how would you spec it?

Not that I do not like my Hyper Blue Cooper S . But If I had the chance to do it all over again....

Astro Black/White Cooper S.

• Sport package with white stripes (currently have) but I would add the Web Spokes.
• Premium package (currently have)
• Cold weather package (Currently have)
• Convenience package (currently have)
• Rear fog light (currently have)
• Limited slip differential (currently have)
• Harmon Kardon stereo (currently have)
• Tartan Red cloth/leather seats
• Chrome line interior
• Silver dash. I was gonna go with the Piano Black but I'd rather put the $200 towards the JCW leather dash with red stitching for later.

The scary part is it's about $2,000 more

 

We had the chance to do this when we picked out the options for my wife's Cooper last year.

Instead of getting the packages, we choose only the options we actually wanted because each of the packages included stuff we did not want.

So here are some of the changes we made after learning our lesson with my 2003 MCS

Leatherette instead of the expensive and rather low quality Leather.

No sunroof since it ruins the look of the roof and makes the interior a solar oven in the summer.

No automatic climate control. I'd rather turn a couple of simple ***** than try to trick the automatic system into doing what I really want it to do.

Added the cold weather package

All in all, we saved a lot of money and ended up with a MINI that has everything we want and nothing we don't.

 

I've really enjoyed having a minimally-appointed Cooper....so much so that I'd do it all over again in a heartbeat. Why? First, the car is relatively light, and that proved to be a big plus. Second, w/ fewer gadgets I've just gotten into the motoring experience and whiptastic handling more...that was always the main attraction for me. Third...my MINI was around $18K (more or less) and, enjoyment per dollar, it's been an insanely incredible value. (I only got sport seats, a leather steering wheel, and front fogs.) It's lightly appointed, but it's all MINI, baby!!!!!

All that said, it was the best choice for me...not necessarily for everybody. You see, I have a long-standing affinity for keeping things simple...and not just in my cars either. Long story....

I just say all this so potential owners won't feel like they're missing out if they can't max-out their MINIs. I feel there are hidden advantages in purposely not doing so.

 

My only changes:

• Solar Red Roof and no spoiler, instead of the silver roof and the manditory spoiler that came with it.
• No silver stripe - fallout from not spec'ing the silver roof

Otherwise my spec would be unchanged (no packages and a basic spec), so mark me down in essentially the same column as Yucca and gokartride.

 

Iif I had it to do over again during the same time period, I probably would have stuck with my initial color choice of EB/B. Then I DEFINITELY would have replaced the rims with the black ASA AR1s (had to get silver with the IB/W combo I actually chose -- black wouldn't look right)

If I had it to do over again now...
I'd probably get a Cooper and it would probably be a convertable, HO/Blue. Yum.

Either way, I'd get leatherette instead of cloth -- easier to keep clean!

I'd keep all the packages I got, though (premium, cold weather, HK) and I wouldn't add anything else. I'm happy with the accoutrements of my MINI - just superficial stuff I'd reconsider.

 

Interesting question. I heard my friend's HK stereo about a week and a half after I ordered my car. It blew me away. The dealer wouldn't add it for me. The dealer also 'accidentally' added the Chrome Line interior and I was planning on swapping it out, but it really is a nice touch, especially with the anthracite trim and headliner. I purposely didn't get the Heated Seats because my ex really wanted them and I lived in Southern California. I'm in Seattle now and they'd probably come in handy. I showed her. Oh, and I'm paying for the Sport Plus suspension option everyday on the lumpy streets of the cit, but I'd do that again. I am biased, but I do think I picked a perfect Pepper.

 

I have a MSC/JCW CR/W, Cordoba Beige with nearly everything. (No chrono pack, no nav, and no automatic.) If my car got destroyed tonight, I'd reorder the same configuration. The only changes I might make is go with a different color scheme. Maybe Hyper Blue/White with Lapis Blue upholstery and a Hyper Blue dash. If I stayed with Chili Red, I'd get the Chili Red dash.

Rawhyde

 

I wouldn't change anything major, love the color, love the car, BUT I would definitely nix the auto A/C.
The sport package after driving thru the spring next year with all the potholes may change my mind, but it's still summertime and lovin' every minute.

 

Only thing I'd do over is that I would want the Chrome Line Trim. Sure does look nice. Other than that....I'm happy.

 

My MCS has
JCW
Cold Weather
Stripes
17" Slites
that is it..
It is light silver with black roof..

If I had to do it over again......I really like the sunroof, but I hate that you can not completely block the sun.. I think the only thing I would get is LSD which is only $500....

