Does anyone know what's in this? My MINI is coming within the next week and I'm wondering if I should try have this thing removed if its not necessary.

I believe it may be floor mats, trunk mat and a leather care kit. If you shop ebay, you can get the floor mats for $50 and the trunk mat for $38, plus shipping.

Dump it.Much cheaper on ebay or aftermarket.

i agree...but i recall when i bought my MCS, i had to take to floor mates, i tried to remove it but they said no...

Are there other accessories you might rather have from the dealer? If the dealer is requiring you to purchase it, you can probably negotiate for something else as long as you spend the same amount of money.

thanks for the input.. i will see if they'll let me drop it or switch the accessories.

what about the interior protection package? any ideas on that one--i actually thought that'd be a better description name for the floor mats.

Any of these packages amount to dealer markup - they are not worth it, overpriced, and there is no way they should be able to force you to get anything you don't want (unless you already signed a contract agreeing to it I suppose). Anything they are doing can be done afterwards for less, and oftentimes the 'protection packages' dealers pimp are next to worthless anyhow.

I hope you can get out of it - you should be able to get your car at MSRP sans funny fees or add ons.

PS: Not only did we not pay for any weird fees or add-on, but we got free carpet floor mats from South Bay Mini in CA (which is the least any dealer can do IMHO since they are getting full MSRP after all..)

APP includes the mats, boot mat, cargo net (worthless), and locking wheel nuts. - $395

IPP includes seat & carpet treatment - $595

my MA said the APP and IPP were required... bummer, that's almost a $1000 markup.

there's also a auto armor paint pro added on ($595) <-- this one he says is not required. he says its a paint sealant/protectant w/ a 5 year warranty against fading, acid rain (i don't think we have this in hawaii), water posts.

i'm thinking i should decline the auto armor... does anyone have recommendations on if i should have the car protected by another means?

my first mini, i was able to get out of the protection packages.

the second one, not so lucky.

don't know much about that auto armor...i believe no matter what you get, you're gonna hafta take care of that paint...wash fairly regularly, wax n polish every so often, etc. i believe all modern paints already have a clear coat ontop, which provides pretty good protection.

one thing i am an advocate of is the clear bra for the front to protect from rock chips, especially if you plan on driving on the freeway out pearl city-kapolei side. inspect any fairly new car's hood/front, and you're bound to find chips in the paint. i learned after my first mini. had it installed the day i drove my 2nd one off the lot. a number of shops do it. tnt tinting is one. expect to pay $400+, including labor.

Paying for protection? That sounds like a mafia thing.

My Dealer (Otto's West Chester PA) threw in standard Cooper Rubber Mats for free (not the S insignia ones since they are actually more expensive) Personally if the dealer told me I had to take something as removable and redicilously priced as the APP or IPP. I would tell them the only thing I have to do is to go else where and he can stick the car up his rear (unless you are getting the convertable then they do have you over the barrell for availability). But with regard to the hardtop you may have to travel 100-200 miles to find the car you want but it is out there elsewhere most likely and Personally I think 200 miles is worth $400 - $900. Plus my guess is he give you a call after you have left and say "He talked to his manager and..."

Brian
Chili Red 06 S

Well, in Hawaii, if we traveled 100-200 miles, we'd be in the Pacific Ocean
The closest other MINI dealer is about 2400 miles
Ahh, the price we pay for living in Paradise