Well, after many months lurking and learning I'm finally at a point where MINI ownership appears to be within reach.

I've been back and forth on the spec several times, but have finally settled on what I believe to be (for me) the best compromise between "gotta have" and "would be nice":

BRG/W MC
Cold Weather Package
Premium Package
Sport Package
CVT Automatic
Xenon Headlamps w/Power Wash
Leatherette: Black
Int. Surface Anthracite
Harman Kardon Sound System
White Bonnet Stripes
Auxiliary Audio Input

In addition I'll be replacing the standard Sport Pkg. spoiler with the aero spoiler and installing XM Direct.

Any comments or suggestions appreciated. I'll probably be visiting MoP this week to get the ball rolling.

Thanks to all for the help you've been and for making this a great forum for even us "MINI-less" members. (maybe that should be "pre-MINI" members, since I find it hard to believe anyone can read these forums and NOT be convinced a MINI is in their future!)

 

Nice, but my preference is to keep it simple. I special ordered mine also (5 month wait) for MSRP with one single option, Xenon HID headlamps, and have no regrets. In my opinion the MCS comes loaded from the factory as a base model. Alloy wheels, PW, PL, PM, a half dozen airbags, ABS 4W disc brakes, sport seats, supercharger, 6-speed tranny, tire pressure monitor, am/fm/cd player, tach, ASC, go cart like handling, etc. Try finding a competetive model in the marketplace at that price point.

 

Sounds like a very, very nice Cooper...GO FOR IT!!!!

 

Up here north of the 49th,Canada,we have to get as standard,xenons,cold package,alloy wheels,all the air bags,ACS,tire pressure Monitor,that has worked twice for meAnd the car is a go-kart,period

 

Word 2 tha *****.

 

If you are about to order, you might want to try to order the Anthracite headliner, which is supposed to come back.Worst case they just delete it, but if you are getting the anthracite trim, the anthracite headliner adds anthracite A pillar covers, which looks really good.

 

Anthracite interior looks way classy, good choice. The Harmon/Kardon sound system is a very good option too, I love mine. CVT though? Come on, MANUAL! Its a gertrag manual too!

 

Good point...not sure if it will still be available but like you said worse case they delete it. I'll be sure to ask about it...


I knew I'd ruffle some feathers with that one. Sorry, but it's got to be CVT for a few reasons:

1. I've never driven a stick (I know I could learn) but...
2. My wife doesn't drive a manual either, and she's not going to learn. Part of the deal with getting the MINI is that we BOTH get to drive it.
3. I do a lot of city/traffic driving and don't think the manual would suit me. The last thing I want is to be frustrated driving my MINI.

I think I'm going to add the interior/exterior chrome pkgs. as well. The more I look at it the more I think the MC looks a bit "plain" (IMO) without the exterior chrome. I'll replace the chrome mirror caps with white, however, as I prefer that they match the roof.

 

chs4, just FYI, Concern #3 is total BS. Anyone who drives stick well (note that this is a signficantly smaller subset of all the people who drive stick) will tell you it's not at all an inconvenience to drive stick in traffic, provided you know what you're doing. Many, including myself, actually find it to be advantageous - it makes traffic easier, IMO.

-mike

 

It sounds like a beautiful MINI.

I too thought the Cooper needed the extra chrome exterior pieces. Although they look a little different on the 04.

I learned to drive a stick just for my Cooper. My wife taught me.

Bottom line is: Get what makes you happy. It's your MINI and that's what makes it great.

 

ditto on that one. I live outside of DC and my girlfriend goes to school in DC so I drive through DC traffic all the time and having a stick is no problem. It actually can come in handy when you want to jump into another lane very quickly or pass someone who's trying to make a left and blocking traffic, which happens all too often.

My advice to you chs4 is to go and learn how to drive a stick, then test drive the MC with a manual, and see how much more fun it is. Besides, EVERYONE should know how to drive a stick whether or not their car is an automatic, it just makes sense.

 

Chip if you find the MC to be plain remeber that you can get the Aero Kit or just the peices you want. The car looks more agressive with the kit.:smile: