Hi,
I am currently the owner of a Ford Focus, and will be joining the MINI world shortly. I am sick of Ford .

I am looking at a new 05 MCS, and I know enough about cars to get my way around mos of the options, but its hard to know how well something works as compared to what it is, of you know what I mean. I was wondering if I could trouble you for some info about your happies/regrets.

Are there any options you wish you could have gotten, or now say 'damn, that would have been nice' that I couldn't add later? Basically, must haves?

I don't plan to really race it, but might take a turn at the AutoX once in a while.

I am seriously considering the Sport package plus the LSD. Heard good or bad things about that?

I am also looking at the paddleshifter transmission, as my gf doesn't drive stick, and I'm not so keen on her learning to do so on a brand new car! Again, heard good or bad things about that?

Is there an extended warrenty I should get?

I've read the FAQ, etc, but wanted to gain some personal information. It looks like you've got a great, vibrant community here (much like the one for my Focus), which I am excited about. Theres nothing better than people excited to talk about a great car.

 

You have a couple options.

1)Teach her to drive stick on the Focus. Is it a stick?

2)Don't teach her to drive stick and you drive.

3)Get a girlfriend that can already drive a stick.

I got most of the options. Ordered the sport package options ala carte so I wouldn't get stuck with the heavy 17s. Definatly get the LSD. I got leather and it still looks and smells good after a year. If I were to order anther car today I think I would ditch the sun roof to save weight for autocross, but if that doesn't concern you then it is a definate plus for cruising on those warm summer nights. Sunroof open windows down and seat heater on.

 

I really wish I would have gotten the sun roof. I couldn't afford it at the time, but I wish I had found a way to afford it.

Also, I don't think I could live without the H&K stereo system, its SUPERB, everyone who rides in my car comments about how nice the stereo sounds.

Edit:

Get the friggin stick shift. Automatic transmissions are for lazy and wussy people (no offense to all the CVT peeps out there ). But if you want to have any fun with this car, you need to get the damned stick shift. I mean a 6 speed getrag! Come on!

 

on my car, i went with just the sport package. i did not find any of the items in the premium pack a necessity, plus i did not feel like getting burned from the sunroof, and i liked the fact of the added body stiffness(if any).cold pack? i live in california.

the one item in the prem pack that i would have really liked is the on board comp, and i am still tryin to find a dealer that will program it in for me

i went with the sport pack b/c the wheels looks nice,fogs,hid,stripes,and suspension.
i also went with the cloth interior since it gets pretty hot in cali, and i did not feel like getting burned when sitting down. tho only downside i can say about the cloth, is the fact that when you spill dr. pepper, it kinda stains it and lastly, i got the h/k stereo which sounds great.

the one option that i would have got if known about it was the anthracite headliner, which i think looks realllly good.

as for the lsd, def go for that, when i tracked my car, the wheelspin was very obvious, and was begging for some traction.i cant help you with the new tranny, as i believe it debuts in january? i did not get the extended warrenty, but was told i would be able to add it later.

hope this helps!

 

Hi, mcowger! Welcome to NAM! I agree with encouraging you to get the 6-speed manual tranny on the MCS. It is SO much fun! And, it's an easy tranny to learn to drive, too, so consider teaching your gal on it! :smile:

I really love the sunroof! If you are going to auto-x, you may not want it, as it weighs in at about 63 extra pounds. I'd also say go for the LSD, which won't be available until January, so we all don't really know much about it, yet! I also ordered everything in the Sport Pkg. ala carte and opted for the 16-inch v-spokes because they are lighter and because I really like the way they look!

The Premium Pkg. is a good deal and I use the onboard computer a lot! Also, I have the heated seats, which are fantastic!

If you have any questions about the site, please send me a Private Message! Enjoy the process and our fun community!:smile:

Clover

 

The focus is a stick (I love manuals), but she lives in SF, and I am currently in Tacoma, WA, so I can't teach her here. She also HAS to be able to drive the car, as it will be our only car once I move there in a month.

I personally would much rather have a stick, and the 6 speed Getrag is a transmission I'm already familiar with from the SVT focus. But, she is REALLY uncomfortable with a stick in San Fran, and so I'm looking at the 6 speed steptronic. Is it really that bad? She's willing to pay the increase in carpayments for me to get it. And no, upgrade to girlfriend 2.0 isn't an option .

I'll consider the sunroof, hasn't though about that, because my focus wasn't offered with one. 850 is a lot of $$ though.

As for the stereo, I already own a very high end headunit and stereo that I will move into the Mini.

Keep 'em coming. How about the navigation unit?

 

as an MCS '05 cabrio owner, i regret not getting the cold weather package. however if a convertible is not an option, maybe it wouldn't be so important for you. i am extremely happy with the chronopack (i know it moves the speedometer to the top of the steering wheel and that makes the purists mad, but i much prefer it that way). i also got the luxury package MINUS the chrome accents and am very pleased with those features as well. the computer gives some neat info such as avg fuel consumption and how many miles you have left on your tank. what else... i just wish i had the fog lights, just because they look great =) and get the 6-speed!!! you just have so much control and it's super fun and zippy. well worth teaching the gf on... a rented/borrowed car??

my two cents.... it's really a fantastic car, you'll love it.

