting?

 

Certainly, if it's something you want. I chose to pass on it, debated sunroof back and forth, and ultimately said it's the one thing I really don't want any more, and rarely use (had a dual pane sunroof in 2 of my last 3 cars), also hate the added creaks. Many people swear by the HK, I'm not an audiophile, and thought the base system sounded just fine. But I think if you want those its a must.

 

I'm glad I got it. I was on the fence as well, because I rarely used the sunroof in my old car (Honda Accord) The sunroof in the MINI is much nicer. It's quieter, lets in more light, and does a better job of blocking out the wind than the past one. I use it all the time now.

HK is personal preference. I am not an audiophile, so I don't really notice it.

I like the temp control - it keeps me from messing with the temperature all the time in the car.

 

If you load stuff on the roof all the time, dirty bikes or kayaks, you risk damage to a sunroof.

 

Well, I have to ask if this is the Lola Falana and is she really purchasing a Countryman? And, if so, I seriously doubt Miss Falana would hesitate on buying premium.

 

Using the default heat/cool controls on several test drives led us to add the automatic temperature control to our CM.

We've had years of experience in sun/moon roofs and passed on that option. For us they tend to have problems over the long term.

The default audio system worked for us, so we passed on the HK upgrade (we did bring along familiar CDs for test drives).

 

My two cents:

I don't want to own a car without a sunroof. Maybe a drop top, which is the ultimate sunroof -- but likely only as a second vehicle, unless I move somewhere with a more topless-friendly climate. ;o)

And I'll have to agree with what everyone else says about automatic climate control negating the endless fidgeting. Ambiguously useless "sorta warmer and sorta cooler" *****, slides, levers and switches seem so stone age.

Icing on the cake is the Harman-Kardon audio upgrade. I had a supposedly one-of-a-kind Dolby-certified surround system in my old RDX and it didn't image music as well as the Countryman does.

It's a helluva way to spend $1750, but hey, it's only money, right? :D

 

Picked up my car last night and it's nasty! Glad I got everything I got!!

 

We decided against it. Mostly to keep the cost down but I test drove a CMS with the base sound system and thought it sounded fantastic (but I admit, I'm not much of an audiophile). I do have a pang about not getting the sunroof - I really went back and forth with that one but I hardly use the one I have now and the Mr. didn't want it so...we'll see.

 

As for me, it's a Must.

When I had the car for a day, the controls for standard AC interface was less than impressive, especially the rotation type temperature and strength control. Not intuitive and easy to control. I also prefer the look of Auto unit.

Pano. I read a lot of people complained about rattle/cracking etc, also the mesh cover is bit of a concern... but it won't stop me from getting it. Provide nice lighting and openness when wanted. Love opening it up for Sunday morning drive or late afternoon/sunset ride. Such a pleasure. It also might make me take the back seat instead of driver's seat from time to time so that I can enjoy the spectacular view (especially in downtown)

HK. The sound quality is a definite improvement over standard audio system. I do need club (or concert) on wheels from time to time.

So... are you set on MINI now? no X3?

 

I have lived for some time with severe sunroof jealously, so there was no question. I also really, really like having good sound reproduction (not necessarily volume) on music when I drive. Add to that the temperature select, after years of fiddling with the dial on my Jeep and the whole package was an absolute must for me.