So as I get closer to purchasing my first MINI (:DDDDDDD), what are some things to know?
What do you guys DISLIKE about your MINI?
What should I do when I get it, like to make life easier?
What should I use to clean it?

Thanks
BRG w/ White MCS btw

 

I'm kinda in the same boat as you, I have one currently. I'm getting ever closer to ordering my R57. Ordering on June 12th, and the order day just can't get close enough, let alone the delivery date.

When you get it, just be careful with the break in period. A lot of folks use Prima, but there is a thread in this very sub-forum called 'What car care products do you use?' talking about car care in depth. Rock on with the BRG/W, thats what I'm in now, but just-a-cooper.

 

Before I drop my 2-cents on the plate, you'll be pleased to know that the search function will pull up a week's worth of reading on these topics. We all have the same questions and the friendly folks here are very generous about sharing ALL their opinions.

I like most everything about my MINI. The dislikes are niggling. I dislike the plastic seats in Alabama because they are hot and make my butt sweat in summer. Cloth in a hot climate is a better choice. Seat covers are still cooler on cloth than on plastic--even though it's very nice plastic.

The factory arm rest sucks. Isn't high enough for me and the sliding top slides too much. Folks like aftermarket arm rests better.

I don't like xenon headlights. Had them on my first MINI. Great light, but the low beams have a distinct cutoff line and beyond that line it's like someone dropped a black curtain. I opted for halogens and better bulbs from aftermarket suppliers.

The air conditioner can feel anemic in on a hot day unless you use the recirc setting. Then it's great.

The 15 inch wheels don't have a great tire selection when it's time to get new ones. Sixteen inchers have more aftermarket choices but cost $750 up front. (You now know I have an MC.)

Everything I've noted is subject of great debate on this site, so don't take my word for it.

 

As said, there have been lots of threads here on what options people regret getting and regret not getting. Also check for threads on what to check when you go to pick up your car.

But since you asked...

I really like the NAV because it integrates audio, bluetooth, navigation, and car settings. I wish the iPod/USB option was available when mine was built.

I like the Park Distance Control option. In spite of being small, the low visibility to the rear is not good. Easy not to see low lying obstacles.

I didn't like the Xenons for the same reason as rrcaniglia. Cutoff on the low beams is very abrupt and the area that is illuminated is too bright. So, your eyes adjust to the bright area, blinding you to what is beyond. They are fine if all you ever do is high-beam driving, but who does that for very long?

First mod I did was to replace the tacky, uncomfortable shift **** with a wooden one. Did this before leaving the lot when I picked up the car.

I didn't like the runflat tires and heavy factory wheels. Sold them and got lighter wheels and non-runflat tires. The factory wheels are either 17x7" with 205/45-17 tires, or 16x6.5" with 195/55-16 tires. I prefer 16x7" wheels and 205/55-16 or 205/50-16 tires. That gives you the same tread-width as the 17" wheels, and the comfort of the 16" wheels.

I didn't like the speakers in the HIFI system so I replaced them and added a sub. Also did an extensive Dynamat and sound-proofing job.

Installed MultVex side rear-view mirrors to eliminate blind spots.

Put a Wheelskins leather cover on the Multi-function Steering Wheel. The MFSW is a must-have option.

Installed a Glovebox Tidy from GoMiniGo.com. Very useful option, better than the factory version.

I recommend Hydro from Detailers Paradise for waxing the car. Super easy to apply and works well.

 

Robin, (not to hijack this thread, but...) do the MultVex distort the way right side-view mirrors do? You know, 'Objects are closer than they appear'.

 

Yes, that is how they widen the view. They are aspherical so the distortion is less where you need to know how far away a car is, and more where you just need to know there is something there.

 

Talk about hi-jacking...rrcaniglia, you mentioned you installed some aftermarket bulbs. Can you share what kind they were?

 

Philips X-treme. http://www.lighting.philips.com/us_e...motive&lang=en

Folks on NAM recommended them as about as good as the Sylvania, but with longer life. When they finally go, I may try PIAA, which has some choices folks seem to like, also. http://www.piaa.com/Bulbs/Bulbs-H13.html

 

Thanks for all the input guys.
I have another question though.
I have a good connection with the owner of the dealership through a good friend who does a lot of body work for the owner who is a car collector.
I also have my own connection with a salesman in the same building due to work.
My salesman friend told me that dealers cannot give more than about 500$ off sticker on MINI's. Should this prove true I was thinking about trying to get some options like maybe a MFSW or something...is that possible u think?
Also, where could I get a hold of a single stock wheel and all weather tire set.
Im pulling the back seats out and might wanna throw a wheel back there just for aesthetics. To go that far I might as well just get all weathers because I'll have a spare in the back which is a $0 option from the factory.

 

There have been several threads regarding the extent of discounting on in-stock versus ordered Coopers. A lot depends upon where you are in the US. In my neck of the woods the dealers seemed reluctant to discount much on orders. But in-stock vehicles were another matter. I got mine for a little more than $2,500 off (but I had to pay $399 in dealer prep fees). I was happy with the in-stock choices. Unless you are set on a really unique build you should at least consider looking at in-stock vehicles.

 

Yea I looked in stock but at the only dealer around here all that the have is cars with premium and cold packages without sport, 10-speaker stereo, or anything nice with an automatic so I'm pretty much stuck with ordering one.

