Hello!

I am settled on getting a Mini after quite a lot of research and testing. Not sure if I am going to wait for the 2010 or not, I am right at the window for this fall when I plan to purchase.

I am going with an S this fall, still trying to decipher the accesories and packages.

Now I am not the handiest tool in the shed but I can do some things for myself.

I would like to save as much as I can by not buying the quite expensive accesories that Mini has for you.

However I see where certain packages such as the winter accesory package make sense.

I would like to gather info in this thread on pieces to keep in mind.

like Seats an upholstry, rear fog lamps, ect...

I am an amateur woodworker and do lathe work and vacum veneer work too...so I have plans to perhaps do wood dash and other pieces in the future.

It looks like items such as wheels and stereos may be much cheaper with after market vendors..


Thanks for all your help!

Cheers,
Slippy

 

Wheels definitely way cheaper if you don't buy from Mini -- and lighter weight, too! Plenty of good options, check out the "Wheels & Tires" forum here for advice on that topic.

On seats, if you want heated sets, just get it from the factory. It heats both butt and lower back and has nicely integrated controls -- no screwing around with wiring or your upholstery.

I have no strong opinions on stereos, not having tried out the more recent stereo upgrades, but I've heard even the upgraded factory stereo now sucks (unlike the Harmon-Kardon on '06 and earlier models). So, probably worth skipping the factory kit and going with a nice aftermarket head unit and component speakers. Since you're not rushing to buy right away, it may be worth going to a car stereo installer to talk about costs and options.

Hope this helps!

 

Hi Bratling,
Yes this indeed helps!

I have perused the wheel forum but am so new it takes awhile to absorb the info.

The whole iPhone issue is yet to be tackled though

I am making a list of aftermarket vendors to contact before I buy.

So far..

Wheels
Stereo

 

a FYI I got from another Mini owner before picking out my S - If you want/need cruise control you need the multi-function steering wheal. Alone I want to say it is $500, or for $1250 you can package it with the sunroof and auto AC. Adding the cruise control after the fact doesn't sound pratical from what I hear.

 

Cruise will be a must, sunroof I do not want...I need to check into that..

Other options I am concerned about include:

Dynamic Traction Control

Limited Slip Differential

Strut Brace