My beloved 2005 MC has all but kicked the bucket (mechanic attempted to "reset" the computer on the CVT, and the car will not complete the reset and come out of "test mode" -it's not shifting and barely driveable). I seem to have no option but to trade her in. Anyone else have this happen to them on the 1st generation with automatic transmission?

I am planning on going for the MCS hardtop with a manual transmission. Any "must have" options?

I would appreciate any suggestions as to what options are worth the dollars, and which ones to skip. In addition, I'd like to know what people think about getting sports stripes put on aftermarket (and where to order the stripes from). Are there any good options for aftermarket sound upgrades? Would anyone recommend or not recommend 17" inch wheels? Any experience with the extended warranty plans? How much are they going for? My dealer is offering 7yr/100k mile MINI XXL extended warranty for $3,900, and a 7yr/72k mile extended warranty from "First Extended" for $1,795. Are these good programs? How much have any of you paid for extended warranties. I'm hoping to negotiate the price down. Any advice on negotiating options etc. when buying a new car? I've never purchased a new car before, and it was my assumption that there is no negotiating prices when buying new.

Any and all advice is appreciated! I feel backed into a corner here, and I've got to make something happen quick because my poor 05 MC can't even get me to work right now!

 

Sorry for the issues you're having, and being cornered isn't good.

Much of what you ask "depends" on what you're wanting from your new car, and you'll also get answers that will vary a lot depending on what people have experienced and their opinions.

I formed some of my own from my recent MCS purchase (2/2012).

a. order stuff that's wanted, but a complete PITA to install after. So: bluetooth/iPod connector. Anthracite headliner. Harmon/Kardon radio/sound. Rear fog lights.

b. Hood stripes are a bargain, at least the Cooper stripes were, $100 installed.

c. Wheels, suspension can all be done after. $500 for springs, struts, and swaybars (factory sport suspension) isn't too bad a deal, but not if you plan to replace most of later anyway.

d. Heated outside mirrors, just $100, great to have in winter.

e. Skip most/all accessories and pick up aftermarket as needed. Many vendors offer discounts / sale prices so you can likely do better than including them with your new car.

Some have negotiated the price "some", others not. Depends on number of MINI dealers in your area, time of the month, and so on. I've not heard of any operating in the usual plaid-jacket, cash-rebate, $100 over invoice sort of stuff that you see with volume makes.

Again, just my opinions and experiences.

I went for a loaded / luxo MCS since I spend 2-3 hours a day commuting. For it, I did a lot of spreadsheet pricing of packages and the options separately, and you can save some money doing that. The packages can be a good value, compared to buying all the stuff separately, but maybe not if you really don't want some part of the package. For example, I didn't want an alarm system, folding mirrors, or a backup warning system so I ordered individual options instead and saved a few $$, that I splurged on leather seats, dash, yada yada.

I purchased an extended warranty, 3rd party that my MINI dealer recommends. I won't know how good it is for another 3 years or so. Pricing is what you were quoted, $1800 or so, for 72 mos. / 100k miles.

 

Choose ur interior surfaces and colors wisely you can change them any time u want but its gonna cost you, like it did for me

If u want an armrest buy it factory fitted , retrofitting it takes a long time.

Also Xenons is a must have for me. After all the angel eyes look sexy.

The antidazzleing rear view mirror is indeed very handy. If u live in a hot climate i suggest u get the automatic ac as it makes ur life easier .

I don't know if in the states parking sensors are standard or not but they are very useful.

 

My wife and I haven't received ours yet, but both have '12 MCS's on order. Both different colors, and most of the same options.
Here's our specs:
Both cars:
Anthracite headliner(pain to do afterwards)
White turnsignals, and black headlights w/ HID's(I am not messing around trying to Joey mod, and aftermarket HID's are expensive, or garbage)
Harman Kardon sound(I haven't seen an aftermarket HU that will fit in a '12, and didn't want to risk a hack job)
JCW Package(well worth it for the money, and will be cheaper than getting after the fact)
Heated seats(yes stand alone! Heated seats, and heated side views separately save you $150, and I hate headlight washers)
iPod/USB(Mini connected is all but useless for an Android user like myself)
Comfort Access
Center Armrests

Hers: EG/EG Black lounge leather. She also ordered rubber mats, and bumper protection
Mine: MB/MB Black Punch leather, rear foglight(the blank toggle switch location would drive me insane, and is quite a pain in the rear to do afterwards!), and the panoramic sunroof.

Another thing to consider when choosing options, is your realistic abilities to do things yourself, as well as, do you realistically have the time and money to fix it if you screw it up. When picking our options we decided that most of the things were going to be a hassle to do aftermarket, and we didn't feel like having items on the car that weren't covered under the warranty. I hope this may shed some light into why we chose the options we did, and maybe give you a little direction as to what things to consider for your Cooper.

