I can see, with my eyes, what the difference is between the 2 paints, but is there a difference in the quality? Jet Black versus Metallic Black? Do Red's still fade like they used to? Does one hold up better than the other?
If I purchase a cover (I have a parking slot at a Condo) is it horrible to put on and off, and will it be stolen?
I hope these aren't stupid questions........thank you!

 

The detailer that I have used for years told me that Red and Black are the two absolute worst choices. They are very difficult to maintain. Red still fades. Black always ends up showing swirl marks.
He told me that he details hundreds of cars per year and that you are best going with a silver metallic or white. In his opinion those hold up the best over time.
Just one mans opinion but I hope that it helps you.
Thanks.

 

You can put a lock on the cover (more hassle, but it won't get stolen as easily).

 

Of all the MINI colors, only pure silver looks good dirty or clean...

Right now here in north florida, yellow pollen is blanketing everything!

 

Frankly, no matter what any 'expert' quotes are dredged up, When I ordered my VR/W MC, I didn't think "Gee, what will my brand new car look like six years from now?" Right now the Velvet Red looks fantastic; complements have been received and appreciated. It stands out; there are too many reds and silvers out there. All I have to do is wax and maintain the thing and it'll look just fine. :smile:

 

Be careful with the cover outside. Any dust/dirt/grime on the car will marr the finish when the wind pushes the cover around. It will act like a big piece of sandpaper.

 

i just finished waxing my white cooper....
looks so good when it's clean!

 

Silk Green also looks amazingly clean when dirty. I guess because it is so close in value to pure silver.

 

...Of all the MINI colors, only pure silver looks good dirty or clean...

Thats not true, Mini's look good in all colours!, (i haven't seen gold yet though)
:evil:

 

that's the dilemma with black. It looks so frigin good, but it's hard to maintain and gets dirty pretty quick.
I've never owned a silver car, but it seems that they look great even when they're real dirty

 

I've gone from having two black cars... a BMW 5351 and GMC Jimmy, changed to two silver cars... an all Pure Silver 2003 MC and a silver 2002 VW GTI...

Many more silver cars on the road for good reasons...they require much less maitainence to look great...and I love to hand wash my cars! I also like that silver is the color that Germany used for their racing color...perhaps a stretch for the MINI...but their BRG is not classically correct in my mind...its mettallic !

Perhaps a purist would argue that red/white top MINIs are the only classically correct combo. I do like the uniqueness of same body color MINI's. Black tops on lighter color cars always remind me of a "fake" painted on convertible top...or worse... a black vinyl top. Does hide the sunroof well though.

It is amazing on how many combos do look nice on MINI's...so many cars seem to have only a singular appropriate choice.