 

mcowger,

Both you and your girlfriend in hilly SF? I'd say yes to the automatic MCS but if you do order it (and the paddle shifters) then you cannot order the LSD.

If LSD is a must option (very good for track and autocross) then you'll have to settle for only offered manual transmission. Sunroof is a nice feature for cruising but not if you are autocrossing- too much weight high up. Plus it is expensive.

Pick the 16" wheels if you can- this saves weight and improves ride smoothness plus it costs less.

NAV is helpful if you do long trips to places you don't know. Otherwise it is expensive.

Your stereo upgrade is OK if you already have it. You'll need a BMW antennae adapter and dash trim plate kit. The front door speakers are 5.25" to 6.25" diameter and the rears are 6x9. There isn't much space for amps except under the passenger seat and in the boot or behind the rear seatbacks.

Most of us don't use DSC if on the track or at autocross. During bad weather DSC can help to maintain traction. If you have LSD then you don't really need DSC as much.

Xenon lights are very bright and self leveling. They do cost more.

Pass up the leather seats and get cloth or leatherette which are also good choices.

Metallic paint costs $400 more- your choice, solids are nice too.

 

Hmmm. The Mini site doens't show the LSD and the paddles as incompatible, but if they are, I'd get rid of the LSD in a heartbeat, as racing isn't even a little bit a priority. The DSC is somewha tinteresting though. Do you know if its anything like the BMW system? My mother has that on her car, and I hate it with a passion. Then again, the system on my buddies 911 Turbo is great, so...I just had a bad experience with them in the past. I'm not really concerned about my ability to control the car in most conditions, but it might be a good safety option for the girl. I guess most importantly...can I turn it off?

Intersting about the 16" wheels. Given its already stiff suspension, maybe the 17s aren't a good idea. Thanks for that.

I suck at getting around in new cities, which SF is for me, ni I still have to decide on the NAV option. It IS damned procey though, given that I already own a GPS and a laptop with good mapping software.

As for stereo, I've got a Alpine CDA9835 + iPod adapter and a small sub which I would move over. I'll go look at how to run power through the car in the Audio forum.

Bright lights are important to me, so the Xenons are a given then. If possible, I'd go HIDs, but I guess they aren't offered.

I will take your suggestion about the leather seats (leatherette is fine with me) and the non metallic paint (black is lookin' good).

Thanks!

 

Don't discount the addition of the cold weather package...wherever you live. The heated seats are great and a bargain at that! Good for resale also.
Mick

 

The DSC can be turned off using one of the toggle switches.

An all-black MINI was my second choice. And for less money.

The sunroof is a must have option. The dimming mirror is great. For the money, the cold weather option was a great addition. It wasn't until my girlfriend suggested it that I even considered it. Great feature but maybe not for your area.

I would probably not choose the on board computer again. I wanted it mainly for the fuel calculations and by my figures, the OBC is off, IMO, significantly on the MPG. I also don't remember which package it came in, though, so omitting it might delete a feature I really like.

I really like the Xenons lights. They really light up the road.

 

Welcome to NAM Matt! Seems to be a few Focaljetters over here, personally the only replacement to the SVT Focus is a MINI so its a good move to see.

The Xenon's are HID's so you can get them. I have them on my 04' and definitely will be getting them in my 05'.

Also try to avoid the leather or leatherette, you probably saw what it looks like after a year or so in the SVT. Go with the Space Cloth its really nice and i think more comfortable.

Good luck with your choices, thats what MINI's are all about!

GET THE 6SPD!

 

I found it really hard to figure out where to draw the line. Ooh - this would be cool! Ooh - this would be cool! Next thing you know, you coulda bought a 350ZX!

I'm quite happy with the choices I made. My wife wishes I had ordered the heated seats, though. If I had it to do over again, I probably would have added the cold weather pack - got the heated seats for her and the heated mirrors and washers would have been nice for those frosty Northern California mornings.

A lot of people like the rain-sensing wipers, too, but like I said, you gotta draw the line somewhere. My first British sports car had a top that folded up and stored in the boot and side-curtains!!!

And FWIW, I don't like leather seats. I don't like the way they stick to your butt and I don't like the way you have to take care of them or they start looking bad. I hear the cloth seats hold up well - even the silver ("Space Grey") ones.

As far as the transmission - to me a stick adds to the fun, gets you more deeply involved. And that's what the MINI is about. Sorry, can't talk on the phone right now - I'm motorin'!

But you know - whatever you choose, you'll love it!

 

I've now got about 2 years and 35k miles across two new Mini's. I would recommend:

1. front and rear fogs (if only for filling out the toggles)
2. lsd

Nothing else.

 

Can't comment on the Manual vs Automatic dilemma, I've got a Manual and I've been to San Fran so I can understand her concerns...

However, when it comes to options, my feeling is this...

If you can afford it and it interests you... buy it. Don't listen to ANYBODY'S opinion, everybody has opinions when it comes to how to equip a car, and in the end... none of them are worth a bucket of spit... If you want it and can afford it, I say get it!