 

CAUTION: MY OPINIONS, WORTH WHAT YOU ARE PAYING ME FOR THEM!

must haves:
hid headlights, my first set, i will never be without them again
heated seats / mirrors if you live in a location with winter
traction control (DSC is standard, but Traction is an option, i find DSC to easy to trip on my car, i drive in Traction or OFF)
Sport button (not sure if that is an option or stock, but it is a must with the auto trans)

nice to have:
sport seats (i love my sport seats)
anthracite headliner
sport pkg (shocks, springs,wheels & tires)
black headlight housings (depending on your color choice and how you feel about chrome)


don't get:
run flat tires (all CMS All4s come with RFs, i will not be replacing them, for the diff in price, i can join AAA and be money ahead)

scott

 

You can also stop by the dealer and play around with some of the options in the display cars to see if you like them enough to pay for them. I moved up from a 2006 MC to a 2012 MC. I bought a pre-spec'd car rather than waiting to order one, and I got 95% of what I wanted and some extras I wouldn't have ordered otherwise.

- I do like the HK sound system, but I'm not much of an audiophile. It just sounds good to me.
- Cold weather package was a must for me. Not sure where you are located, but if you experience cold weather, I'd go for it. Nothing quite like heated seats. I use it probably 9 months of the year, too. On a long drive, the heated seats (which go up the back) are great for your muscles.
- The iPod/bluetooth option is really awesome. I feel like I've entered the 21st century. Being able to use voice controls to dial my phone and answer calls with the push of a button...just really awesome. I almost want people to call me now!
- Had fog lights on my last car and miss them on this one. If you don't get the fogs, you won't have empty holes in your bumper, but the only the top of the front lower lights will actually light up (this looks dumb to me). I really miss the rear one. I loved flashing it at tailgaters - they nearly always backed off. As I just got rear-ended a few weeks ago, I can't tell you how much I miss having this.
- Had the auto headlights/rain sensing wipers on the last car, but not on this one. Liked them, but can live without them.

Again, not sure where you are located, but there are a couple things I would mention about price and negotiating. First off, is there a Test Drive Take Down event a dealer near you? Quick check the MINI USA site and find out. If you register and attend, you will receive a certificate in your email good for $750 off the best negotiated price on a new MINI. You must take delivery by a certain date (July 2, I think). So that's one easy way to get some $ off.

Secondly, do some shopping! You may have access to a car shopping service, for example through USAA or Costco. Try them out and see what sort of deal they can get you. Also, try emailing all dealers within a certain radius. Tell them you are ready to buy and want their best price. Tell them your order specs and anything you might be flexible on (they may have something close already on the lot or on its way). Then sit back and wait for the phone calls. I got a dealer one state over to offer me $1000 off, which my local dealer matched.

Good luck!

 

You should check out the mini connect. I love it, much better than the plain radio set up. If you like the jcw areo kit, get the jcw package. You will save lots of money! For me the interior was a big thing since I look at it all the time.

 

Xenon lights, if you get them you get headlight washers...

Bluetooth, you will need it in the future as states make it mandatory.

Skip the sunroof, it's. A giant summer solar oven.

If you even think you want an alarm, order it from the factory.

Comfort access is nice, connected would be nice, it wasn't available when I ordered

Anything else is up to you.

 

my 2012 w/hids didnt come with headlight washers. i called them out on it, and they showed me some paper that showed me all the options on my car. maybe because i opted to black out the housings??? /shrug because of that i couldnt get the lights that turn along with the steering wheel.

after driving a bmw for a bit, i really wished i got the auto dimming rear view mirror.

 

I have xenons on my '12 and there are no washers. Am I missing something?

 

I think they come as part of the adaptive light control option. They're on my build sheet as a 0 cost item and I specifically added the adaptive xenons.

 

No adaptive if you get the black headlight option.

 

must haves for me are white turn signals, sports seats, anthracite headliner and no sunroof.

if you are going to drive at night much at all, get xenons.

my school of thought on options is that generally less is more.

above all else, i'd be sure to get the color you like.

 

1. xenons
2. HK
3. Sport susp
4. Heated seats
5. Connected
My $.02 worth

 

(Living in SoCal)

Must haves for me:
6spd
Xenons (black w/ white turn signals)
Sunroof (added 20% tint) and don't notice an oven-effect (FYI, going on 3 weeks straight with the sunroof WIDE open and loving every moment)
Auto AC
Anthracite headliner
Bluetooth/iPod
HK Sound
Armrest


What I got (questionably) that I now love:
Auto-dimming rear view mirror
Auto-rain sensing wipers

What I wish I had got (but still can't justify the cost of):
Connected
JCW aero kit
rally lights

 

Ah... The washers came with the Xenon lights on my 2010. I always thought that the DOT required levelers and washers for xenon lights.. I guess that changed.

Anyway, I'd have to think long and hard before I passed on the bluetooth and or the connected options... (connected wasn't even a wet dream when I got my car...lol)

The sunroof is noisy, heavy, and prone to rattle and break. I wish I didn't get one... Plus it would have saved $1000.

 

Wow! Thank you to everyone for all your advice and opinions! This is all very helpful!

