R50/R53 :: Hatch Talk (2002-2006) Cooper (R50) and Cooper S (R53) hatchback discussion.

R50/53 Last decisions before buying

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Old Feb 6, 2003 | 07:01 PM
  #1  
miniCO's Avatar
miniCO
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Ready to take the plunge and put my order in.
Anxiety is hitting hard and want to make sure its the Perfect Cooper.
OK, I decided Cooper, not S.
That was hard.
But whats the best tire option. I hear run-flats are bad.
Should we upgrade tires in after market?
Package preferences?
Leather, yeah, Profile leather. or maybe cordoba.
Is the HK sound sytem worth it?
And toughest part the color?
Down to Indi Blue or British Racing Green.
:smile: :smile: :smile: :smile: johnmolinare@yahoo.com

Just saw a VRW. Looked awesome too!
This is not easy.
:smile: :smile: :smile: :smile: :smile:
 
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Old Feb 6, 2003 | 07:14 PM
  #2  
MINIclo's Avatar
MINIclo
7th Gear Gal
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 36,087
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From: Weeblegabber West (aka WLA)
:smile:

Good luck and keep us posted on your specs! You'll find a great support group here and lots of fun, too!
 
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Old Feb 6, 2003 | 07:19 PM
  #3  
GBMINI's Avatar
GBMINI
6th Gear
Joined: May 2002
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From: Gloucester, MA, USA
I found body roll much worse on corners with the soft 15" tyres than with runflats. But the ride is harsh with runflats.
I suspect aftermarket 17" non-runflats would be the best combination of handling and ride, so long as you don't have winter weather like round here (Boston, MA).

 
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Old Feb 6, 2003 | 07:27 PM
  #4  
ronspike's Avatar
ronspike
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Joined: Nov 2002
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From: North Central Florida
BRG... BRG :smile:
 
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Old Feb 7, 2003 | 07:32 AM
  #5  
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chrisneal
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Boston, MA
As far as options go, I can't say enough good things about the multi-function steering wheel (which is bundled with cruise control). Very easy and intuitive, and it really lets you keep your eyes and your brain on the road. Plus, the volume **** on the radio (not sure about the HK) is about the size of a jellybean.

I love both of your color choices. Both beautiful. I probably would have gone with indi blue and white if it wasn't an extra $400. Now, I'm glad that I have chili red/white; wouldn't want it any other way!


 
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Old Feb 7, 2003 | 08:10 AM
  #6  
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ronspike
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Joined: Nov 2002
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From: North Central Florida
Oh, and Indie Blue was my close second choice. I thought that's what I wanted for sure until I saw BRG in person.
 
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Old Feb 7, 2003 | 08:13 AM
  #7  
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jbs111
4th Gear
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Southern California
I got the HK and love it. I agree about the multifunction wheel. With the small volume controls on the radio, it is a must get.

The sunroof in Package is fantastic as well.

I have a BRG/W with the Cordoba leather. What a combination of colors and comfort.

JB

 
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Old Feb 7, 2003 | 09:33 AM
  #8  
Chips-O'Toole's Avatar
Chips-O'Toole
2nd Gear
Joined: Sep 2002
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I've got all three packages, and am happy with all of them.

The profile leather rocks. Gotten LOTS of compliments on that. Lots.

Of your choices, I'd go with BRG, even though I don't have either of those colors. I just prefer the green. but if you get a white roof - get white bonnet stripes. I've seen this and the car looks great.
 
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Old Feb 7, 2003 | 09:41 AM
  #9  
minibill's Avatar
minibill
3rd Gear
Joined: Feb 2002
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Get the steering wheel with the controls for audio!
I can't drive another car now that I have that.

Buzz
 
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Old Feb 7, 2003 | 09:45 AM
  #10  
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mini-rolls
Former Vendor
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,026
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From: Olympia, WA
I got the premuim package, sports package, sport suspension+,
with the 16" runflats, H/K sound.

I have only 100 miles so far so I can not comment on the run-flats but they seem good to me but time will tell.

I love the H/K sound system, my son sells stereo systems and he stated that the H/K system was worth the money.

The sport suspension+ gives the ride of the 'S', a bit firmer than the cooper and I like that.

I like all the features of the 2 packages and really like the sun roof.