 

A MINI is a MINI is a MINI
Get one,and motor

 

Our MINI has every option available, with the exception of Sat Nav, and there is not one option I regret having. I even went out and got a Garmin eTrex Vista GPS, to compensate for not having Sat Nav. It mounts nicely on the dash! I love the leather seats, they smell soooooo sexy! And the feel is orgasmic, especially withe the heated seats. I just use a lil cleaner/conditioner on them once a week or so.
I am very happy with the goodies on our MINI.

P.S. - Everyone should learn how to drive stick!

 

An aftermarket option that may or may not be available in the near future is GBMINIs auto up windows mod:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=33147

It's about $50 and very easy to install. It has to be one of the top 3 mods available for MINIs, and maybe the best mod for the money.

I wish our car had an LSD. The MFSW is a must have.

Heated seats, Xenons, and DSC would be next on my list.

 

Yes the MFSW is a must have item.

 

i would get a M3

 

The sunroof only adds about 25 pounds to the weight of the MCS. This 60 to 100lb is a myth that has been perpetuated by posts on this site. The entire assembly and sunroof weighs 53 lbs. The difference between the steel that would cover the opening of the sunroof hole left by the removed sunroof and the glass sunroof and motor assembly is about 25 lbs. So the difference is not really huge.

 

IMHO:

Sunroof: no, as it not only adds weight, but is only tinted, so u always have some sun beating down on u...no headliner shading u from the sun when u want it to...

DSC: yes, and u can turn it off when auto-xing. if u have to make an emergency maneuver, dsc can save ur car/life. NOBODY can do better than the dsc in an emergency, as it brakes each wheel separately...no matter how good of a driver u are, u can't do what dsc does...just turn it off for auto-xing and if u wanna peel outta a traffic light

Xenons: definitely...and they are HID

Rain-sensing Wipers: DEFINITELY...just turn em on and forget em...no need to concentrate on changing speeds, turning on then off 100 times in mist, etc...and they are cheap and come with auto-dim mirror, which is great when SUVs are on ur ***

Manual vs Auto: this is my first manual (i got car 14 days ago), and i love it...i don't mind starting on hills, tho i'm in Atlanta, not San Fran...if she must have auto, then there is ur choice...

LSD: DEFINITE if you get manual...not an option if u get auto...

Cold Weather: i'd get it...it's cheap...i wish i had gotten it...

HK: go with aftermarket...MUCH better...

On-board computer: up to u...the fuel stuff is usually off by a bit...i didn't get it cause i'm putting in a carputer which will tap into the i-bus and get all the info anyway

Navigation: for the price, sell ur alpine and then get an aftermarket nav headunit, or keep ur alpine hu and just get a garmin unit to put onto ur dash...or go the carputer route if u want...

Seats: i love the leatherette and it's free! most people who sit in my car say "nice leather"...if u are worried about heat, go cloth...leather is expensive and wears faster than leatherette/cloth

MFSW: an ABSOLUTE MUST...lets u keep eyes on road and hands on wheel...and there are adapters so u can use it to control ur alpine as well...

Chrome: interior and exterior...looks GREAT...and is relatively cheap as well...

 

COOL! :smile: I'm really glad to hear that! Thanks for sharing the info - I feel much better about ordering the sunroof now.

I might add to this thread that there were two options I went for that I had mixed feelings about. Comfort and fun and style and convenience and performance don't always get along with each other...

One was the sunroof. I had heard that it added weight and raised the center of gravity - and one of the main reasons I ordered the MINI was performance, straight-line and twisty - but it was an absolute must-have. I have loved sunroofs/moonroofs ever since my VW bus I drove back in college. So I bit the bullet and ordered it. Thanks to dgszweda1 I now know that was a pretty small bullet to bite!

The other item was the 17" S-Lites and run-flats. These are heavy tires mounted on heavy wheels - again, a major performance hit - but, again, there was never any doubt in my mind that my car would have these in white. Look at how great this car looks:



I always wanted a pair of Minilites for my MGA Coupe and could never afford them. When I saw the S-Lites on a MINI, I thought, wow - are those cute! But when I saw them in white, I thought - well, now I've got to buy a MINI! If I ever autocross the car or take her to the track, I'll probably buy another set of lighter wheels and tires. Much lighter! But for everyday use... oh, I can't resist... take another look:




Nine more days and counting till I pick her up!!!

 

The trick to driving on hills is to use your parking brake. When you're sitting at a light and your car is pointed skyward because you're at the top of a hill, engage the parking brake. That leaves your feet free to engage the accelerator and clutch at whatever speed you want; slowly lower the parking brake while engaging the clutch. I never use the foot brake when starting on an uphill gradient, and my clutch thanks me.

 

My Cooper is probably one of the more basic MINIs around and I designed it to be that way. I have no regrets because its light and quick, but if I wanted to add more stuff/gadgets for fun I'd add a sunroof, MFSW, and DSC + rear fogs just for the extra toggles. But that's just me.

As you know, MINI specs are all over the map so in the end, only you have to be content with your MINI's design. Good luck deciding!!!