Hey guys,

Long time lurker and finally leasing a 2012 Cooper Hardtop. While I know it's a bit subjective, are there any must-have options on Justa that I should get? I'll have the car for 3 years and I've saved/earn enough to afford the monthly payments up to $300/mo...so, while I can add some options (I've driven and I'm just fine with base auto) I was just wondering if there's something I really should look into getting. I'll be picking one from the lot (no car now and don't want to rent for a month +)

As of right now, I'm planning to get auto base. I want bluetooth but I think it's standard option. And, an armrest maybe. Looking into red with white top or white with black top.I also would like stripes and maybe black wheels.

I know they are advertising a 3 yr lease for $199/mo on a base auto, but does anyone know where I can get the money factor/residuals for July, so I can work the numbers accordingly.

Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you. :=)

 

I also recently got my Mini, I purchased min last Saturday, after debating what I wanted on my base Mini.

Neither the arm rest or Bluetooth is standard for 2012. I was told that it becomes standard in 2013, and the satellite radio, currently standard, becomes an option.

I decided the arm rest was a must have. Mine came with Bluetooth, nice feature, but was not a requirement.

Also got the automatic A/C. Again nice to have, but not required.

For me, the only true mandatory was a standard transmission, this limited my selection.

For me, the deciding factor was a one day special, $3,500 off for one day as Mini Takes the States passed through Louisville.

 

You're likely going to have limited selection, as 2012 stocks are dwindling, depending on the dealer.

As far as must-have options...everybody is different, so it's impossible to compare what's important to me vs. you.
Personally, I think bluetooth is a necessity, but that's because I have a manual. The bluetooth system w/o MINI Connected is nothing to write home about though, it's a pretty outdated system.
I prefer having the sunroof, but if you live in a very hot climate or are very tall, it may not be for you as it heats up the interior (even with the "shade" in place)
I love my bi-xenon lights, but I'm sure the halogens are adequate. I don't need auto headlights or wipers, but you might, especially if your last car had them.
The armrest is something that might be universally likable...
I think the auto a/c system looks nice in the car, and I would have gotten it, but I picked up my car off the lot and it didn't have it.

Keep in mind that stripes are easily added after purchasing, and shouldn't be a deciding factor. Wheels are also able to be changed.

Best of luck with your search!

 

depending on where you live. I'd go with heated seats...also depending on where you live consider what kind of seats you want i.e. leather, cloth, or leatherette

 

Bluetooth/USB is "only" $500, but very expensive to add after the fact. It won't stream music, but does allow handsfree calling which can be important depending on laws where you live. It also adds a USB port, allowing music on a thumbdrive, which you won't get otherwise.

That's probably the only thing I didn't get and wish I had. I added a Belkin bluetooth accessory which gets the job done, but doesn't integrate / control through the MINI sound system.

You're probably days / a couple weeks at most from the end of ordering for 2012s. As someone else said, 2013s will have bluetooth as standard equip.

Good luck in your quest!

 

Thanks guys!

Only thing I'm getting for sure is Bluetooth. Not a fan of heated seats or sunroof.

Dealer(s) still want MSRP (or just $300 off in one case) and I'm trying to get a better deal, so I'll try a few more dealers around the area.

 

Is this something each city gets as MTS passes through or a local thing? $3,500 off MSRP?

 

You should be able to do better than MSRP, but deals will get better as we get toward the end of the month.

 

i think auto ac, xenons, Bluetooth, arm rest, and manual transmission are all quite important.

 

If it is something every city gets, it isn't advertised.

I think it was just something local.

 

Sorry maybe I'm just thick but what does bluetooth have to do with manual transmission??

 

I wouldn't let the armrest be a dealbreaker (and I'd imagine you could add it easily enough afterwards if need be, but I'm not 100% on that). My '03 MCS didn't have an armrest and at first I was bummed, but I got used to it. My new '12 Coupe does have it- and honestly I find I don't use it much, and it actually gets in the way of the emergency brake. I find it's actually more for the passenger. Might be different in a hardtop. And of course it's just my opinion.

Auto AC would probably be the most important feature to me.

 

If you only have two hands and one is holding the phone and the other is shifting gears, you would have trouble holding the steering wheel. Of course, if you always drive with a passenger you can enlist his or her help.

 

Guys, I just wanted to share that I did end up leasing a 2012 Cooper HT..Red with black top, wheels, and stripes. I'll post pics soon. Thanks for your help!

I ABSOLUTELY love the car...it's sooooo much fun to drive it and I often look for an excuse to get on the road and drive... I've owned cars 3-4X more expensive and powerful than my Justa, but it's just more fun driving this car. I'm disappointed that I didn't get it sooner..ugh!

On a sad and different note, I just learned that I might have to relocate for work overseas for a year or so in a few months, so I'm not sure what will happen to the car and my lease. Oh well, I'll enjoy it until I cross that bridge. But, is it usually easy to sell/transfer lease down the road?

 

Add comfort access, HK and Lounge leather to that

 

Oh geez. Can't you hold your phone against your shoulder for the split second it takes it shift? It's not like your hand must ALWAYS be on the shift lever.

Sure BT is more convenient, no doubt, and absolutely nice to have, but I wouldn't say it's a "must have" for someone trying to save money. You could just (god forbid) not use the phone while driving, or use a separate hands-free headset.