Aftermarket add-ons/doodads - what's really useful?
 

Now that my clubman is here (pick it up Monday), I can start indulging in aftermarket stuff but I'm not sure what's really useful :thumbsup: or over-hyped :no: - For instance:
Glove box organizer
Console rubbers
Console organizer
others...

That's a good question..I would like to know as well

((awaiting input...)):nod:

Wow, that is sooo subjective,

for example my concept of useless is the stereo, unless for some bizarre reason I get stuck in traffic, power windows -- really who cares?, A/C -- steals power, mood lighting -- christ interior lighting at all, in fact all the comfort crap, yea, I really need power door locks, a sunroof adds massive amount of useless weight.

Important stuff to add:

Suspension parts, shocks, struts, stabilizer bars, tower supports, stiffer springs, etc

Engine pieces: intake, exhaust, intercooler, piping, gauges, ECU, ceramic coatings, improved internals

The list of what is important depends entirely upon why you own car, and what you want out of it.

Well if you're asking like what kind of stuff you want in the interior of your car after you buy it, I would suggest some basic travel items (road side kit, maybe a first aid kit).

Additionally, I bought a flashlight for my car that fits in the lighter socket LED Lighter Socket Flashlight

For the center console I did get a Center Console Storage Liner for that, I just didn't like having stuff rattle around down there.

I also switched out the interior lighting with LEDs.

You of course have a lot of options and there's plenty of external and internal modifications / additions you can put on your car.

Pick up an 1/8" cable to attach an MP3 player (if you have one) to the aux jack. $5 as opposed to whatever they get you for the ipod jack.

The center console tray is pretty useful, thats the only thing i have on your list...

console rubbers, and glovebox tidy!:thumbsup:

I got the glovebox organizer with my Cooper S. I find I don't carry all that much in there so I stopped using it. I don't have change and other loose ends rolling around so I didn't bother with the rubber trays. I got the little "extra shelf" that fits below the toggle bank. A Scangauge II is a nice add-on as well.

The sun shade is a good idea too.

I found the factory glove box organizer didn't fit properly, so I returned it. GoMiniGo.com has a much better one. I use it and find it useful. User manual and papers fit on the bottom. Tire pressure gauge and other odds & ends on top. I also have their third brake light pulsar, and no-holes license plate holder. :thumbsup:

Not sure about the Clubman, but the boot box for the Coupe is great for grocery bags.

I like the rubber console box.

A standard upgrade is for a stubby antenna.

IMO, the clear vinyl headlight and foglight protection is a good idea. MINIs seem to attract rocks.

If you like leather, I've installed a Wheelskins steering wheel cover, and Redline leather shift boot, ebrake boot, and door armrests. I think they are all excellent enhancements. The boots look much better with my knobs than the cheap vinyl factory stuff.

You can replace the interior lights with LEDs from FastMINI.net. The come in red, blue, or white. I've installed red to preserve night vision for astronomy star parties.

Ditto on the rubber console box and boot box. I think they're both great.

I bought the alactantra shift boot and ebrake boot before I received my car. I thought the vinyl would look awful. It really isn't bad and I'm still trying to decide if I should swap them.

I like that wheelskins cover - am getting it in red & Black!! Thanks for the info.:thumbsup:
Now - about the boot - redline looks great but those swapping instructions are intimidating for a clutz like me...:sad:
The gominigo organizer was the one I was interested in since it comes in red :o
Thanks for the info Robin :nod:

Robin and XerXes where did you get your boot box? Also, is it well made, and is there a way to stash the box cover if you need to put something in the box that doesn't allow for the cover to fit properly? I've seen boxes like this where the top can not fit in the back of the vehicle unless it is on the box.

Thanks,

Well, I got the wheelskins cover. What a pain in the patootie. It doesn't FIT!!!:mad:
After lacing it halfway, 3 times, it keeps creeping while you go so had to re-start and re-place it. Then when I finally got to the end, there was too much left and it bunches up, 3/4"-1" too much cover - Not a happy camper!!

The one I'm talking about doesn't have a cover. It is an open box that reminds me of a camera bag. It is black nylon cloth covering some flexible material. It fits in the recessed bottom of the boot with the net loops pressing in on it somewhat. It doesn't fill the full width so there is room for the use of one of the triangular cargo nets at one end. I keep a Continental Tire ContiComfortKit (slime compressor for flats) there.

Like a camera bag, the box has dividers that are attached with velcro so you can place them where you want for different items. It will hold four grocery bags.

This is a MINI accessory available from your dealer, and possibly from a number of NAM vendors. I think you can find a small picture in the MINI Configurator.

I didn't have any trouble with mine. These things need to be tight so they have a snug fit. I found the one Acura sold for my Integra to be more difficult to install.

My Center Console Organizer just got here for $25, I thought it would be more substantial. Oh well, it should work just fine though. We'll S@@ Saturday!!! :thumbsup: