I would do 2 things different:

I would get leatherette instead of the leather because the leather quality is poor and i believe the leatherette will look better longer.

I would use the money saved on the leather to get the factory nav system.

I also would not have bought the expensive R-90 wheels although I do love their look, but they were overpriced.

No matter what you get though, you will LOVE your MINI!

 

=====================================
Car #1 : "The Loaded, The Modded, and the Risky"
=====================================
Cooper S
Metallic
Sport
Premium
Driving Lights
Leather
HK
--------
$24.8k$

+ Inevitable warranty-voiding mods ($1500)
--------
Total: $26.3k

===============================
Car #2: "Zen and the Art of Mini Purchasing"
===============================
Cooper S
Non-Metallic
JCW
--------
$25.5k

+ Stiffer rear sway bar ($200)
--------
Total: $25.7k

 

i'm gonna sell my current mc cvt and get a mcs with works. main thing i wish i had gotten on the mc was a sunroof. only other thing i kinda woulda liked was the obc to check on gas mileage, etc. oh yeah, i regret getting the runflats - rough ride.
otherwise it had:
cvt
leatherette standard seats
chrome bumper trim
aero rear spoiler
xenons
upgraded 16" runflats on five-star wheels
roof racks
alarm
silver/alloy interior

incoming brg/w mcs will have:
sport, but 16" instead of 17" wheels
sunroof
jcw
anthracite interior
leatherette
most likely alarm and roof racks
to also put on:
white center racing stripes
clear bra
tint
white sunroof cover
rear foglights

of course, this is the possible factory stuff from the dealer. i do plan on adding some aftermarket stuff later, ie. suspension, brakes, wheels/tires, etc.

 

The MFSW is a must. It gets USED. The sunroof will always be discussed, but I love the option of the open top on nice days around town, and I'd get it again. I have the leatherette, and find it wonderful. The comfort open option (drop the windows and open the sunroof) activated on the way to the car makes the interior heat build-up a moot point. By the time I get into the car, it's just fine. I've seen too many complaints about the leather to trust it. The ACC is also kicked around lots. I love the way it looks, expecially lit up at night, though I rarely use it on auto. It's eassssy to run on manual once you mess about w/ it, despite what some may say, and the looks are far nicer than the standard AC, IMO. Premium package simply increases your options, which seems to add to the overall enjoyment of this ride.

 

just would have bought it sooner. Days without Mini that I can never recover.

 

Since the sunroof is one of the only things for which my car HASN'T been serviced (knocking on head) I would absolutely do the premium package again!

But seriously, folks...

I'm quite pleased with my MINI decisions. If doing it again, I might actually consider the leatherette (I went straight to space cloth and didn't even pause to look at the leatherette) though I don't know if I'd actually change my mind.

Since I never intended to upgrade my stereo aftermarket, I'm entirely pleased with the H/K system, as well.

 

One nice way to "personalize" your new car is to get aftermarket wheels. There's a huge variety out there at all price ranges, and you can pick something that says racey, or perhaps something that's really easy to clean. So I'd suggests ordering the cheapest wheels that come with the tire size you want. You may even be able to get them dealer installed when you first get the car; my local dealer sells MINIs equipped with a/m wheels all the time.

 

Man, I wish I had this kind of hindsight when I bought my MCS in May this year! Here's what I'd do, not that I'm unhappy, I *love* my Mini! Mine is a MCS with Sport, Premium & Cold packages, Leather, and HK stereo. And tinted windows & clear bra.

to start:
-Cooper S
-premium package
-sunroof (in premium package I think)
-xenon lights (in premium package I think)
-HK stereo - it rocks
-driving lights - I wish I had done these. Was a ~$400 option I think, but having dealer install is like $300 for lights and another $300 for install.
-cold package - if you live where it snows
-16" wheels with winter tires -- not the performance package -- and use those 16's for winter
-aftermarket 17's with Parada Spec2s or something sticky (~$800-1,000)
-aftermarket sway bars
-leather is nice, but definately not as nice as a good BMW's
-tinted windows (a must if it's sunny where you live, and you have a sunroof)
-clear bra

future:
supercharger pulley
intake
exhaust
ECU upgrade (or a Stage 1 kit from Randy)

 

I think you live in a hot climate so, although I love my sunroof, part of that is due due looking foward to sun coming in during my cold Winter months. I have the premimum package, had considered saving $450 and just getting the sunroof but am really glad I got the package. The steering is so "BMW" it is not only handy but safer for those of us who space out turning dials etc.

I have a regular Cooper, Premium pac, fog lights, sport seats, and leatherette. The only thing I regret is not getting the cold pac (but I am up North). I am glad I did not get leather because of problems I've read about with sag etc. and due to the leatherette being high quality. Some have even assumed it was leather.

No regrets with lack of cold package only a seasonal regret.

You will love whichever one you pick!

 

I should have ordered my MINI 2 months ago!