I'm new here so bare with me as I try to make this long story short
I recently put my name and deposit in at my nearest minidealer where they told me I could wait to tell them the features I want, until I know for sure. Anyway, my mother recently called to tell me she heard this rumer, that even though I gave them money and all, my name won't actually go on the waiting list until I tell them the exact features that I want. Does anybody know if this is true?
Now I'm nervous that my name isn't actually on the list, and I've been running around trying to decide how I want my mini, so I can hurry up and get on it already. But I tend to be extremly indecisive about these sort of decsions so I'm really haveing a hard time here. I thought maybe you could help me out here:
1). Pepper White/Black roof-I'm really leaning towards this color decision, but I have never seen it in person, and that really means a lot to me. I read the other post about pepperwhite vs. velvetred, which was really helpful, but I'm wondering if anyone has any photos they could send to me?
2.)Navigational System-I feel so superficial by saying this, but I really don't like the way the car looks on the inside with that stupid map thing in the center console. Yet I think it'd be really cool to have that option. What do you guys who have it think? Is it worth it?
3.) Stick Shift vs. Automatic-I've never owned a car with a stick, and I've always wished I did. But right now I live in New York city, and everyone keeps telling me I'm going to wear out the clutch driving it here. I usually don't drive in rush hour traffic, but still almost any time of the day here is really congested.
4.)Profile leather-Is it nice or does it get a lot of dirt stuck in it?

Sorry this was so long guys, but I really appreciate any comments or suggestions.
Thanks a bunch!

 

Here is a pic from the member gallery of a pepper white and black...
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...view_photo.php
It really is a great color!

As far as the Nav goes....I like the looks of the big cool speedometer better...it's one of the really fun and different parts of the Mini...but to each their own.....

You live in the city....I suggest CVT. I have the exact same problem as you....no really good experience driving stick and you live in a congested area....when I am in stop and go traffic in the morning I am thrilled with the automatic option, plus the steptronic is very responsive and fun to drive on the highway.....

Leather is all opinion....I have cloth because I don't really like leather, but alot of people do. I have heard on other threads though that the leather doesn't hold up as well as the leatherette does......

Hope this helps....and welcome to the site! You have come to the right place for some good info!

Cheers!
L.Mini

 

I really like the pepper white/black. I have seen it in person and it looks cool. I like the nav. feature, but did not get it because I didn't like the look of it either. I have the profile leather, and really like it. I have had no problems with it yet.

The way most dealerships work as far as I know, you put down a deposit and when it is your turn to order they call you to spec out your car. Good luck with all your decision making!

 

As far as ordering goes, we ordered and paid our deposit on the Saturday morning, and by Monday afternoon had a production number.....we picked all our options and specs same time as ordering.....that was early August...production date is tomorrow 9/27.
Good luck with your decision, the pepper white looks nice, I currently have a white car till my red Cooper S arrives.......hence the reason for picking red, I just didnt want 2 white cars back to back...

 

>>I recently put my name and deposit in at my nearest minidealer where they told me I could wait to tell them the features I want, until I know for sure. Anyway, my mother recently called to tell me she heard this rumer, that even though I gave them money and all, my name won't actually go on the waiting list until I tell them the exact features that I want. Does anybody know if this is true?


I think kind of true. The dealers can only order so many a month. Your name is probably on the dealers list but want be sent to MINI until everyone else on the dealer list has there order sent to MINI so if the dealer say's a 6 month wait that means they have 4 months worth of there allotment all ready on there list. Hope this makes sense. 2 months from actual order to MINI before delivery.

>>1). Pepper White/Black roof-I'm really leaning towards this color decision, but I have never seen it in person, and that really means a lot to me. I read the other post about pepperwhite vs. velvetred, which was really helpful, but I'm wondering if anyone has any photos they could send to me?

I liked the pepper white I saw but neither color thrilled me.


>>2.)Navigational System-I feel so superficial by saying this, but I really don't like the way the car looks on the inside with that stupid map thing in the center console. Yet I think it'd be really cool to have that option. What do you guys who have it think? Is it worth it?

I did finally see one. Not sure I understand the purpose. 1600 I can read a map. But I hear in other countries they are an absolute neccessity. Just seems way to expensive IMHO.


>>3.) Stick Shift vs. Automatic-I've never owned a car with a stick, and I've always wished I did. But right now I live in New York city, and everyone keeps telling me I'm going to wear out the clutch driving it here. I usually don't drive in rush hour traffic, but still almost any time of the day here is really congested.


