My wife will soon be ready to get a new vehicle, and she has decided a Mini will be the one. (She will be selling her 276K mile Accord privately, so no trade in this time)

My most recent buying experience was an xB (no haggle) and a used M3 from a neighbor (also no haggle)

I would like to ask some elementary questions:
1) Bearing in mind she wants the price UNDER $20K if possible, but that she will spend more if I tell her she has to, what options are a *SureThing*? I was thinking that $1400 package with the sunroof/etc looks pretty good
2) Is the S model worth it?
3) Are the steel wheels ok, or do I need to get the factory alloys? (She is NOT good about washing her car)
4) Are there any options you wish you had left out?

Again, thanks in advance

DaddyOfPayton {Jim} (same username on VWVortex, Foutitude, and OhioScions/ScionLife)

 

German car?? That's like calling Jaguar an American car becuase it's owned by Ford. (Yes, there is Ford engineering in Jags)

The S is the way to go if it's in the budget.

 

Congrats on choosing a MINI

1. $20 or under is going to be an '03 or earlier for an S or perhaps an '04 Cooper. That sunroof package is a good one.
2. If you enjoy driving fast and spiritedly, than get the S. You will loose MPG with an S though.
3. Back to question 2. The lighter the wheels, the better. If you live in an area that has snow, keep the steel wheels as winter wheels and get summer wheels and tires.
4. None. Now, I don't have the Cold Package or Navigation.

If you do want to go more of the performance route, you are probably going to spend more $. Most MINIs are optioned up pretty good and since the R50/53 model has ended production, you may get a better price for one of those if you wait for the R56 model to arrive which will be 1st quarter next year.

Good luck

 

Oh, and I did search, but some of the terms were unfamiliar:

H/K versus DFSm (I think I have that second acronym wrong)?

Web wheels?

PDS?

JCW? (OMG, I hope this isn't JC Whitney)

 

JCW = John Cooper Works

 

No, I didn't know that the mileage on the S was lower. That will be a no-go for her (she drives 80K miles a year for her job)

And I should have clarified: $20K was the price BEFORE tax that we can spend. I went to the MINI site, and configured a car with most of what I thought she needed (rubber floor mats, etc) for $20,450. So I KNOW this is do-able (but, since the base on an S model is almost $20K, that also ruled out the S model)

 

HK is Harmon/Kardon which is the audio system. DFSm (actually DPSM) is Digital Sound Processor Module which is also the soud system.
Basically the systems rank like this, highest being the best and most $$$:

• DPSM
• H/K
• Stock

Web wheels are just a type of wheel. There are many types/styles and sizes.

PDS? Not sure.

JCW is John Cooper Works which is the upgraded model of the MINI Cooper. If you only want to spend $20 or less, than don't worry about this or the DPSM. New JCW MINIs that have all JCW stuff are around $40,000.00

Go to MINIUSA and configure a new one and that will give you ideas and you will see the pictures of the different wheels, packages, accessories.

 

Oh, and I ordered 3 LightInSight thingys (I think that thingys is the plural of thingy)

1 for the Mini for my wife, and 1 each for my VW Cabrio and my Scion (both lowered )

 

I'm sorry, but the correct spelling is t-h-i-n-g-i-e-s.

 

DaddyofPayton: I'm a VWV member too, same s/n DixonL2.

Just because the Mini S (MCS on here) is highER performance doesn't mean the base Mini isn't fun - it's pretty zippy. I'm always surprised at how agile and speedy it is when I drive it. Don't drive the S afterwards though.

Options? Since they're not making the '06 anymore you're pretty well stuck with whatever is on the lot.

- Sunroof for sure, since the roofline extends pretty far forward in the Mini and the sunroof lets a lot of light in.
- Heated seats are great, but non-essential I suppose.
- Sport seats feel great, but it's a seat-of-the-pants thing. Try them on and see which ones she likes best
- Sport suspension: The base suspension is pretty capable, as the sport suspension can be harsh for some (I love it though). The sport suspension handles a LOT like a Koni-equipped A2 VW, only without the creaks & rattles, and a bunch more supple - which is to say Very Good. The stock MC suspension is more supple ("suppler?") but doesn't get as mushy as the stock VW suspensions can be.
- Wheels:
Unless you really love a factory alloy, get the steelies. If you change your mind, you can find factory S-lites (the OE 17" wheels that look sort of like Panasports) on here pretty cheap, pretty routinely - other stock alloys are pretty easy to come by, and since it takes the same 4x100 pattern and a reasonable offset you can find aftermarket stuff pretty easily too.