Any input on 17" wheels? How do they affect handling? How much do they lower MPGs? Are they noticably worse in the snow?

Anthracite headliner? Everyone seems to love this option. What am I missing? I always thought the light one in my 2005 helped make it feel more spacious.

What options can I safely get done aftermarket? It sounds like speakers is not one of them.

Are hids and xenons the same thing?

Does bluetooth impove sound quality over the AUX input?

Thanks again to everyone! What a great community this is. I wish I had joined sooner!

RIP to my little yellow!

 

Yes if you want stripes order the car that way so the dealer doesn't soak you $250 for them like I did.

Didn't think I wanted them when I ordered the car. But after I saw it without I knew it needed them. $150.00 mistake.

As for the Anthracite headliner. I like the light one. Interior looks brighter and more open with it IMO.

 

I bought my Sport Stripes at the dealer, and had them installed there as well. Are you a member of a local MINI club? Here in St. Louis, our dealership offers a nice discount to club members, which really helps. Maybe they do that in your neck of the woods as well.

Cheers,

Spridget

 

Bluetooth/iPOD is really two things in one. One gives you the automatic bluetooth connection with your phone. There are aftermarket options, and I can't speak to how well they work. The factory one uses the radio speakers and a mic installed in the headliner switch panel (I am sure that's not the right name for it). This integrates with the buttons on your steering wheel.

The iPOD connection likely has the same sound quality compared to just using the aux input, but additionally has all the iPOD information visible on the radio controls. YOu can use the radio controls to scroll through your song list or podcasts, which is a bit different than just using the aux control. Go to the dealer and plug in your iPOD to both systems so you can see the difference. I really like the special iPOD connection.

 

To my mind, the smaller and lighter the wheels, the better. Well, going down to 14s might be a little small on this car. :D I also wanted the 15s so I could make sure to get non-run-flat tires, plus a spare tire. And as a bonus, all of that didn't cost any more--because that's the baseline equipment!


I prefer the light-colored one myself. The dark one does seem popular with some.


There's an "electronics and stereo" sub-forum where they probably discuss speakers and such in greater detail. I would guess that just swapping speakers would be very easy. But if you go past that, adding an amp or trying to swap the head unit, things get ugly very quickly. But that's just a guess, and the folks on that other sub-forum would probably have better info.


Yup.


The bluetooth itself is just a way to use the car as a telephone handset. At least, as far as I can tell.

That is bundled with a USB port in the center console stack, which lets you access music that you store on anything that connects with USB. Like a memory stick, or an MP3 player, or a self-powered hard drive, or... You access it through the controls on the radio. The music quality doesn't depend on the connection, just the reproduction in the stock head-unit and how the files are stored (how much compression, etc.).

 

I'll chime in.. I've had mine just over a month.

I like gadgets, so I had to get the Nav + Mini connected. I wouldn't want to live without a Nav system, and I'm glad I have it although this Nav isn't as good as the one in my Prius. Oh well. But it's pretty useful. Love being able to hook up the iPhone and play music, etc.

I usually live with the factory stereo for a while and then replace it. I have the HK and I may just keep it. It sounds pretty good.

I flipped a coin and didn't get the auto air conditioner, and I wish I'd gotten it. The little turn wheels are fiddly, I'd rather have buttons.

I got the arm rest and I'm short enough that it's useless! My arms don't reach that far. One of the few things my MA missed.

I would like to see what the adaptive headlights are like, I wish I'd gotten those.

I like the auto rain sensors.

I wish I'd gotten rear fog lights, partly because there's that switch missing. Not a big deal.

I like the sunroof, and I'm surprised that the screen keeps the sun out pretty well.

I opted for the white roof and mirror caps, and I like the look.

 

From what I've read, adding a subwoofer may help with the frequency response over all, but to get much better sound you'd start with the head unit. See the stickies in the Audio forum.

Another thing is that the dealer may not have every feature represented in their inventory. I don't think I saw one with the sunroof or the Nav/Mini Connected, for example.

I agree that figuring out interior colors would take some time. There are a lot of choices, and I had no idea about this until I started looking through posted photos on the forum. I had already placed my order by then!

 

Had ours for a few weeks, so here's my take:

Things I'm glad I ordered:
- anthracite headliner - seems to make the interior more cohesive. You don't get a sharp transition between dash and pillar trim
- comfort package (in Canada - includes heated seats, sunroof, auto dim mirror, rear fog light)
- HID - makes a huge difference. Haven't noticed the impact of the adaptive portion of this yet
- 17" wheels - stock 16" wheels aren't my bag
- H/K audio - various comments on this, and it kind of depends what you're comparing it to. This stereo is miles ahead of the one in our Vibe, and I have no reason to think about upgrading components. Others have a more finely tuned ear, and have issues with it. To each their own, I guess.

Stuff I could have passed on:
- comfort access
- dynamic traction control (may change my mind in the winter)

My $.02, for what it's worth. I still love driving this thing.

Cheers,
Mark

 

Auto dimming mirror, man does mine need that.