We are picking up our new BRG Cooper Clubman on Monday. Can anyone think of any must-have dealer accessories that should be installed before we drive away??

-invisishields?
-fog lights?
-stripes?
-mudflaps?
-stoneguards?
-sun shade?
-etc?

Thanks in advance for all of your opinions!

 

Congratulations!

Definitely stripes! It's a MINI. You gotta' have stripes. Maybe some JCW floormats, those are pretty cool.

And of course, I gotta' add one of the expensive ones just because they're so awesome!!! ...the driving lights.

 

Most dealers give 10% off of parts for 30 days. Live with car a few days and figure out how you want to make your Mini "yours". The rubber mats are usually given out for free as part of the deal. They come in s logo and non s logo. Also they should give a little thank you box of stuff including stuff like stickers, baseball Mini cards, gum and other cool things.

Congrats and we like pictures.

 

Agreed give it some time and look through other threads on here to get an idea of which customizations you like! Congrats!

 

Actually that is not true, most dealers don't give any discount on parts with purchase. And most also make you pay for mats, if you got either of those you should feel lucky. I only know of a few dealers that will include the floor mats with purchase. These little things add up, and part of the reason I drove 200 miles when I ordered my 06 MCS.

I suggest getting the clear bra installed before driving it.

 

I wouldn't get sucked into ordering accessories on the spur of the moment while you're in the finance mgr's office. Keep the deal simple and just buy the car. Have your shields fully up when they start pitching the tire/wheel insurance, extended warranties, credit life insurance, soundproofing, and protection packages. All this stuff is overpriced and can be bought later, probably at a fraction of the cost they will offer at the time of car sale. There will be plenty of time to research, decide what you want, and find the best deals. Nothing they'll offer on the day of the car sale can't be bought later.

- Mark

 

The only things I'm particularly worried about are the protection items like invisishield. No finance pressure , we are actually buying sight unseen and have all the details worked out before we get there. As things can be bought later, I'm in no hurry, but some things may be better before I put the car on the road.

I've heard good and indifferent to the invisishields?
Bras are notorious for leaving rub marks and uneven sun fading?
Do the mudflaps or rock shields really provide any particular additional protection in addition to aesthetics?
Love driving lights and fogs. Are the aftermarkets better? Same? Any $ value in waiting if I know I want them?

Any input is welcome.

I had an '03 S a few years ago and loved it. But it was used so this is my first new Mini...

 

+1 on the invisishield. The bonnet is very susceptible to stone chips. You may be able to pick up a pair of driving lights for less $$ on the NAM Marketplace. Good luck with your new new MINI, and post some pix when you can. Happy motoring

 

Before you sign a paper, work out a deal for 20% off of ALL accessories and parts! THEY WILL DO THIS!! Just negotiate it into your deal. My dealer STILL gives me 20% off on parts and accessories. If you don't ask, you won't get!!

Dealers will even give you discounts on parts after warranty...just ask. Every time I took my Volvo in for service, they quoted me a price and I asked them to help me out on the parts, they gave me 20% without hesitation. I didn't even buy the car from them. Labor...you won't get anything there.

If they don't throw in the mats...don't take delivery. This is a given with ANY new purchase.

Ask...nicely and you will get what you want!

 

Sorry, didn't finish my thought...

When you buy a car, especially a MINI, don't just buy the car. Build a relationship with your dealer. If you're here on NAM, obviously you love the brand. You will eventually find yourself driving to the dealer to check out what's new and to browse the parts department. You're more likely to get a better deal and add ons at better prices if they know you.

Build a REALLY good relationship with the parts manager...he/she will become your best friend!

 

Either have the clear bra installed on the front bumper and 1/3 up the bonnet before you drive off the lot or within a few days. It is a must because you are so low and get hit with everything. Got mine done quickly and my bonnet is perfect!

 

+1 on clear bra!

Stripes, dealer install is overpriced. Go to how to section here on NAM. Do it yourself. Www.rockymountaingraphics.com for stripes.

 

Perfect idea. I am at my dealership 1-3 times a week just hanging out, checking out the inventory. They love it when I come and just hang out, get my car washed etc. They like nice customers and nice customers like friendly managers.

 

MINIs prices on these are likely considerably higher than what you could spend, and their driving lights are nothing special. You could get really nice ones aftermarket and have them installed. LOTS of options there.

 

This is not entirely correct. For example, the tire/wheel warranty/insurance cannot be purhased through the dealer after the vehicle leaves the lot. I HIGHLY recommend it, especially if your MINI has runflat tires. I also agree with several other folks about the Clearguard/Invisi-shield. Definitely worth it, especially if you drive on the freeway. I have it and never regretted getting it. You can do some research though and see if you have a local place that can apply it at a lower cost - the dealer can be expensive.

Mats are not always handed out free, but my dealer included them as part of my deal when I asked nicely. I had a choice of carpet or rubber and chose the rubber mats.

FYI - MINI has included carpet mats with all MINIs for 2012, so this will be a moot point going forward.

And most importantly, the prices on those items are all negotiable. I was able to get steep discounts on the 3m film and tire warranty. My dealer does not offer a parts/accessory discount after purchase that I am aware of.

Enjoy your new Clubman!

 

The fogs front and rear are a factory option. Very difficult to impossible to have it done later.

 

Our dealer East Bay MINI (California) included the bonnet stripes, the floor mats (we had a choice rubber or the lux ones - we got the lux ones), and 10% discount card that I lost. Luckily South Bay MINI (California) honored the 10% just because they're so cool. I bought the roof rack base from them.

 

IMHO, must haves:

• Clear bra/invishield (I had it done w/3 miles on the car prior to delivery)
• Floor mats - rubber or cloth
• Rubber boot mat
• Sun shade or tint
• JCW accessories