Look to a well-optioned Mini Cooper. The mileage is great and the performance is plenty acceptable. You may also want to check into dealer demos or low-mileage used Minis - lots of folks buy 'em as toys and chuck 'em as low mileage used cars. Check the warranty and service plans though, and standard "used car" advice applies.

Oh - and the forum here is a TON more civilized than the anarchy that rules the VWVortex boards, well, with the possible exception of the Cabriolet board!

Good luck!

 

PDS could be Park Distance Sensors alias PDC Park Distance Control.
They are sensors mounted on the rear bumper - a beeping sound
inside signals how close you are to obejects when you back up. The
faster the beeping - the closer the object.

If you live in a cold climate I would definitely get the cold package.
The heated seats are wonderful. That and the sunroof are the two
options that I appreciate the most that I wish were available on the
xB from the factory.

Welcome to the MINI-owners-who-own-xB's Club. The xB almost can
be as fun to customize. But not even close in fun-to-drive factor.
I might run into you at some regional events !

 

Here's my $.02:

1. I bought a Cooper off the lot with metallic paint(astro black), the premium package, and the cold weather package, the MSRP including destination came to $20,150. It has every option that I really want or need and it still came in at a fairly low price (although I probably could have gone without the metallic paint but it looks amazing )
2. You'll hear S owners gush about how superior it is, but the Cooper is very capable and fun to drive. If your wife is just using it to drive around town with the occasional fun drive, IMO the Cooper is the way to go.
3. If I'm not mistaken alloys are standard.
4. As I mentioned above, no. While I didn't choose the options, it seems like I have everything I need and nothing I have that I don't need.

Good luck with your decision and purchase!

 

That could be it. I don't own an Xb, but I do own an element

 

There are no "sure thing" options. It's entirely personal preference. Some people prefer no options at all, both for reduced cost and reduced weight, since the MINI's claim to fame (handling) is largely due to keeping weight down. Others, like me, love "gadgets" and pretty much have every option. You and your wife should look at all the options, their costs, and your own preferences. Ask about specific options and we'll be happy to cast our own opinions!That depends - how important is straight-line acceleration to you? If it is, the S is the way to go. If not, the Cooper is cheaper, gets better gas mileage, and is actually more nimble in some ways because it's lighter. I do recommend the upgraded suspension option though, even with a Cooper (it's called Sport Suspension Plus until the 2007 models, then it's just called Sport Suspension). All MINIs come with alloy wheels, so unless you plan on putting on aftermarket steel wheels (such as for the winter), the question is redundant. In my case, only the Harmon/Kardon stereo, because I would then be able to upgrade to the Digital Power SoundModul stereo, which is far superior (and more expensive). Other than that, heck no, I love my options. Opinions vary though. There are basically three OEM stereo options in the USA:

• Standard radio (called Boost)
• Harman/Kardon (H/K) upgrade (available from factory only)
• Digital Power SoundModul (DPSM) - dealer-installed upgrade from Boost only, not compatible with H/K.

The DPSM is the best - the loudest and the clearest - of all three, but it is an expensive upgrade - over $2000 including labor I believe. H/K is more reasonable ($550) and is still significantly better than the Boost system, however many people are very happy with Boost.Web-spoke wheels - 17", only available with the MCS from the factory, as a $500 upgrade over the 17" S-Lites that come with the Sport package. They can be purchased separately though. They are very nice, I bought my MINI with them, although I have since put on JCW 18" wheels instead.This is probably PDC, which stands for Parking Distance Control. It's the little sensors installed in the rear bumper, which beep faster as you approach objects in reverse. Standard on the convertible models, optional on hardtops.Actually it's John Cooper Works - a MINI/Mini upgrade shop with a long history. BMW bought out the company and made it the "official" upgrade path beyond the standard stuff. Think BMW M, only for MINIs. Same idea though... and since you have an M3, I'm sure you get it. Good call - the LightInSight is a wonderful addition to any vehicle, especially for tall people!

 

I post regularly in both the MkIII and the Cabby forum (I judged both at Waterfest 12)

It doesn't take a lot to be more civilized that that horde.
(although, I am usually one of the agitators )

 

Go you multi-quote monster

 

Every one that I saw had a VIN # that begins with a W. IMHO, that makes it German

 

:impatient Let's not even go there here. There's a whole 'nother thread for debating whether they're British or German.

Mein auto ist sehr gut!

 

You didn't really mention if you wanted new or used... I'll assume new for the moment...

Based on above comments, I assume you are only considering the MC instead of the MCS. I suggest you go to your local Mini dealer and see what's on their lot. At this point, you can't factory order a custom 2006 anyway (you would be looking at a 2007 model).

