I do live in a cold climate, so I will get the heated seats (cold weather package).

I don't do a lot of driving in dark rural areas. At night, I'm typically on the highway, so I can live without xenons.

Our company cars are 2004 Acura TLs (I work part time for Acura), and they have the auto climate control. I don't like it that much, so I definitely won't miss it.

Thanks for the tips

 

Just remember, ASC is standard on the S and is what helps you with traction in the snow. Spinning tires > ASC. Sliding tires > DSC (and ABS/CBC/EBD).

 

That's exactly why I'm not worried about forfeiting the DSC. I only wanted it for snowy days, but it seems like ASC will do the trick.

 

I'm 22 and have a 05 Cooper S and a 99 Jeep Wrangler and only pay $2400 a year full coverage on both! My ins. went up $50 every 6 months when I switched from a Cooper to a Cooper S

 

Oh....that's NOTHING

As long as it's not like $500+ more a year for the S, I'll be fine.

 

EBD is the best part of the DSC package. I'd get it for that alone.

 

EBD and ABS are both standard on all MINI models.

 

I haven't found that ASC does the trick in the snow. I prefer driving without it and feeling when the tires are breaking loose and when they are not. This is the first traction device I have ever driven with (86 325) and I'm not a fan so far.

If you're going to plow through snow with no care, then maybe it will help. If you drive and pay attention to the level of grip you are experiencing, it doesn't seem overly impressive at all.

mb

 

As is CBC. It seems that you are at peace with not getting DSC. Pay no mind to the nattering nabobs of negativisim. You have chosen wisely, my son.

 

True. My experience has been that it helps on launching from a stop or breaking free from a snowed in parking spot, but is not too helpful once you're rolling. I tend to switch it off once I'm under way.

 

I thought that you had to have DSC to get EBD. I could be wrong...

 

Well, miniusa.com says CBC and EBD are standard on both the Cooper and S.

 

my bad then. sorry for the misinformation.

 

XALFA is right. CBC, EBD and every other safety feature mentioned about the MINI is STANDARD. DSC is just that - DSC.

 

So...did you settle on a color? Red is the final answer? I think its a good one.

 

No...haven't settled yet. I probably won't until the day I place my order.

 

The price of the S isnt bad its the make-up that got me. I called every dealer in California, Oregon, Washington, and Arizona. I found mine in L.A. for MSRP. I would suggest calling around if you dont want you balloon popped when you go to the dealer and order.

 

I already have. The dealer I'm going through charges msrp, no mark-up at all.

 

I picked mine up last week, and dove home up highway 1 up the coast to brake her in. dont regret buying the S. Lots of looks in my town. The insurance is $604 a year they didnt ask if it was an S so i didnt tell them. (State Farm ) Im 38 with a reckless driving mark. ie. 2 tickets 23 hour apart both doing 85 mph did driving school for one the other was in Nevada no shool options

 

I would kill to have my insurace cost 3 TIMES as much as yours. Even then it would only be $1800 a year, and that is dirt cheap for an 18 year old. I'm expecting the insurance on my Cooper S to be about $2500 a year...and that's with a clean driving record and a "good student" discount.

 

Just keep changing that signature and when it stops changing we'll know you've settled on one.

 

sounds good

 

Keep whining about nothing. I live in NJ...when I was in my early 20's and single and had a sports car, I paid $4000 a year! My insurance monthly payment cost more than my monthly car payment!
Now that I'm in my 30's and married, my MCS costs around $900 a year. One of the best reasons to be married, IMO.

BTW...I've always had a clean record...can't imagine not having one in NJ...

 

Seriously? You might want to tell them. The Cooper S is a different model car than the Cooper. If you were to get in a serious accident, they COULD deny coverage.

 

I'm not whining, I'm fine with $2500 a year. And I have no reason to complain since my parents split the cost with me