Hi,
First of all, hello!, and thank you all for providing such a treasure-trove of information for the prospective Mini buyer - I am in your debt. I'm working up an order for an S hatchback (mellow yellow w/ black roof).

After much reading, I've basically decided I want just about every factory option, so I thought it might help if folks could tell me what options they would not get, no matter the cost. I'd like to hear what choices folks have made against factory-options based solely upon aesthetics, function and performance.

Here's my current short list of what I would not get, even if they were free:

• White Turn Signals
• Chrome Line Exterior (I want to de-chrome the exterior)
• Bonnet Stripes
• Factory Aero (hyper?) Kit (opting for dealer-installed JCW)
• Alarm System

Here's a list of things I am thinking of getting that I'm guessing some will have non-$$$ issues with:

• Sunroof
• Lounge Leather Seats (black, w/ cream color line & english oak)
• Chrome Line Interior
• Sport Suspension
• 17" Web Spokes w/ run-flats (will paint black)
• Agitronic Automatic

These last three are causing me the most anxiety. I'm going to the dealership tonight to do some test-drives to help me make up my mind.

Thanks!
Pasta

 

Automatic transmission and sunroof. Everything else is fine

 

money was no object when I ordered mine

I did get, in order of importance, LSD, cloth seats, heated seats, sport package, premium package

 

Watch out for the sunroof

 

Just wondering buy why would you not want the alarm system? Are they having problems with it or what?

 

And also definately i would not get autmoatic or a sunroof

 

I just don't think alarm systems are very effective, and find them to be public nuisance. But that's just my opinion - maybe I'd feel different if I had to live or work in a high-theft area.


Uh oh, that's three votes against sun roofs. I know some have had problems, and there's the lack-of-shade/tinting issues. I love sun roofs, but maybe I ought to give it some more thought.

As for the automatic, the jury is out. I got excited reading here of experiences with the -new- agitronic, sounded like folks were having a lot of fun with it. Haven't read any regrets.

 

Why no white turn signals? They are $100, and look SOOOOOOOO much better than the crappy orange signals.

 

I heart my sunroof. (for the sake of the OP who may be considering) They're oft discussed in other threads. I've had 0 problems and think it makes the interior a lot roomier)

Armrest!!!

 

I guess the only reason I would vote no to the sunroof is the added weight.....



Jack

 

From your list specifically, I would not get the Sunroof (needs a full shade), Leather (love the checkered cloth seats) or the Sport Suspension (too rough a ride for minimum benefits).

 

Yeah, seriously, especially if you're going with a contrasting white color scheme.

 

Well, my thinking was that since I want the de-chromed exterior look for my mellow yellow & black, I shouldn't add light colors. Looking at the pics in the configurator, it looks like this option is just a white dot in the middle of the lens. Anyhow, I'll try to get a look at both tonight.

 

I didn't find out until after I ordered mine that the manual canvas folding sunroof might be available as well. After reading some people's complaints about the glass ones, it might be an option worth looking into.

 

I love my sunroof. I think I would feel claustrophobic without it!

But if you're planning on tracking the car (which I'm going to guess you aren't, because you're considering automatic), then it's not the best idea. But if you like sunroofs then whatever, go for it!

 

Sunroof - Yes (+ heated seats)

Automatic - No

 

i don't know what i would get or would not but i can tell you i wish i got the white turn signals

 

No:
Armrest (or at least an after market one)
Chrome Line Interior (sunlight tends to reflect off and gets annoying on sunny days)
Automatic

Yes:
Sunroof
LSD
Sports Suspension
Winter package

Maybe:
White turn signals, depending on paint color.

Also things that I didn't think I'd like but I do are:
Comfort Access (I'm lazy)
Auto Wipers I don't really use the auto headlights but the wipers are awesome

 

I would NOT get the stick (liking the manual better, and NOT doing much city driving)
I would also NOT get Nav. (aftermarket is MUCH less expensive, and you can move it to another vehicle.

I would also NOT buy the 17" wheels from the 'factory' as there are many take-offs for sale that are much less expensive and this way you can use the 16s for snow tires and the 17s for summer tires.

(I personally love the web spokes... the antracite *would* look nice on Reg (see thumbnail) but I ended up picking up some Eniki's second hand that are already antracite

I would also NOT buy the dealer-installed driving lamps (going aftermarket instead if you like the driving lamps)

I would also skip the Convience Pack and the chrome liner.

being different, I would also skip the leather (and needed heated seats) for cloth, but that would ruin the whole 'mood' that you're going after with chrome, wood, and cream...

I *Would* however get the sunroof (part of the premium pack), Limited Slip, sport suspenders (unless you plan on going aftermarket), the sport pack for the DSC and xenons (and the 17 crowns come along for $200 extra)

HTH, and good luck!

 

If all the options were free. Hmmm...I would have gotten what I got to start with. Price was irrelevant to me. I was not going to settle so I got exactly what I wanted.

 

I wouldn't get any chrome options. Nor would I opt for Bonnett Stripes, though I do like the sport stripes.

I don't like some of the leather options depending on the color of the car. Oh, and I wouldn't get any type of luggage or sports carrying racks.

And I wouldn't get white wheels.

 

Thanks everyone! I'd love to hear more. Just note that I'm asking only about factory options, and cost is not a factor.

 

+1

Actually, this isn't entirely true. Because I would have gotten the real stereo upgrade and alarm system IF they were available.

 

A Stick IS a Manual but I figure you mean you wouldn't get the auto

Sunroof is more weight and something I'm going to try going without this MINI. Will I get one on Lorelai 3? Only time will tell.

Sport pack is IMHO a waste of money. You pay extra for heavy wheels that are worse looking than most lighter, cheaper, aftermarket options.
A la carte Xenons and DSC is the way to go.

Auto AC is a waste of 300 bucks
I can't stand the chrome line exteriors and interiors and the new colour line ones but that's just me
No to the anthracite headliner - I never brought the hype
No to the Sirius - ick

 

I like my sunroof a lot of the time, but I'd probably skip it if I were buying another MINI. As noted, sometimes the "no solid shade" thing is annoying, and you also get the added weight, wind noise, squeaks and rattles.

I would NEVER get the auto a/c - I just hate how those things operate, and I'd rather just turn the ***** a little if I'm too hot or cold. Along those lines, I'd personally pass on any of the "gadgety" things, like auto lights, auto wipers, navigation. Heated seats would be nice at times, though.

I'd skip the automatic transmission, too, but then automatics are my sworn mortal enemy.