Hello Everyone. So far I'm just a Mini owner wannabe. I've been building my on-line mini prior to ordering. I have a question about the accessories I'm thinking about ordering. These are the things that basically protect the finish from scratches:

Trunk protection (installation not incl.) $195
Magnetic Stone Guards (installation not incl.) $35
Invisishield: Bonnet Kit (installation not incl.) $142
Invisishield: Bumper Kit (installation not incl.) $135

I just wanted to know if these are worth getting or not. I'm sure prior threads have covered this subject exhaustively, so if someone could just direct me to the latest, I would really appreciate it.

Thanks.

 

I would say the magnetic stone guards work, but are ugly (they're black). And I would never pay for installation, they just stick magnetically to the car.

As far as the Invisishield goes, I think it's a good investment and lots of people get it...but you can get it less expensively by not going through the dealer. Call around to local tint shops and ask for clear bra pricing.

 

I think the a clear bra, whichever brand you choose, is worth having. I drive a lot. After only 2 years the front of my HB Mini was thickly speckled with white chip spots. After an unfortunate incident I had the opportunity to repaint the bonnet and add a clear bra. I like it much better than the speckled white look.

Sure, a nicely painted and polished front end without clear bra looks better than with a clear bra, but all of the paint chips that accumulated looked terrible.

 

I ordered everything you mentioned. I'd skip the ugly magnetic stone guards unless you're driving on a dirt road. I had the dealer install the invisishield so it would be perfect & it was. I'm happy with my build. BTW, I built mine 12 times on line & stayed with lucky number 13 & haven't looked back since! Have fun -- do it up front so you don't have to think of would of, could of, should of's

 

Thanks for the feedback, everyone. Has anyone gotten the trunk protection? I was thinking that would be good to have as I had the occassion where something I put in the back ended up scratching the plastic pretty bad.

 

I have the protection - it's on the exterior ledge of the boot-I love it! they put it on crooked when they installed it, but I had them remove it & put a new one on. I'm very glad I did that cause I want to protect Cricket & keep her looking as primo as possible.
Do it - you won't regret it!

 

If you're in the market for a new car, the payment difference from $500 extra is not gonna hurt you. I also have the speckled white look (bought mine used and it was without protection). I agree with everyone, magnetic guards are ugly, and my 2003 doesn't have any nicks whatsoever in the area they stick to.

 

Okay. I think I will get the boot protection, but skip the magnetic stone guards. Also, I'll get the invisishield things either installed or after market.

Thanks.