Thanks to everyone on this site. I used the information here to customize my Mini to suit my personal quirks. I am more interested in driving and safety than luxury after having owned both Mercedes and Audi automobiles. In spite of my lack of options this little car still has more than enough luxury items to make it plush by the standards of Subaru (current ride) and most of the standard Japanese cars.

I drove 2.5 hours to Mini of Sterling to take a test drive. When I first walked up to the Mini my instincts were to turn around and leave, since I couln't see myself drving something this small. But I figured a test drive is free so I went to talk with MA Keith Weatherspoon. When I called earlier in the month I spoke with Keith and he seemed bright and friendly. My instincts were correct, Keith is very helpful and knows the cars but he told me it was my car and if I had questions he would happily answer them but he would not suggest I order something I did not want. When I got into the car I was amazed at how well it fit and how comfortable it felt. Then I went for my drive. By the time I got back to the lot I could not imagine not owning this car. I placed my order for a MCS Pepper White/Black, Anthracite Dash, Space cloth seats, Xenon headllamps, front and rear fog lamps and DSC. I added floor mats from the dealer. Total cost $22,184.

This is $1,000 less than I paid for my Subaru 3 years ago (it was not loaded with options either) and I feel the Mini is so much more car for the money. If Subaru or Honda had websites like this one I bet we would not be lulled into believeing other cars do not present problems. My Subaru has an air leak at the drivers window that is very annoying. The fix (under warrenty) was to hit the windshield pillar really hard with a rubber mallet. Guess what, it still leaks and now that the warranty is out I was told it would require a new rubber molding for $650. My Mercedes had many flaws and the electrical sytem on the Audi was poor at best. I had a Honda that required several warranty repairs. I suppose my point is the Mini is one heck of great little car for a very low entrance price. Maybe we expect too much and would be more satisfied if we looked at how much we get for a comparatively low price.

I can't wait till the Mini gets here. My drive home in the Subaru was painful, I realized how under powered it is and how bad the handling is. Amazing what one little test drive can do for your perspective.

 

Before it's too late, get the MFSW, (if you didn't). Sooner or later you'll want cruise control, it'll be easier to sell the car whenever you want to and it's easier to play with the stereo. It should be standard equipment.



R.E.

 

>>Before it's too late, get the MFSW, (if you didn't). Sooner or later you'll want cruise control, it'll be easier to sell the car whenever you want to and it's easier to play with the stereo. It should be standard equipment.
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>>R.E.

SHould this maybe become a standard feature, at least on the Cooper S?? I hear sooo many people claim that it is something not to live without. Maybe MINI should just make it standard equipment, or at least give the choice between 2 and 3 spoke MFSW. Put it on all the cars if they can, but only the S if its not economically viable on the cooper. i dont know, just a thought.

Patrick

 

Congrats on your order and I agree with resmini, the MFSW is a great addition. I can't imagine NOT having it at this point.

So how many accessories and add-ons have you bought for your car already? I had a pile of stuff waiting for mine and I only had to wait a couple weeks before picking it up.

 

Ooops, I did order the MFSW. Another safety feature in my opinion.

I must be a purist, I haven't even considered any other accessories. Just knowing I will be getting one very nice little car seems to be enough for me.

 

>>Ooops, I did order the MFSW. Another safety feature in my opinion.



Good....

:smile:

R.E.

 

>> When I first walked up to the Mini my instincts were to turn around and leave, since I couln't see myself drving something this small. >>

That's so funny!!! I think lots of people see MINIs out on the street and never even consider taking one for a drive. Pity that. My MINIs a commuter car and I can't imagine anything coming close for the $$$s....even more so when you add in the anti-drudgery factor!

 

Congrats on your MINI order. I ordered mine 2 weeks ago as well. I bought a new car in 1989 and swore I would never buy new again! I made the mistake of wasting a few hours one day test driving a MINI, and....well, you all know the rest of the story. I wanted to find a used MINI, but the new ones were almost the same price and exactly the way I wanted it set up. I think it will be worth te wait.