Mini-Rolls
 
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Old Feb 7, 2003 | 10:07 AM
  #11  
gokartride's Avatar
gokartride
6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2003
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As you can see below, I got few options. But most of my decisoins were based on rather practical realities and some of these may apply...or not. No MFSW...can't use cruise in D/FW area (traffic) and two teenagers still at home (sound system control an issue.)
 
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Old Feb 8, 2003 | 11:15 PM
  #12  
MiniMiata's Avatar
MiniMiata
1st Gear
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 28
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From: St. Louis, MO, USA
>>As far as options go, I can't say enough good things about the multi-function steering wheel (which is bundled with cruise control). Very easy and intuitive, and it really lets you keep your eyes and your brain on the road. Plus, the volume **** on the radio (not sure about the HK) is about the size of a jellybean.
>>


I think the headunit is the same whether you get HK or not - I wanted the HK, but my dealer said it wasn't going into production for several months. I found out later others were getting it who had ordered BEFORE me (early October)
FWIW, Indi Blue was a very close 2nd choice for me - I picked the engine and options, my wife picked the color...otherwise it would have been IB. BRG would have won hands-down had it been a proper non-metallic hue.
 
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Old Feb 8, 2003 | 11:31 PM
  #13  
retroom's Avatar
retroom
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 430
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From: SF Bay Area
Get the run-flats and 16"wheels, ride is a little harsher compared to normal tires but you'll have something most cars don't and you don't have to worry about flats. Performance is good with run-flats. I like mine

My second choice was BRG/W ( first choice LY/W) not crazy about IB.
but any color looks good.

Leather is to sweaty during the summer and too cold in the Winter, I got the Kaleido cloth. The cloth upholstery stitching is first rate. Leatherette looks boring, dull.
Get the sport seats.

Get the MFSW, for the radio controls and Cruise control

Get the OB Computer for fun.

As far as which package to get..... sports package ( 16" wheels, run-flats, rear spoiler, sport seats, DSC, front fog lights)

retroom




 
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Old Feb 8, 2003 | 11:45 PM
  #14  
Kohu'ulaMINI's Avatar
Kohu'ulaMINI
5th Gear
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 973
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From: MINIlani,HI

>>
>>Just saw a VRW. Looked awesome too!
>>This is not easy.
>> :smile: :smile: :smile: :smile: :smile:



Aloha, and welcome to MCO!
I think alot of members were in your shoes at one time and it's really difficult selecting all the options. Your options are a matter of personal taste and where you live (climate)

We also ordered an MC, and since we live in Hawaii, sunroof and leather seats were opted off, however, we did order leather steering wheel, we like the "feel" and grip.

Now the color, the most difficult decision IMO. We wanted a unique color so we selected Velvet Red since it's exclusive to the MC ( sorry, no more Silk Green)
 
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Old Feb 9, 2003 | 03:38 AM
  #15  
Cooperman's Avatar
Cooperman
3rd Gear
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 292
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From: Northern Middle Tennessee
Hey MiniCO,

I own the Indi Blue w/ White Top. I love the car and it gets hoards of onlookers at every traffic intersection. I will also say however that the Pepper White/Blk Top Mini is a knockout in my book. It was my favorite when I had the chance to see just about every clor combination. I was ready to buy it on the spot, but found a slight glitch with the passenger window not sealing. Don't pass up taking a close look at it if you can. The white is really misleading. It's a very soft shade. Good luck..
Jim
 
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Old Feb 9, 2003 | 11:51 AM
  #16  
Ryephile's Avatar
Ryephile
OVERDRIVE
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,009
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From: Metro-Detroit
Welcome to MCO!
Spec'ing your MINI is lots of fun, but can definitely be a gruesome time!
I'd say the H/K stereo is well worth the money, especially if you don't want to bother with the amateur look or cost of aftermarket installs.
The Multi-Function-Steering-Wheel is also a must in my book, it's the only way to get Cruise Control.
I really like how the Cordoba leather looks, it's very classy, especially with Anthracite trim. I have Indi Blue/White/White, so natually I like that. I think Pepper White/black or Solid Gold/black with Cordoba is top-notch too.

Have fun! Happy Future-Motoring,
Ryan
 
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Old Feb 9, 2003 | 11:57 AM
  #17  
rataha's Avatar
rataha
5th Gear
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 914
Likes: 2
From: des moines, iowa
Get the MFSW great option. Also the sports package I believe is a bargain. Depending on your climate get the cold pakckage. Wish I had it on the Cooper, it will be on the S.The best color is the 1 that ends up in your driveway.
JMIO
 
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