Ok, I think I'm going to go with the following. I'm a bit ambivalent about the sports package (not sure I need it). On the one hand, I love to drive on twisty roads and corner quickly, etc. On the other hand, I'll probably never drive on a track, and I lose nerve on the roads before long before the tires start screeching. I do like a firm, stable-around-corners ride. I test drove an 'S' with the sports package and the ride was fine for me.

I also can't quite make up my mind about the colors, materials. If someone could tell me if the oak is simulated or real veneer, that might seal it. The alloy was extremely cool, I thought - and I liked the texture. I like the mini for its retro-look so I want to maximize the retro-ness of the appearence.

I'm holding off on bonnet stripes and will probably get sports stripes put on at the dealer - black ones for the white mini or white ones for the red mini.

Anyway, let me know what you think. It's a little more $$$ than I want to spend, so if there're any frivolous options are options that could be easily added on at a later date, let me know.

Thanks!

***** Here's the stuff in common *****

package
Sport Package $1,500
Sport Suspension
Dynamic Stability Control
17" Crown-Spoke (Performance)
No Bonnet Stripes

performance
Front Fog Lamps STD
Xenon Headlamps w/Power Wash $500
Rear Fog Lamp $100
Limited Slip Differential $500
6-Speed Getrag Manual STD

paint
White Turn Signals $100
Chrome Line Exterior $250
Chrome Mirror Caps INC

cockpit
Sport Seats STD
Chrome Line Interior $250
On-Board Computer STD
Anthracite Headliner $250
Wood Sport Wheel w/Multifunction $500
10-Speaker. Hi-Fi Sound System $500

***** here's the white mini *****
paint
Pepper White Body Color $0
Black Roof/Mirrors $0

cockpit

Cream White Color Line INC
Leather: Gravity Tuscan Beige $1,500
Wood Sport Wheel w/Multifunction $500
Interior Surface English Oak INC

***** here's the red mini *****
paint

Chili Red Body Color $0
White Roof/Mirrors $0

cockpit
Dark Grey Color Line INC
Leather: Punch Carbon Black $1,500
Leather Sport Wheel w/Multifunction $250
Interior Surface Brushed Alloy $250

 

I believe that the English Oak is real veneer under some kind of plastic coating or lamination. I went with Piano Black, and kind of regret it.

Instead of the Sports Package, you might just get the DSC, and add an after-market 19mm sway bar. The Crown Spoke wheels with the Sport package are rather heavy. You could get a set of Rota RBs that look similar, but are lighter weight, and you'd have money left over. Or, there are other after-market wheels available. You would also have the factory 16" wheels to use for snow tires, or sell in the NAM marketplace forum.

A NAM vendor has Rota wheels:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=129709