Unless you are handicapped get the stick!!! you can learn to drive it in traffic without wearing out the clutch.


>>4.)Profile leather-Is it nice or does it get a lot of dirt stuck in it?



I love the leather


Get what you really want regardless of what others think you will probably have this car for a long time

 

>> But I tend to be extremly indecisive about these sort of decsions so I'm really haveing a hard time here. I thought maybe you could help me out here:


** OK, but first, let me tell you MY preferences: MCS (that means manual transmission), Chili Red or Indi Blue (color), and LOVE the Nav system...

>>2.)Navigational System-I feel so superficial by saying this, but I really don't like the way the car looks on the inside with that stupid map thing in the center console. Yet I think it'd be really cool to have that option. What do you guys who have it think? Is it worth it?

** It's worth it if you are willing to take the time to LEARN to use it (not terribly difficult, but you need to "understand" how it works). I happen to like the "look" of the Nav; but the main reason is that it is so well integrated into the car. The information it displays is always right there (now, I have a portable unit that never seems to stay put... especially with high cornering speeds!). Finally, $1600 is a lot of money; but I keep my cars a long time, so I'm going for it. MINI also has a very nice implementation of GPS in their car...


>>3.) Stick Shift vs. Automatic-I've never owned a car with a stick, and I've always wished I did. But right now I live in New York city, and everyone keeps telling me I'm going to wear out the clutch driving it here. I usually don't drive in rush hour traffic, but still almost any time of the day here is really congested.

** I drove for over a year from Irvine Spectrum (south Orange County) to/from Redondo Beach, at Rush Hour. Doesn't get much worse than that. If you WANT a stick shift (OR an MCS), don't let the traffic scare you. There will be a learning curve (not too bad). However, if you don't want (or NEED) the power (and 6 speeds) of the MCS, either transmission on the Cooper (CVT or 5spd manual) will do just fine. Test drive ALL of them, if possible. Preferrably before placing your order

>>4.)Profile leather-Is it nice or does it get a lot of dirt stuck in it?
>>


** I don't think you'll have any CLEANING issues with the profile leather. Again, go to several dealers and "look & feel"! The different leathers have dramatically different levels of softness & texture.

ENJOY!

 

>>1). Pepper White/Black roof-I'm really leaning towards this color decision, but I have never seen it in person

If you're already leaning towards the pepper white/black without having seen it, wait till you see it! I saw one of these on the showroom floor, and I couldn't believe it. It is NOT white, not even close. It's kind of a rich, creamy beige that contrasts beautifully with the black. Very striking. I think someone mentioned that black-accented bumpers might be an option for 2003s (like the chrome available now); this would look pretty great with the color combo.

 

you are going to be very happy with anything that you order on the Mini.
It's a kinda of no brainer in a strange sort of way. Assemble YOUR Mini with what ever you fancy as long as you can afford the stuff. Being in total debt is what can ruin a Mini high.
I have seen Pepper White and loved it. So beautiful with the Chrome pkge too.
My #1 absolute advice on your issue...
GO OUT RIGHT NOW AND PUT THE DEPOSIT DOWN AND ORDER THE MINI!!! JUST DO IT!! IF YOU DON'T...THAT IS WHAT YOU WILL EVENTUALLY REGRET.
Motor On!!

p.s.
Oh yeah, I feel the navi system takes away from the Coopers' Rally image. But the choice is yours. It's the speedometer in the middle that makes the Mini unique. yet, all equipped vehicles have their navis placed in the middle.

 

I was told by my salesperson I could change my order up to production. I did make a change 3 weeks after I had received a build date, no problem.

 

Thanks for all the help!
I know it's my decision in the long run, I'm just too picky though I guess.
Just wanted to see if there were any details I should know about(like how I recently read in the audio section that the HK sound system probably isn't going to be very good. I never would've guessed that). Until I found this site, the only person I had talked to about the car was the dealer, and I always, always forget to ask him the important questions(although I noticed how his eyes lit up when I asked about the pepper white).
Oh and by-the-way, the comment I made about the profile leather was only because of the way it's bumpy. I think that looks cool by my family keeps telling me stuff will get stuck in it and it will be a pain to clean. They also think I should get the white or the silver because those colors look the least dirty. *Sigh* I guess they just don't understand!