I second that opinion, and I'll take it a step further.

If you really don't want to compromise on any options you want, and not "regret" it later...

Eliminate all of the options in Step 5. Step 5 is only for stuff you can get from the dealer (either accessories or dealer-installed options). You can buy those at any time in the future, after you get the car, so why specify them now?

Configure your MINI with Steps 1 through 4, and pretend that Step 5 doesn't exist.

That way you'll get all of the factory options you want, and still have the dealer options available to you later. Bonus, as suggested: No additional labor charges! (for now, anyway)

 

I agree totally with gokartride

 

Good point.

 

If I was to order another MCS, the must have options for me would be LSD, Rear Fogs, Xenon and DSC. I would also add the Auto wiper/headlamps, MFSW and the Comfort Access. My present car has sunroof, but I don't open it much, I do however occasionally use the tilt function.

 

Thank you all for the taking the time to reply and offer your experience. What I have gathered is I should order the car with no regrets. For me no regrets will be the way I've spec'd it out. It's also an interesting point to not think of the car as an econobox because if you start thinking that way, $30K plus does seem unreasonable. But it is much nicer than an econobox and if I change my line of thinking to a mini BMW then the pain goes away. The last bit of great advice is to hold off on all dealer installed accessories and buy the separately. Great advice, I'm going to do that to save some money.

Well it's off to the Mini dealership this weekend. I was told an order takes six to eight weeks for delivery. Thanks again for the great advice.

 

All my 'must-have' options are listed in Romi. I got spoiled by driving our Lexus IS250 for a year before I got Romi. Things you do not think are important or do not seem like they have any value suddenly became, "Hmm,..pretty neat". So I set out to immediately equip Romi with every option our Lexus has. Except for the leather power seats, Romi matches the Lexus option for option and is more fun to drive!

The Wife unit loves the Lexus, so we both came out ahead.

The only change I would make, would be the wheels. I got the 16" bridge spokes for looks and easy to clean features. I wish I would have stayed with the 15" wheels. That was a cost I could have done without. Live and learn!

 

I would skip the NAV, the convenience, and the cold weather package. I would add lounge leather seats (expensive but comfy). But build it your way.
Good luck.

 

Build it any way you like. That is what is so neat about MINI.

For me it was MFW CWP LSD HID. Cheap enough for me to afford & not loaded with stuff I didn't want. I got a MCS Lite.

When I spec my R56 it will be a Lite too. Just have to figure if it's going to be an S or a Justa. I'm leaning toward a Justa. $4.00 gas here this summer.

 

$24050 for everything I wanted.... however, the aftermarket still awaits me.

 

Justa Chuck, Justa!

 

Good luck...you'll do great and you'll have an amazing MINI!!!

 

I'm holding you personally responsible for my justa lust. Sport package, so it will zip around the race track. I'll pass the S' when they stop for fuel.

 

I have to second everyone who said skip everything in step 5. Beyond the price of those "options" you also pay your dealer to install those options so get the install price list from your MA. I will be doing some step 5 options in a year or so but won't be putting the hit on the bank account this year.

I also agree with everyone who says order everything you want. I find the MINI pricing to be a bit of sticker shock also but honestly with the safety features, options, computer "stuff" (OBC, DSC, etc.), handling, interior materials, comfort (it's supposed to have a harsh ride right?), etc. etc. etc. you are now comparing other 30k cars so the MINI is not over priced. There was only maybe one other car that was significantly cheaper then the MINI that I test drove. In the end it would have done fine but it wasn't a MINI. I'm glad I spent the money I did and am looking forward to many years of trouble free motoring. I also couldn't be happier with my MA and dealership.

 

If not, I'll just Photoshop you in the lead!

 

I know skipping the nav system would save me a good chunk of change, but I'm the most directionally challenged person you'll ever meet. I get lost driving around the block. lol So I definitely need the help of a navigation device. I was thinking about buying a Garmin Nuvi 760, but the nav system in the Mini seems to integrate well with the car, and becomes more of a personal entertainment center. Plus I kind of like the fact it moves the speedo to the front instead of the big dish in the center.

Yep, I'm not changing a thing. My official options list is:

1. Pepper white with body, roof, and mirrors the same color.
2. White turn signals.
3. Cold weather, Convenience, Premium, and Sport (with the crown spoke wheels) packages.
4. Xenon headlamps.
5. LSD
6. Rear fog lamps
7. Park distance control.
8. Anthracite headliner
9. Nav system.

Total for all of that is with destination is $30,800. The dealership will take $500 off that price, so total financed is $30,300. I'm putting $4,000 as a down payment. So my monthly payment would not be too bad at all. I don't want to have any regrets, and if I left one of those options out I know I would always regret it. What is the point of having a car payment if you're not totally satisfied with your car? It seems like from most of the responses that many of you kept the options list small. Maybe I am going overboard, but it will be my only car, and I plan on owning it for at least eight years (I hold on to cars for a long time) so I want it to be as nice as possible.

Thanks again to everyone. I'm very excited about this!

 

Ya, think?? - Most here paid MSRP and some paid OVER MSRP... I got the cooper and it came to $21,950 - very happy and NO buyers remorse.. However, I am 57 and have other toys in the garage to go Zoom/Zoom with (66 Corvette and Harley)...

Life is short - get what YOU want and can afford...

 

I think you made the right choices. Congrats. I really like the built-in NAV. If I hadn't opted for it, I would regret it every time I looked at the huge speedo.

 

what dealer is it?

 

You can't go wrong with a mini and your config is great! I am a gadget guy so I really loaded up on the gadgets. I also drive 160 R/T on work days so I need my technology fix. Agnetha certainly provides that fix. I love every option I have. If gas mileage wasn't so important, my mini would be a S type. I love the power and driving of my cooper. A great car!

 

It will be more than you think. Every option in the 5th category has to be dealer installed and those prices you see do not include the installation. To save a little you could not choose any options in the 5th category, and if you have regrets later about not having them get them installed or install them yourself. I really wanted the illuminated door sills, and the driving lamps but decided to wait since i don't save any money by ordering them with the car. I don't know how much this will save you but i hope it helps.

 

I have one of the "lightly speced" minis.

The choice in our budget was basically going to come
out a fully equiped mazda3 or civic Si or a more basic mini.

I am sure I made the right decision. Also, the basic mini
is a much more advanced car but just less buttons to push
(on mine)

I agree that if it is in your budget go ahead and order the
exact one you want. But if it comes down to not getting
it because its over a certain amount don't worry about getting
a couple less options.

BTW, I wanted one since they first came out. But I delayed it because
the one I wanted was always over the budget. I wish I had
gotten the base-base about 2004, which was in my price range at the time.
And I actually spent close to that on a used E36.

I definately recommend the sport package though, unless something
has recently changed.

 

Only you can decide whether the car is worth the sticker. If you can afford the payment and you're confident that you'll keep it for the term of the loan (or at least long enough that you're not upside down) then go for it!

 

Plus, if you install them later you're not paying interest on those parts or on the labor to get them installed for the next 4 years.

I ordered my MCS with 4 options, and only because they would have been almost impossible to add later or were a really good deal if ordered with the new car: Premium package, LSD, DSC and clear lenses. Only regret is that I didn't get rear fog lights as well.

 

Less is more.

 

Exactly. I had a limited budget so I sacrificed on the gadgets on the inside to get the MCS (rather than the Coop). I knew the car was going to look good and be a head turner no matter what was on the inside.

For less than 23K I got an MCS with winter package, limited slip diff, ASC, Neon headlights and auto AC. The other bells and whistles didn't matter to me.