I am looking to purchase a Hard Top Cooper and I need help figuring out which options are essential and why or why not.

 

Xenon headlights. They provide vast amounts more light, and have less glare for oncoming traffic.

 

+1! I never had a vehicle with Xenon headlights before and now I'll never have one without them.

Cold WX package if you're in a cold climate...the seat heaters are money!

 

Sit in the S and see if you like the sport seats, they are an inexpensive option for the base cooper. I would also say the upgrade audio system but that might just be me.

 

It's easy to option these cars. Definetly the zenons,cold weather pkg. Cruise control, rear fog, auto dim rearview mirror, possibly the adaptive headlights. The op suggested the sport seats I'd check them out I got mine with cloth. The leatherette feels clammy to me. I have an 08 s and thought about a base at the time but after comparing the standard equipment like the sport seats.spoiler,interior difference alloy wheels and the turbo the s really wasn't that much more. I built mine for 25,000 and overall very happy with it. Again easy to put a lot of options on. Just think it through like you are doing so 6 months from now you're not saying I wished I would've gotten........ you are going to configure an awesome Mini

 

Xenon is definitely up there. It was one of my primary qualifications when looking for my used MCS.

 

Definitely the cold weather package if you live in the North. Also, cruise control is nice if you're buying a 6 speed. I also have the Harmon Kardon package and it sounds great!! I don't know if this is an option in the later models.

 

Get the Arm rest, it is worth every cent for comfort.

 

 

Nope, you have to get the multifunction steering wheel

 

Does the s come standard with cruise control?

 

Auto air, xenons are my top two needs. Also necessary is an upgraded sound system, the base is just that...base, the upgrade would be nice not quite a deciding factor.

 

Auto air is a waste of money

 

Not to some people. I hate having to constantly adjust the setting to keep it the right temperature. Maybe some people like it and prefer it; a waste is not quite how I see it.

 

I had thought cruise was standard too... is it not for the non-S?

I vote for the rain sensor. It is one little thing I really wish I had... the wipers always seem too fast or too slow. I also have the cold weather pkg, which isn't something I would have ordered (I picked one on the lot)... but I am so glad I have it. Never thought I would love it so much. I am also still quite sad I don't have Connected.

 

Heated seats(I'm in Georgia, but still love them when I need them, worth every penny!).
Xenons
Upgrade to Harmon Kardon sound.
I'm also pretty partial to the garage door opener, I hate having to keep a remote in the car.
White turn signals.
I like the auto air in my '11 much more than the '06. It is vastly improved functionality wise.
Annette

 

Cloth seats depending on your climate. I have leatherette and would strongly consider cloth next time. Cruise control although I now understand that it is standard. In 2008 it was an option. Cold weather package may not be neccessary if you have cloth, but, consider it. The stereo speakers are not the best in the standard form. You can buy aftermarket headlights at any "K" rating and color with standard wattage so I'm not sure of the value there. Sorry xenon lovers! The cars are pretty loaded with safety and comfort features in base form. Depends on what you are willing to spend, how you want to look and climate I would say. Mine is very basic with cruise, fluid silver interior and stripes. I have not needed or wanted for anything more than what I have. I am comfortable and the car performs. I do not have to worry much about things failing either. The "standards" are very good. Good luck!

 

If I was to buy a new car or even my next used car, they will be factory. I no way shape or form do I want to look like some pimple faced high school kid rocking the "Vtec" lifestyle and 10,000K drop in HIDs that blind all those around me. No only is adding HIDs after the factor illegal, its silly looking, and dangerous. I understand out cars have less glare than most but it is still wrong and does not make it right. So $500 from the factory is a small price to pay for better equipment (not a $39 china kit) and auto leveling.

 

i would pick xenons any day over those horrible lights.. i hate having to look past those on the road and im a kid.... i still have my eye sight

 

I don't have xenons. I've never had them so I don't miss them. I do require cold weather package and sunroof.

My previous MINI was loaded to the gills. I had to keep costs lower the 2nd time around, so I went with much less. The one that I did have before that I don't have now that I truly miss is Sirius/XM. I slightly miss the auto climate and auto dimming mirror but not as much as Sirius/XM.

 

XENONS !

It's the one thing our MA suggested that we had never heard of, glad he did.

But essential, heck the whole MINI is not "essential".

 

i would take mini connect over sirius anyday... i hate sirius with a passion

 

This is my first car with Sirius (w/harmon karden) and it's great -- being an "old guy" I can not live without 50's on 5. The climate control is pretty nice, no cold air blasting you when you take off and hardly notice it's on. I have the sport seats with panther black leather and they are so much better than the standard with leatherette. I do miss the rain sensing wipers, they are a nice feature.

 

Another vote for Xenons (Adaptive if you can) and the upgraded audio.

I love my auto-dimming side mirrors, too but you need to get the auto-dimming rear-view mirror and powerfold mirrors, that adds up to $1000.

Also if you're planning to really add options, do consider the turbo - it comes with sport seats, front fog lamps, rear spoiler,16" wheels and better brakes.

 

Yay I was gonna say just upgrading to s is the best upgrade for your money