There are various dealer and aftermarket additions you can always add later. I suggest you familiarize yourself with these before going to the dealer so you know what can be added later.

So go back to the dealer and look at what's out there and compare. You will probably find some MC's with colors you like and an option or two missing that you want. You will probably also find colors you don't like with options you want. So in the end you (or your wife more correctly) will have to make a choice. (Actually, I did this, and put everything on an Excel spreadsheet to help me choose .)

Another option is to find a Mini dealer that posts their inventory online and order from their lot (there is one advertising on the vendor forum on NAM, with free shipping!)

Good luck. Feel free to let us know what she chooses!

 

Thought of a few more ??'s

5. The roof choice. We will be getting the sunroof, and we live in Ohio. I am thinking the white roof, but silver would also be a good choice (OSU country). Should I steer clear of black? (Heat in the summer)

6. Are the fogs worth the $$

7. Stability control...does it come with traction control and ABS? is it effective in this car?

 

I live in Texas, where every roof gets hot in the summer. I found that the amount of light coming in from the sunroof was very distracting and got very warm on bright days. I had it tinted with 9% Limo tint and have been very happy since. I've got a Pepper White roof, so I can't speak from experience, but with the sunroof, most of the top is glass anyway... get the color that you like and don't worry about the heat.

The fogs are nice. It depends on how much fog you see in your area of the country.

ABS / DSC / Traction: I believe that all MINIs come with anti-lock brakes. I also think that they all come with some form of stability control... The DSC is more advanced and, if your weather isn't optimal, I'd recommend it (I'd hate to have an accident because I was too cheap to spring an extra $400 on DSC), but that's just me and my level of risk aversion. MINIs are very stable and drive well in tough conditions.

Consider the central rear fog light. It makes your car much more visable in dense fog and fills in the hole in the bank of toggle switches (that empty hole is a sore spot with me)... It's only $150 or so.

The MC is a fun car to drive. Consider the manual transmission if your wife can handle it with all those miles she drives. The auto is OK, but the manual makes a MC much more fun as you can leave it in a lower gear longer to find more torque than the auto would allow you to have.

 

Ain't the British just relocated Germans anywho?

 

It's another personal preference... but affected somewhat by your geographical location. Since you're in Ohio, I don't think you have to worry too much about the heat factor, although agranger's suggestion of tint in the sunroof is a good one. In my case, I actually filled in my sunroof with vinyl to match the roof color, so it looks like a solid roof. True, you can't see through it (other than ambient light) any more when it's closed, but I can always open it if I want to. Speaking of roof colors, don't forget your 4th option - body color roof. That's what I have... I was going for the "conservative" look.Absolutely - both for filling in the switch toggle bank and their function, when it is actually foggy. It's cheaper to get them from the factory than having the dealer put them in. ABS standard on all MINIs. Traction control... it works like this:

MC = no traction control standard, DSC is optional.
MCS = ASC+T is standard, DSC is optional.

Now, DSC = ASC+T plus "more"

The thing is, ASC+T is ANNOYING to many people. It limits wheelspin, which it does by cutting power to the engine when they start to slip. When you get on the gas hard (such as pulling through a turn at an intersection), it often has a tendency to cut the power off at the slightest slip. Very very frustrating! However, if you have either ASC+T or DSC, you get a toggle switch to disable it whenever you like.

DSC adds extra functions to ASC+T which can actually brake individual wheels to keep you on-course. If you're taking a turn in slippery conditions, and you start to slide out of the turn, it can whip you back on-course. It's amazing to witness, and will absolutely save your hide in the right circumstances. With invididual wheel braking, it can do things that are simply impossible for the driver to accomplish on their own.

Many people (including me) wish it was possible to keep the "extra" DSC functions enabled while leaving the ASC+T functions disabled, but MINI didn't give us that option. It's either all or nothing when it comes to that toggle switch!

If you choose an MC and you are interested in a full toggle bank, you have to get DSC, otherwise it's another blank spot. Not quite - the 2002-2006 MC comes standard without without any form of SC - although DSC is still an option.

 

Jim: Roof color depends on body color; some look great together, others don't. I like the silver with the darker body colors, white otherwise, except Royal Grey, which IMHO should have a body color roof and the tan leather interior since it's an earthy tone.

BUT... I digress.

The great part is being able to choose or change!

OK - enough talk - go out and BUY the darned thing!

 

Um... no?

Und... while BatGirl's auto ist sehr gut, I do say, chap, that my MINI is jolly good... *nudge nudge *



zweite und: why don't you ask your wife what she wants on her car, rather than a forum full of strangers?