I first placed my order on the 19th for my mini. Then I called in the next day I believe, and decided to change the interior color from silver, to alloy patina (no charge), add the chrono + OBC (+$300), and add the rear fog light (+$100). I felt a little funny doing this, but my MA didn't show any resistance to such a request, and said it wouldn't be a problem.

After reading this forum a bit more, and thinking about things further, I called again today, Sat, the 24th, 5 days after my original order, and wanted to change things again. I decided that, as I originally had planned, that I did want the classic two-tone look of the cooper, and instead of DS/DS, I was gonna go with the DS/PS look (NC). And I also wanted to change the interior color back to the silver I had originally chosen (NC). And also, after thinking about it, I think I like the default placement of the big center-speedo, so I opted to remove the Chrono pack (-$300).


**Going slightly off topic here**
It's been kinda odd with me though, as the original MA I had, was a lady who took me on my first test drive. Then, I popped in to talk about possibly ordering one on another day, before work, and she wasn't there, so I dealt with another guy who seemed eager to help as well. Then on my ordering day, I again talked to this 2nd guy and he took me for my 2nd test drive. Althought my original MA was there, the female, but when I arrived she was busy with another customer I believe, so the guy said he would take me on the drive. So I ended up ordering it through him, but being in sales in the past, and having a small understanding of how commissions work, I sorta felt unsure if I was screwing over my original MA on the sale. So anyway, he was the person I talked to the first time I called in to make the first change, and today, I talked with the lady for the 2nd change.

She told me the car was already on order, and was a week 40 build, and I'd have to order another car, and possibly wait 2-3 weeks. After thinking about it briefly with her on the phone, I wanted to go for it anyway, and make the above changes to the -chrono, +silver int, and +PS roof/mirrors.
** back on topic**

After reading some more on this site, I'm re-thinking my $200 decision to getting the arm rest. As most seem to say it's flimsy, and gets in the way of shifting, and I would definitely find that annoying, and have regrets for spending the $200, and there seems to be better/cheaper aftermarket solutions if I really feel the need to have an armrest later. After coming to this conclusion, Downtown Mini (here in Orlando), had already closed, and aren't open tomorrow/Sunday. So I left a voice message to the lady, who made today's changes, about removing the arm rest.

So anyway, I'm pretty certain it's on my final configuration, and I won't be calling them again (much to their delight I'd imagine). But did anybody else go through a similar situation where they couldn't make up their mind for sure or not on their options?

This is my first brand new car, and I'll be paying at least like 95%+ of it, my grandma might give me $1-2k possibly to help with the downpayment, but otherwise I'm footing the entire bill. So I guess I'm just making sure I get exactly what I want when I'm spending this much mula, as it's the first time I've ever done such a thing.

 

Your final order is wonderful, just move on and wait for your car. It really a good choice.

 

Thanks =) Just to give the details, this is what I've ordered (so far anyway, teehee =P)

'06 MCS, DS/PS
Sport Pack
LSD
Rear Fogs
Grey/Black Leatherette
Silver Interior
Auto A/C
MFSW

Also, with the $299 "documentation" fee, I was charged that seems to be straight mark-up as many other Mini dealers don't charge such a fee, correct? Perhaps I shouldn't feel so bad if I make the MA's do a little bit of work for me =)

 

Trust me, you'll think of 1000 things you wish you did different once the MINI is on the boat. Once you sit down behind the wheel, you'll forget all those things (or add them later).

 

I'm sure MAs, collectively, have seen it all. It's good you're getting what you want.

 

After 35 years of driving, and almost as many cars, my MC was my first "NEW" car. I was lucky, it was sitting on the lot, had the plastic on it still, and only the miles from the factory to the shipping point on it.

Just wait, you will be so happy with your MINI

 

my MINI salesman was pretty P/O'd when i changed my order from DS/B to HB/B while the dark silver one was in the final stages of being built. I felt much better after the change, and now I have no regrets about my car and love it :smile:

 

I originally ordered a DS/DS MCS but changed it late in the initial ordering process to PS/PS. My MA just added another order to the monthly order. So, somewhere out there in Indiana or nearby, is my orginally spec'd car (exactly the same specs except the color). Be cool to find out who has it.

My MA handled it very well. He told me the other car sold even before it hit the dealership.

Enjoy your new ride. I second-guessed myself throughout the process but believe I made the right choices. I love my car and I'm pretty sure you'll love yours, too.

 

That's correct. I just got my MINI on 9/4/05 and MINI of Pittsburgh only charged a $51 "documentation" fee and $5 for a 30 day temporary plate.

That said, don't feel bad about changing your order. You need to make sure you get what you want and with the seemingly limitless options, it can be hard to decide. The most important thing is that no matter what options you get, it will still be a kick in the *** to drive!

Your MA should tell you the last day that they can make a change to your order before it gets scheduled for production. Finally, remember - you can always cancel your order and get your deposit back.

 

It's totally normal....I've had the car for two years now, and I still sometime wonder if I should have ordered this, that or the other differently

 

I was like you when I first bought my MINI (first car paid for myself), except that I had a waiting period of about 6 months (plus a number of months before that when I waited for other reasons) before I even placed an order (Long Beach MINI had a long waiting list for the S models, and I wasn't going to pay a markup to get it faster).

My list changed many times before I even placed the order, and there are even more choices now.

Regardless of whether I would've changed some things, I absolutely love the car.

 

Hehe, I have another idea. Someone else had mentioned the Cold Weather Package is a pretty good deal, for $300 you get the $270 heated seat option, heated washer jets, and heated side mirrors. Now, I live in sunny Orlando, FL, and probably 355 days out of the year at least and these items will probably be overkill. But I figure, after I get my Mini, I may just drive cross country, or at least into some colder areas. I've always wanted to take a long road trip, but never really had a reliable car to do so. So I figure, I've removed $500 in accessories, the $300 Chrono Pack, and the $200 Arm Rest, so adding a $300 item I'd still be ahead from where I started.

I suppose I could always add that stuff in the future, and I don't even know how handy or useful heated washer jets/heated mirrors would be in actual snowy, below freezing conditions (I'm a Florida native, never seen/been in snow). I know the heated seats would be nice, but I imagine I'd be wearing some reasonably warm clothes in such an environment, and the heater should keep things reasonably warm. Just seems like a good deal, and would be nice to have I suppose, even though I wouldn't get much use out of them here in FL. Maybe I'll hold off.

Anybody else in warmer climates have found their Cold Weather Pack to be worthwhile for long trips away from home? And are the heated jets/mirrors quite helpful in the colder temps?

Again, thanks for the replys, I don't feel so uniquely poor in making my final decisions anymore =)

 

I'm a huge fan of the cold weather package...but I live in Maine. Hey, I even used my heated seats last week and a couple times in the summer when my back was sore. Definitely worth it for the seats alone...but I also love the clear mirrors on a damp (or snowy) day. IMHO can't really go wrong because the package is so inexpensive.

 

The way I look at it, if I'm not really sure about something and it is a part that can be easily added later, I would leave it off. Something like the Cold Weather Package isn't easily added later so go with it now. If you wouldn't use it much I think it might be a good purchase if you ever thought about selling it. A potential buyer not from Fla might buy your car since it has the package they need. The cost up front for this option is minimal.

 

i used to live in orlando. TRUST ME the cold weather would be a waste of money down there. and its not worth buying an option to enjoy while traveling. i now live in cleveland and my first mini did not have the cold and my new one does. that package is great in the cold -10 degrees. the seats are great, and the washer jets keep from freezing. i will never have a car while living up here without it. but in orlando.....come on. sorry for the crude analogy but thats like a deaf person ordering the harmon kardon stereo.

 

Totally normal . . . I went from wanting Cooper to MCS, back to Cooper, then all PW to PW/Black; chrono pak to no chrono pak, leather to leatherette, finally settled on PW/Black top mirrors Cooper w/ Piano interior; black&greay leatherette; HK; heated seats, etc. Only two of the changes once order made, and not once the car was being built, but hey, its your money, and you should get it as right as you can.

 

how about front fog lights?

 

They're included in the '06 Cooper S Sport Package =) So I have those, DSC, Xenon's, and the 17" S-Lite? Wheels too, I believe that was what was included in the pack.

Which reminds me, with the Sport Pack, it includes optional white or black racing stripes, if you have the matching roof/mirror color. But they charge you and extra $100 for silver stripes if you have the new PS roof/mirror color,

 

Howdy,

Speaking for my Wife (and me also to a smaller degree), she will not own another car w/o heated seats...and we live in the South. She uses it almost every day....even when she has the Air Conditioning on (go figure). She loves the heat on her back and this is in the Summer.

It seems to be one of those options you think are useless until you actually have it....sort of like, say, a Remote Door Opener. Can't live w/o one now (actually I CAN, but I prefer to have it).

 

I have been through this twice now. Once in 2002 and again now as I wait for my '06. In 2002, I was all over the map. Fast forward to model year 2006, I swore I would be better. Was I? Hell no. I changed interior options, added h/k, then deleted it, then almost changed exterior color, almost added the body kit, and almost added the 18" JCW wheels. impatientimpatient:impatient impatientimpatient:impatient

Now my MINI is in production, I can't change a thing, and I couldn't be happier.

As was said earlier, as soon as it shows up and you have it, it's yours and there will be no regrets.

Carpe Diem!

Dave

 

It's funny because I'm usually one who thinks and thinks and changes my mind a little here and there.. but not with a car. I know exactly what I want, no question.

I ordered and my MA was like "we're submitting this tonight... there won't be time for changes" and I'm like... nooooo problem.

I went for the Cold Weather Pack but I am a good bit further north than you... but still in the south. I wish my 04 had it when I was living up in Indy. My MINI-driving other half has it in his car and I'll tell you... even when it's just a little chilly... a warm tail feels niiiiice. Using it in his car totally convinced me how good of an option it is for such a low price.

 

About the heated seats.

I'm in New England, and I still don't think the heated seats are that big of a deal. I use them sometimes, but I could certainly live without them.

Of course, mine cost $500, versus the $300 MINI charges.

 

BTW...Your final specs sound great.

 

Ehh, what's that you say?? I live in San Diego and have the cold weather option don't use it all the time but it's there when I want it.

Earl

 

LOL, I ended up gettin g the cold weather option in Texas on our Subaru and I thought it would be a waste. Little did I know that a job in Germany was right around the corner! I used it a little in Texas, but those heated seats sure are nice during the German winter...