 

When we did it over again we spec'd the car exactly the same except we passed on the HK, the 17s and the driving lights and added the piano black dash as well and the anthracite headliner. The major options we didn't get on either car were NAV, leather and PDC.

For some reason I haven't had the urge to mod the new car like I did with the old one. About all I've done to it is add auto-up and a V1. I'd like to do a sway and a pulley, but I guess I'll get to them when I get ot them.

 

You and I graduated from the same school of thought: The Scool of Minimalist.

I ordered an MCS. The only options are 1) LSD and 2) Dark Grey/Black.

Everything else is standard for free dollars and fifty-free cents. Leatherette in black and grey combo; anthracite dash and door panels; 16-inch web-spoke wheels (to be changed to lighter aftermarket wheels); and maybe a t-shirt.

-

 

probably would do 2 tone cloth seats and add auto dimming rear view
mirror. also would've just kept the S-Lites and went straight to my
SSR Comps. (originally had 17" R90's).

 

I'd never get a sunroof again...I feel like I'm in a HOT greenhouse. I would also get the AC instead of the auto climate feature. It's a pain in the butt to keep adjusting the climate control to make it comfy. I also kind of like the Pepper White color...very simple and stylish. Love my leatherette and heated seats though.

 

I might add sunroof if I had to do it again... But I love my MCS the way I equipped it 3 years ago!

 

The only change I'd make to mine is to add the rear fog lamp to fill in the empty blank in the toggle panel.

And maybe the chrome line interior.... eh, prolly not. "Chromed" plastic isn't all that and doesn't wear well. If it was real chromed metal, maybe...

 

The chromed plastic on my exterior door handles, front grille and side vents has worn pretty well for the past 4 years with no problems at all. Interior parts not exposed to the weather should do even better.

 

I would get an manual instead of an automatic. I also might consider skipping out on the leather since I'd probably replace the seats with racing seats eventually. Also, I might consider not getting NAV and going aftermarket.

 

Only thing I'd change is I'd probably go for the chrono package.

 

next time, no xenons, no 17" s-lites, iffy on sunroof as well.

 

1. I'd get the JCW stuff installed by the factory
2. I'd get an Anthricite headliner and interior components as I don't really like the alloy patina interior/dash pieces
3. Maybe, maybe I'd get 18" wheels

Other than that its all good

 

I wanted Indie Blue, but that was cooper only in 02.

My first mod would be a head.

Matt

 

So far, I wouldn't change a thing!

I might see if I could find the coin to finance the JCW-factory upgrade, but odds are, barring an unexpected raise or bonus, that I'd spec the exact same car I ordered a year ago.

I've never seen anyone regret the anthracite headliner.

I've never seen anyone regret the LSD (a STEAL at $500!)

 

I cannot really give an honest opinion, because i havent actully had the car.

But i too picked my options individually and i think i have my MINI exactly how i want it. All the stuff i want, none of the things i dont need.

No packages were selected, although i think the only option out of the sport package i didnt get was the 17in S-lites.

i kept the 16in V spoke.

My MINI has alot of Function vs. Form

1. Pepper white, with white roof (Good for hot weather in florida, easy to keep clean, also looks good IMO)

2. No sun roof (keeps out heat, and saves weight, no electric motors/metal frames/tracks/heavy glass)

3. 16's instead of 17's (less weight, no extra money, better ride)

4. Cloth seats, no leather or leatherette (keeps cool in summer time, faberic breaths alot better, doesnt crack or wrinkle, doesnt burn you, or make you sweat )

these are just some of the few things i considered when picking my options. I think i will enjoy it alot...once i get it :impatient

Edit: It seems most PW owners like their cars as is. Hope the same goes for me. lol

 

Hmmm good one...

Still keep list:
- Astro Black w/Silver roof and 'U' hood stripe
- LSD!
- Xenons!
- Fog lights (front)
- Chrono pack (with Chrome package this time... i added it to mine afterwards = no fun )
- Black leatherette seats
- Harmon Kardon system
- Cruise Control
- i-Pod adapter cable
- Manual A/C control
- 6-speed manual gearbox
- Clear bra

Things I would like to get and or things i'd get rid of:

- Sun Roof (don't use enough- prob wouldn't order again-but not sure)
- S-lites (don't like them all that much anymore- plus they are tanks-my winter wheels now)
- Anthracite interior (wish i ordered-would order next time)
- JCW stuff is to expensive for my liking (wouldn't order)
- Aero kit (would really love to have- hard to bit that bullet with the cost- but you know-as i am now- you'd wish you had it )

That's about it really