 

Well as I've been out of school and only working and lounging around my house without a car, I've been spending a lot of time on NAM and I've noticed that while i deemed the premium and cold packages useless a lot of you guys got them. Just the same I want the sport package and it doesn't seem like you all chose it as i expect most MINI buyers would.

I don't want the cold weather package; I find heated seats uncomfortable, however,
Tell me: Is the sport not worth getting? Is Premium? Why?

 

The choice in packages also might depend on the year when someone bought their MINI as there have been some changes in options in each of those packages. When I bought mine, the Sport package wasn't what I see now in the config. If it was, I probably would've bought it but during the year I bought my MCS. Premium was never worth it to me because I didn't want a sunroof or auto AC. Cold Weather to me wasn't worth it to me either but did want power folding mirrors so I went ala carte with that and other items that I wanted. I guess it all depends on what you want and if those packages have most of what you want to make it worthwhile. As it is now, I'd probably only take the sport package and pick and choose other items if I were to build a MCS again.

 

Yea ty, I won't be adding too many options because I'm trying to keep the cost reasonable...plus I may be messing with the car a lot and in truth, less to worry about. My current vehicle is my Dad's 1989 Buick Century that atm has spray paint all over the side of it, smells like old people, and overheats if you go less than 20mph, so regardless it's a big upgrade.

 

Well, here's another perspective from a two-time buyer of a lightly spec'ced MINI....go a la carte. Don't get me wrong, packages are great values for those who want them, but when there is an item in a package that I simply don't want...for me it's time to move on. I therefore go through every option in the configurator and get only what I need. It is a minimalist, bottom's up approach, but I tell you, this car's fun isn't in all the gadgets (am I showing my age?) it is in the driving and MINIs come with plenty of this bone stock.

I got a MFSW....helps w/ radio controls (but I never use cruise). I got sport seats (I like the fit which helps me enjoy motor more). I got DSC (why, I have no idea but with a manual, hill assist has been great. Isn't DSC standard now??). I got front and rear fogs ('cause I do drive in the stuff.....but that's a stretch...I wanted all the toggles). Other than that I did trim out the interior as I wanted...w/ English Oak. That was it...for every other choice there was no added cost...including my paint the 2nd time around.

Anyway, you get the idea. This approach has always yeilded me a very reasonably priced MINI w/ options I really cared about. My first MINI was done this way (IB/W) and was perfection at 19K (but that was in '03). There are even more choices now and prices bumped up....still my '07 (OB/W) was under $22K and is an utter delight. Frankly, for me keeping the car's cost reasonable is part of the thrill for me...it feels like such a steal for the crazy value of what I am driving!!!

So good luck.....configurating is a great exercise and you'll do great. Just remember, you could check no up-charge options and still have a wonderful car. So making those few selected choices is just a matter of personal polishing.

 

I agree, minimalist approach is the best. I also tried to avoid a lot of electronic gadetry, more to go wrong.

BTW Malteseracer, I like you color scheme!!

 

I agonized over all of the colors and options before just getting one off the lot. After 1 1/2 months of ownership I have the following observation:

1. I got one fo the last Lightning Blues available but all of the color combos I now see on the road look good. I shouldn't have worried so much.

2. I wasn't planning on getting the premium package as I only really wanted the MFSW and thought the auto air wasn't necessary. But DW really liked the sunroof. I have disliked sunroofs in the past because of the heat but I've discovered I really like this one so far. The weather has been perfect for a sunroof and I usually drive with the windows down and the sunroof open. It's the closest you can get to a convertible without quite the amount of wind swirling around. The auto air works well. Still, if I hadn't purchased the car at invoice price I probably would not ordered this package.

3. Cold Weather package - If you live in a cold area and have leather or leatherette then this is a nice perk. Even in the DC area leather gets cold in the winter. Still it's a want rather than a true need.

4. Sport package - Mine doesn't have it but the model off the lot did come with rear fogs and white turn signals. Pure fluff IMO. I get the "sport" feel from the S model. If I were looking at the base model I might consider the Sport package because I only like the sport seats and have a preference for the 16inch wheels.

All-in-all I would say that you will get the most bang for your buck with the minimalist approach.

 

My only suggestion is to avoid the sport suspension, unless you're into harsh rides. Three of my last 4 cars have been 911 Porsches, so I'm accustomed to a firm ride, but with the combination of run flat tires and the sport suspension my MINI is just plain HARSH.

 

On that note are there any incentives on 2008 MINIs?

 

My local dealer has $3000 off many 08's on their lot.

 

I was at Mini of Mountian View in Feburary and there was nothing close to what you're mentioning now. Though, it is later in the year now so I guess it's expected to see more discounts on the 08s

Time to visit the dealership again. Probably be in SF this time.

 

Going minimalist is a good route. Not everyone has 30 grand (like I did) for the leather/sunroof and stuff. But it's the same car for 23k as it is for 30k, just as much fun to haul around in. The tires do make a difference in the ride. 16" are friendlier than 17 or 18" and non RFs are nicer than RFs.

 

Please note I am on the right coast. I've never heard of big deals from dealers on the wrong (left) coast. Different economic market over there.

 

I think it also depends on how many dealerships there are in your area. I feel the more there are in a certain area the more discounts because maybe competition.

I just think that because wherever i hear that someone got some money off of msrp they have more then one dealership in that area. Here in colorado we have... One mini dealership.

So there be no discounts over here.

Whatevs tho, I think if you want a mini enough you just have to come to the realization that that is what im going to pay. And its going to be worth it cuz its going to be an awesome car.

I did awhile ago... and guess what? Im still saving.