I am beginning my christmas search early. Ideally, I am looking for a mini cooper S that is automatic for my fiance. She's wanted one for a long time and I might surprise her as a christmas present (or earlier if I find it quicker). I am only considering 2 colors right now:

chili red and/or white pepper.

It MUST have the bonnet stripes. It must NOT have the chrome mirrors on the sides. If it has the bonnet stripes in the back, even better. A white hood on th chili red with white side mirrors is even better.

I forget the model year for automatics that is preferred (where it switched over to the better transmission; but, that is the year and onward that I am seeking).

Options on the mini (which are must haves):
a) bonnet stripes;
b) xenons; and
c) cold weather;

The more options - the better; but, the premium, h/k, nav., chrono package, etc.. are not absolutes; but, would be nice.

Please disclose your mileage, maintenance history (inspections, cooling, bushings, etc), owner, tire tread, etc.

I 'may' consider a manual - I could teach her; but, tried to teach her on my M5 and the race car below; but, she did not feel comfortable. The M5 was a dinan and well ... race car is loud -- so, I think that kind of freaked her out. Bought an SMG M3 for her which she liked a lot; but, she likes the mini because it is 'cute'.

http://community.webshots.com/user/kekua69

If anyone is interested in an IP M3 race car, would be willing to trade it for the mini cooper S. Pictures of the race car (50+ pictures) are in the link.

Thank you,

James

p.s. - located on east coast (northern va) - finances are in place. My email address is james (dot) derry (at) gmail (dot) com. Please email high res pictures.