Super excited to be officially joining the MINI family in a few weeks. I have submitted the build to the dealership and we're working out the price and incentives now.

I probably would have gone for a 2018, but with all the options changing location on the 2019, I found it difficult to communicate with dealers. They weren't really up to date on changes. I'll admit, it's a little frustrating to research a car for a month, go to a dealership, and know more about the ins and outs than the dealers.
That said, I went with the 2019 S, Iconic Trim. Island Blue with the Satellite Grey interior. Pretty fully loaded. Parking Assist (a toy I'm incredible excited about, HUD, Technology Package (Super psyched CarPlay is going to allow WAZE in the fall!), and the silly My Mini illuminated dash (I'm a sucker for all the lighting effects in this car).

Coming from someone who's driven a Kia and a Saturn for the last 20 years...this is a dream come true car!

Just a few questions I have regarding everyone's experience. I'm going to lease because I don't need the miles and it's unlikely I'd drive this past the point of paying it off. Are any of you leasing? Have you signed up for a maintenance package? Any recommendations? Hard to gauge how much service these cars would need over a 36 month lease. My 6 year old Kia has had zero issues.
Anybody using the Parking Assist? Is it a gimmick for fun or does it get a workout in your car? I have the option of cutting some price off by taking an in stock 2019 they have. Almost same as the one I'm building, but no park assist.
Gas? Assuming I'm going to have to move out of the lowest end gas and go for one of the higher ones. Is everyone using the 91 for a car like this, or will 87 cut it? How/where do you feel that difference? For a lease, does that change your mind on gas knowing you're giving it up at the end of 3 years?
Overall thoughts on the car? I researched cars for a while and this seemed to meet all my requirements...which are rather simple. I'm not a fast driver, so the speed and handling will be a nice change of pace, but nothing I've really been seeking out. Mainly, I'm a technophile who is most concerned how the car looks and how many gadgets it has inside. That Island Blue and White combo is amazing in the looks department...as is the entire console inside the car. It certainly checks all my boxes.

Sorry for the rambling, just looking for any initial feedback, but I understand everyone's busy, so I don't expect a ton. Just happy to be joining the Mini family.

 

Welcome to NAM.

Great looking MINI.

 

In my '14 I've ALWAYS used 91 octane. I was told you could go with less, but you will not have the zip. I got the maintenance package on my '14 and it was nice to be able to walk in and get the car serviced and not have to pay for anything...to a point. My local dealer now has "recommended" services that they suggest you do at specific intervals. These were NOT covered by the maintenance package. So ask about what you package would cover and what it won't! The new countryman are TOTALLY different cars from the one I currently have...they seem much nicer with much better build quality. That being said, I have has ZERO major issues on my countryman and I now am over 96,000 miles. I'm looking to trade mine in on a CPO that is nearly identical to what you are planning to order (but no leather). Provided they have fixed the rattle issues I had in my '14, you will love your new MINI. Welcome to the family.

 

I have a 2018 All4S manual. I also went with the lease options since I don't drive a lot of miles. Also, if I really like the car I will buy it in the end. The residual value is less then what I would be able to buy it at used.

For Park assist... I find it useful at times in tight parallel parking situations.
If I'm not sure I'll fit I use it. If the spot has plenty of space its faster to go full manual and do it myself!

For gas put 91 in it since it's a turbo car. The thing is yah you can run 87 temporary but the motor will pull timing/ boost and you'll have a sluggish driving experience.

I think the manual says 89 as the minimum. Cars engine management systems are really smart today. I would think it'll be hard to cause any damage if you had to run the lower octane... but don't quote me on that.

 

Use the 89 minium most of the time and 91 or 93 for a special treat. Really don't notice a seat of the pants difference with any grade.

 

I have had other cars that required 91, and I put 87/89 and it had problems. With the Mini, I put 93 to avoid problems.

 

Welcome to the forum